XGuard
← All regions

How to License a Security Agency in the Netherlands

Here's what the Netherlands requires to run your own security business, and the official portal to apply. This page covers the business (agency) license.

Agency / master

Start your own security company in the Netherlands (Wpbr ND licence)

If you freelance (zzp) for another security company, wearing its uniform and ID pass, that company's licence covers you and you do not need your own. To take clients directly you need your own ND licence. A horeca-only (HND) licence covers hospitality venues only.

TrainingNone for the licence itself; you need the required security officer diploma to work yourself
CostEUR 600 for the licence plus EUR 92 for manager approval (you, as owner)
RenewsUp to 5 years; apply to renew 3 months before expiry
  1. 1Register your business with the Chamber of CommerceRegister your eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship) or company with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK). Justis needs a certified KVK extract no more than 6 months old.
  2. 2Prepare your uniform and documentsJustis asks for colour photos of each part of your uniform, showing the V-mark and your company logo, and copies of the ID of everyone in charge.
  3. 3Apply to Justis for an ND licenceApply to Justis, the screening agency of the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security, for a licence for a private security company (category ND, particulier beveiligingsbedrijf). Manager approval for you is granted with the licence.
  4. 4Get your security ID passTo do the work yourself you need a security officer ID pass (legitimatiebewijs) issued by the police after screening, in addition to your diploma.
  5. 5Upload your ND licence to XGuardUpload your licence with your company name, KVK number and ND number. We check it against the public Justis Wpbr register.
Open the official portal

See the full licensing requirements for Netherlands and the documents XGuard checks.

Once you're licensed

Create your free XGuard profile now — upload your license the moment you have it, and we'll verify it and start matching you to paid security work near you.

Start your XGuard profile

Frequently asked: licensing in the Netherlands

Do I need a license to run a security agency in the Netherlands?

Yes: Start your own security company in the Netherlands (Wpbr ND licence). If you freelance (zzp) for another security company, wearing its uniform and ID pass, that company's licence covers you and you do not need your own. To take clients directly you need your own ND licence. A horeca-only (HND) licence covers hospitality venues only.

How long does it take to license a security agency in the Netherlands?

Training: None for the licence itself; you need the required security officer diploma to work yourself. Renewal: Up to 5 years; apply to renew 3 months before expiry.

Who issues the security agency license in the Netherlands?

Applications go through the official portal at www.justis.nl (https://www.justis.nl/producten/particuliere-beveiliging-en-recherche/vergunning-aanvragen).

XGuard guides you to the official process; the regulator issues your license. Figures are sourced from official regulators and verified before publishing, but requirements can change — always confirm on the official portal linked above.