The Act and the Regulations on private security firms and investigation bureaus and the Data Protection Act includes rules to which a private investigator in the Netherlands must comply. The Ministry of Justice issues a license to carry out investigation work. Private investigators must use research methods and resources in compliance with the Privacy Code of Conduct adopted by the Association of Private Security Organizations (VPB).

The Data Protection Authority must give written consent for the processing of data relating to subjects studied before these data are collected. The Special Laws department does background research before the yellow pass is issued and does random and unannounced checks on investigation bureaus in relation to compliance with laws and regulations.

More information relating to the legal framework can be obtained at www.svpb.nl.