Executive protection services in the Netherlands

The Dutch regulatory framework

Private security in the Netherlands is regulated by the Ministry of Justice and Security under the Wet particuliere beveiligingsorganisaties en recherchebureaus (Wpbr). All close protection operators must hold a valid beveiligingsdiploma; firms must hold a firm licence. Operating without proper licensing is a criminal offence under Dutch law.

The Wpbr also governs the vetting standard required for security personnel — background checks, criminal record assessment, and fitness-for-purpose evaluation — that all licensed operators must satisfy. Buyers should verify that any provider they engage holds current, verifiable licensing.

The Dutch executive threat landscape

The Netherlands' profile as a European logistics hub, the seat of multiple international courts and organisations (International Court of Justice, ICC, OPCW, Europol, Eurojust), and a major corporate headquarters location creates a specific threat environment. Executives operating in the Netherlands face threats from organised criminal networks (historically focused on the port and logistics infrastructure), foreign state actors targeting diplomatic and corporate intelligence, and politically motivated targeting of individuals associated with international judicial processes.

The AIVD threat assessment for 2024 and 2025 identified sustained foreign state espionage activity targeting Dutch companies and governmental institutions as a priority concern.

What executive protection in the Netherlands includes

• Threat assessment specific to the principal's profile, sector, and known exposure
• Close protection officers with verifiable Dutch licensing and, where appropriate, military or governmental backgrounds
• Secure transport — vetted security drivers, route planning, and counter-surveillance
• Advance work for all venues and international travel destinations
• Residential security assessment and, where required, residential close protection
• Liaison with Dutch law enforcement and intelligence services where the threat profile warrants
• International programme extension — Mission Support operates beyond the Netherlands for clients with international travel requirements

Mission Support's Dutch base, international reach

Headquartered in the Netherlands and operational 24/7, Mission Support provides executive protection to corporate executives, diplomatic personnel, governmental officials, and high-net-worth individuals — both for Netherlands-based programmes and for international deployments originating from a Dutch base. All operators are licensed; senior operators bring military or specialised governmental backgrounds.