Working in the Netherlands with a foreign healthcare diploma is only possible if your knowledge and skills are equivalent to those of a healthcare provider with a Dutch diploma. To determine this, your diploma must be officially recognized. Dutch language skills at the right level are a requirement in almost all situations. Do you want to work in one of the BIG professions? Then registration in the BIG register is a necessary step.

Last updated on the 10th of May 2023

Which procedure? Fill in the Advice Wizard.

There are 3 procedures for recognition off your diploma. The Advice Wizard helps you to determine which procedure applies to you.

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3 procedures

  1. Automatic recognition with direct enrolment in the BIG register

    This procedure applies to a number of diplomas obtained in an EU Member State or Switzerland. Through this procedure, you will also be entered directly into the BIG register.

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  2. Recognition of professional qualifications

    This procedure generally applies to applicants with a non-automatically recognised diploma obtained in an EU Member State or Switzerland.

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  3. Certificate of competence

    This procedure generally applies to applicants with a diploma obtained outside the EU or Switzerland.

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