Doctors, pharmacists, dentists, midwives, and nurses can be directly registered in the BIG Register with specifically designated European diplomas. If you hold a designated diploma, the recognition of your diploma and your application for BIG registration are handled in a single procedure. Below you will find a step-by-step plan with all the information regarding this procedure. This way, you know what to expect.
This page was last updated on July 30, 2026.
All the information about recognition of foreign diplomas is also available in Dutch.
With the procedure for 'Automatic recognition with BIG registration', the recognition of your foreign diploma and your request for registration in the BIG register are handled in one procedure. It is also possible to apply for recognition alone. You then follow a slightly different procedure. Always follow the Advice Wizard first to find out whether automatic recognition applies to you and your situation.
Step-by-step plan 'Automatic recognition with BIG registration'
You can expand each step. The assessment of a complete application usually takes a maximum of three months. Prepare your application well, and the assessment and processing will often be faster.
You must meet all three of the following conditions:
- You obtained your degree in one of the EEA countries or Switzerland for one of these five professions: doctor, pharmacist, dentist, midwife or nurse;
- Your diploma appears on the list of designated diplomas;
- You have proof of Dutch language proficiency at the appropriate level (required for applications with direct BIG registration).
Obtained your diploma five years or more ago?
In that case, the procedure is slightly different. You must meet additional requirements and submit additional documents. Read more under Diploma older than five years.
Good preparation ensures faster processing of your application. For example, you may still need to learn Dutch to the required language level and request documents from abroad. Therefore, start by reading the section 'Preparing the application'.
Every applicant must submit various mandatory documents (supporting evidence) with the application. Sometimes additional supplementary documents are required. These often involve documents from abroad. Wait to submit your application until you have received all the necessary documents. This will prevent your application from being unnecessarily delayed.
Go to the overview of documents you need to submit.
Please note! The documents are very important for your application. Do you have any questions or doubts? Please contact us.
Are the preparations in order? Then log in to 'Mijn BIG-register' with your DigiD (anyone with a citizen service number (BSN) can apply for a DigiD) or with your BIG login (if you cannot apply for a DigiD yet ). If you do not yet have a login method, please apply for one first.
Complete the application in full. Do you also want to have your specialty recognized and registered immediately? If so, please indicate this directly on the application form.
The cost is €85.00. At the end of your application, you can pay directly using DigiD. You can also transfer the money yourself afterwards. There may be additional costs.
You will receive your completed form by email immediately after completing the digital application. Send the application form along with the required documents (supporting evidence). You can upload certain documents via the upload tool in 'Mijn BIG-register'. In the explanation 'Submitting documents (in Dutch)', you can see for which documents this is possible. Documents that you are not permitted to upload must be sent by post along with the application form.
Logged in with DigiD? No printing needed
You will then no longer need to send the completed application form. Simply send the requested documents (supporting evidence) by post. As soon as your documents have arrived and been processed, they will be visible in 'Mijn BIG-register'.
Postal address for supporting documents
CIBG - BIG Register
P.O. Box 3173
6401 DR HeerlenIf documents are missing, you will be notified.
Once your application, documents, and payment have been received, we will assess the application. You will receive the (proposed) decision regarding your application within three months. If we approve your application, your diploma is recognized and you are registered in the BIG register. We publish your name, profession, and any specialization on this website, making them accessible to everyone.
On this website, you will also find more information about the rights and responsebility's of a BIG registration and the mandatory five-yearly re-registration.
If your application has been rejected and you disagree with this, you can lodge an objection. You can read how to do this in the decision and on the page: Objection and appeal.
Healthcare professionals with a BIG registration must re-register every 5 years . Approximately 6 months before your final re-registration date (UHD), you will receive an initial call for re-registration. Your UHD is stated in the decision (letter) you receive if your application is approved.
Read more about applying for re-registration (in Dutch).
Do you have all the necessary documents?
Only apply for diploma recognition?
It is also possible to have your diploma recognized without being immediately registered in the BIG register. In that case, you follow a slightly different procedure (in Dutch).
Please note! Without BIG registration, you may not use your professional title or practice your profession independently in the Netherlands.