Verklaring van geen bezwaar: security clearances for space and defence staff in the Netherlands

A verklaring van geen bezwaar (VGB) is the Dutch certificate of no objection, a national security clearance. In the Netherlands in 2026, nobody may start in a designated position of trust without one. The employer requests it after selection. A joint AIVD and MIVD unit then screens the candidate at level A, B or C.

General information as at 13 November 2026, not legal or tax advice.

What is a verklaring van geen bezwaar?

A verklaring van geen bezwaar confirms that one person may hold one position of trust. It means the state sees no national security objection. Dutch law calls such a role a vertrouwensfunctie. The Wet veiligheidsonderzoeken, the Security Screening Act, sets the rules. Under article 4, the employer may assign the role only once the minister issues the certificate.

US readers can compare it with a personnel security clearance. However, the Dutch services separate two routes. A VGB covers positions that a minister has designated. For NATO, EU or ESA classified information, staff need a separate Personnel Security Clearance (PSC). Their company must first hold a valid facility security clearance. As a result, a NATO security clearance follows the PSC route.

Defensie’s guidance, consulted in November 2026, counts about 100,000 people in such positions.

Which roles need a verklaring van geen bezwaar?

Only designated positions of trust need a verklaring van geen bezwaar, and a minister designates them. In space and defence, these roles involve sensitive information, systems or sites. Military and many civilian Defence roles qualify, including hired staff. At contractors, the government client sets the level each role needs.

Contractors meet these security clearance requirements through their contract. Since 1 January 2026, the central government has been introducing ABRO, its general security requirements, for new contracts. Meanwhile, Defensie keeps ABDO 2019 for ongoing contracts. Dutch security clearance levels run from A, the most thorough, to C. However, not every role needs a VGB, as the table shows.

Document	When it applies	Who decides
VGB, level A, B or C	A designated position of trust	AIVD or MIVD, after screening by their joint unit (UVO)
Personnel Security Clearance (PSC)	Contact with NATO, EU or ESA classified information	AIVD or MIVD
VOG, certificate of conduct	Some ABRO contracts at the lowest classification only	Justis
ABRO statement for the company	One government contract that touches national security	National Bureau for Industrial Security (NBIV)

Space companies that bid for ESA work should therefore check both routes. Our guide to ESA geographical return explains why US space companies buy in Europe.

Who requests a verklaring van geen bezwaar: the employer or the employee?

The employer requests it, never the employee. According to the AIVD, the employer or future employer applies once the selection procedure is complete. The candidate then gives written consent and completes a personal questionnaire. The employer cannot read those answers. Under article 9a, the employer also pays for the screening.

US buyers often ask how to get a security clearance in the Netherlands for a new hire. For Defence work, the employer’s security officer files the request. The employer may add the candidate’s BSN, the citizen service number.

Staff on another company’s payroll are covered too. Article 1 of the Act also treats the organisation a worker is placed with as an employer. In practice, the organisation that holds the position of trust usually sponsors the clearance. So if an employer of record in the Netherlands holds the contract, agree early who files. Then confirm it with the client’s security officer.

How long does the security screening take?

Article 6 of the Security Screening Act requires a decision within eight weeks. The AIVD says it reports the outcome within eight weeks of receiving the form. The clock pauses while the service waits for extra information from the candidate.

However, the security clearance process can take longer, Defensie warns. After six weeks, the employer’s security officer may ask about progress. A stay abroad can also add time if the unit needs extra information. Therefore, Defensie advises candidates to keep their current job until the certificate arrives. Renewal comes later: generally after five years at level A, and after ten at levels B and C.

What changes when a foreign owner acquires the company?

The first change concerns the company, not its people. Under ABRO 2026, section 1.3, a contractor submits changes in ownership or control for prior approval. The National Bureau for Industrial Security (NBIV) handles that review. The contractor must also report an impending takeover at once, even a non-binding offer.

The NBIV checks shareholders and possible foreign influence, Defensie states. US buyers will recognise the idea from FOCI reviews: foreign ownership, control or influence.

For staff, the position-related VGB matters most. It lapses when someone leaves the function, and it cannot be transferred. One exception is the new location-related VGB for designated sites such as airports. In addition, the amended Act has been fully in force since 1 July 2026. Employers must now deregister leavers within five weeks. So if a deal moves people to a new employer, plan new requests.

Finally, the AIVD and MIVD generally issue a PSC only to Dutch nationals. Other employees follow the procedure of their country of origin, the AIVD notes. Separately, the Vifo Act on investment screening may apply to the deal itself. Each case depends on the facts, so ask counsel and the security officer early.

Plan each verklaring van geen bezwaar before closing

A verklaring van geen bezwaar decides when cleared staff can start, so plan it early in the deal. Map the positions of trust before closing, and agree who sponsors each request.

Octagon has enabled talent to move across European borders since 1987, with compliance at the centre. We coordinate the administrative workflow, while the hiring organisation sponsors the clearance. As an IND recognised sponsor, we also support permits for non-EU specialists. In short, we act as an acquirer’s HR function in Europe until it builds its own.

For the wider timeline, use our post-merger integration checklist for Europe. Also compare the Netherlands and Germany for a European space team. For UK roles, see our BPSS, SC and DV clearance guide. To plan your cleared team, contact Octagon Professionals at sales@octagon.nl.

Frequently asked questions

What is a verklaring van geen bezwaar?

It is the Dutch certificate of no objection, often shortened to VGB. It confirms that the state has no national security objection to one person in one position of trust. The intelligence services AIVD and MIVD decide after a security screening. Without it, the person may not start in that role.

Who applies for a VGB?

The employer applies, and the candidate cannot start the process alone. The request follows the selection procedure and needs the candidate’s written consent. The employer also pays the screening fee. Dutch law can also treat the organisation a worker is placed with as the employer.

How long does a security screening take in the Netherlands?

The Security Screening Act requires a decision within eight weeks. That period pauses while the service waits for more information from the candidate. Defensie notes that screening can take longer, for example after a stay abroad. Employers may ask about progress after six weeks, so plan start dates with a margin.