Question 1

What does an investigation cost?

Accepted Answer

Surveillance costs EUR 90 per hour excluding VAT, with a minimum booking of three hours. For other tailored work, you receive a written plan of action with a cost framework. Payment terms are stated in the quotation or engagement confirmation.

Question 2

How long does an investigation take?

Accepted Answer

The time required depends on the question and available leads. The plan of action sets out the expected effort; several observation moments may provide a better picture than a single snapshot.

Question 3

Is the first conversation free and confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We discuss your situation, what can realistically be established and whether an investigation is worthwhile at all. If the answer is no, we say so.

Question 4

Can the findings be used in legal proceedings?

Accepted Answer

Our reports are written to be usable by counsel: factual, dated, sourced and free of conclusions we cannot substantiate. The weight given to evidence is ultimately for the court; your lawyer assesses its legal significance.

Question 5

Do you guarantee results?

Accepted Answer

No. An investigation may confirm a suspicion or refute it. Any agency guaranteeing an outcome is promising something it cannot deliver. What we do guarantee is a careful, lawful method.

Question 6

What may a Dutch investigator not do?

Accepted Answer

No entry into homes or closed premises, no hacking of phones or computers, no obtaining of banking or medical records, no access to police systems, and no methods prohibited by the privacy code of conduct. Work that crosses those lines damages your case.

Question 7

How do you handle personal data?

Accepted Answer

Under the GDPR and the Dutch privacy code of conduct for private investigation agencies: no more data than necessary, retained no longer than necessary, stored securely and accessible only to the investigator handling the file.

Question 8

Are you licensed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We operate under licence POB 1758 issued by the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security. Investigators are screened and bound by the statutory requirements for private investigation agencies.

Question 9

Can you be instructed from abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and often are. Eerste contact takes place remotely by secure video call, the fieldwork is carried out in the Netherlands, and reporting is delivered in English. Clients include expats, foreign employers, insurers and law firms.

Question 10

Do you work with our lawyers?

Accepted Answer

Gladly. An investigation is stronger when the investigative question is aligned in advance with what the proceedings require. We provide facts and reporting; legal strategy stays with counsel.

Question 11

Should I gather evidence myself first?

Accepted Answer

Preferably not without advice. Following someone, reading a partner's phone or fitting a tracker often yields unusable evidence and can harm your position. Speak to us first.

Question 12

How do I get in touch?

Accepted Answer

By phone on +31 85 060 0100, by email at info@dutchdetectiveagency.com, or through the contact form. Please do not attach sensitive case documents or medical data to a first message; we arrange a secure route after your first message.

Questions on method, cost, evidence and privacy

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