Licence for private security organisation or detective agency

You need a licence to set up or take over a private security organisation or detective agency in the Netherlands. There are various types of security organisations:

• security firms that provide security for one or more other organisations;
• security departments that only provide security for their own organisation;
• firms that transport money and other valuables;
• private alarm centres.

Operators of hotel and catering establishments who employ their own bouncers need such a licence as well. You can obtain the licence and the ministerial consent from the Justis Department of the Ministry of Security and Justice.

Conditions

In order to be eligible for this licence, you must satisfy a number of conditions. Your employees have the required diplomas. There are also requirments concerning proof of identity, uniform and privacy.

Certificate of suitability for dogs

If you want to use a patrol dog or guard dog, you are required to present a certificate showing that the dog is suitable. The certificate must be held by the dog handler. You can apply for the certificate to:

• The Royal Dutch Police Dog Association (Koninklijke Nederlandse Politiehond Vereniging).
• The Netherlands Association for Patrol and Police Dogs (Nederlandse Bond voor de Diensthond).

Ban on establishing and dispensation

A security firm of detective agency may not be established by special investigating officers, public prosecutors, police officers or soldiers of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. These persons are also not permitted to work for a security firm or detective agency. Dispensation from this ban may be obtained from the Minster of the Interior.