Skip to main content
Transparent rates · Amsterdam

How much does a private detective cost
in Amsterdam?

SAJ Recherche works with a transparent hourly rate from €125 and a fixed quote up front. No hidden costs, you know exactly what you pay before the investigation begins.

Standard hourly rate

from €125 / hour excl. VAT

Fieldwork, surveillance & active investigation

Payment structure

50% upfront · 50% on completion

Quote

Always up front, fixed price

Intake

Free & without obligation

VAT

Excluding 21% VAT

  • POB licence 8779, evidence holds up in court
  • No minimum contract duration or hidden administration fees
  • Free orientation consultation before every quote

Request a free cost estimate

Briefly describe your situation, we respond within 2 hours with an indication.

Or call directly: +31 20 782 3222

First consultation free  ·  Fixed quote up front  ·  No hidden costs  ·  POB 8779

Indicative costs per type of investigation

Every investigation is priced to scope. You always receive a fixed quote up front. No final invoice that exceeds what was agreed.

Most requested

Surveillance investigation

€895 per day (8h)

Shadowing, location tracking, time-stamped photo & video evidence

Quick start

OSINT & digital research

From €350 fixed rate

Open source intelligence, social media analysis, digital traces, background check

Private & corporate

Background check

€750–€1,250 fixed rate

Identity, diplomas, employment history, financial, criminal, references

B2B

Corporate fraud investigation

On quotation from €125/hour

Expense fraud, embezzlement, internal fraud, evidence for dismissal

Specialism

TSCM inspection (bug sweep)

From €495 starter, per location

Eavesdropping devices, hidden cameras, GPS trackers, office, home, vehicle

Private

Partner investigation

On quotation from €125/hour

Surveillance, alimony investigation, evidence for court (art. 1:160 BW)

All rates exclude 21% VAT. Travel beyond Amsterdam on quotation.

Why a licensed agency

Cheaper sounds attractive, until the evidence is rejected

An unlicensed detective agency or freelancer without a POB licence cannot guarantee that the evidence gathered is legally admissible. In civil proceedings, employment cases and divorce cases, a court can reject evidence if it was not collected in line with the Dutch Private Security Organisations and Detective Agencies Act (WPBR) and the GDPR.

SAJ Recherche holds POB licence 8779, issued by the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security. You can verify this in the public register at Justis.nl. All our staff hold a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).

POB 8779
Ministry of Justice
GDPR-compliant
Legally admissible evidence
50/50
Fair payment structure

Legal recognition and licences

Logo Dutch Government - Ministry of Justice and Security
Ministry of Justice · POB licence 8779
Logo Dutch Data Protection Authority
GDPR-compliant · Data Protection Authority
Logo Dutch National Police
Police-screened
DPIA - Data Protection Impact Assessment
DPIA-compliant

Frequently asked questions about rates

What are SAJ Recherche's rates?
We charge from €125 excluding VAT per hour for fieldwork and surveillance. Exact costs depend on the type of investigation, complexity and duration. After a confidential intake consultation you receive a transparent fixed quote, with no hidden costs.
How much does surveillance or shadowing cost?
A full day of surveillance (8 hours) costs €895 excluding VAT. Shorter sessions or evening surveillance are also possible and billed pro rata at €125/hour. We always advise on the most cost-efficient approach.
Are there fixed prices for specific investigations?
Yes. A basic OSINT analysis starts from €350 excluding VAT. A comprehensive background check runs €750–€1,250 excluding VAT. A TSCM starter inspection (one room) starts from €495. You always receive a fixed quote before we start.
Will I pay more if the investigation takes longer than expected?
No, unless you explicitly agree to extend. We proactively communicate when the agreed hours are reached and discuss whether extension is worthwhile. You always remain in control of the budget.
What is the payment structure?
We use a 50/50 structure: 50% deposit upon engagement, 50% on completion and delivery of the report. This applies to all investigation assignments.
Is the first consultation free?
Yes. The first orientation conversation, by phone or at our office in Amsterdam, is always free and without obligation. We discuss your situation and give a realistic cost estimate before you make any decision.
Are private detective costs tax-deductible?
In business cases, investigation costs are generally deductible as business expenses. In personal cases, such as alimony disputes, costs can sometimes be claimed within legal proceedings. Consult your accountant or lawyer for your specific situation.
Why a licensed agency and not a cheaper freelancer?
An unlicensed agency or freelancer without a POB licence delivers evidence that is not admissible in court. SAJ Recherche holds POB licence 8779 from the Dutch Ministry of Justice. Our evidence is GDPR-compliant and legally robust. Cheaper sounds attractive, until the evidence is rejected.

Explore our services

Choose the type of investigation that fits your situation:

Partner investigation TSCM / bug sweep Corporate fraud Background check OSINT investigation

020-782 3222