Recognition of professional qualifications

This procedure generally applies if you have obtained a diploma in an EU member state or Switzerland, but which is not automatically recognized. You will probably have to make preparations before you can start with the application. Therefore, read the step-by-step plan below carefully, so that you know what to expect. After obtaining a recognition of professional qualifications it is possible, for certain professions, to apply for a BIG-registration (see step 11).

Last updated on the November 14 2024.

The processing of your application starts when we have received your application and all required documents. Processing takes a maximum of 12 weeks. If necessary, this can be extended by 1 month.

Information about recognition of foreign diploma's is also available in Dutch.

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Step by step plan

You can expand each step to see information about that step.

Do you not want to apply online?

Please request the general application form (fillable PDF) from our customer contact center. If there is a profession-specific appendix (in Dutch) for your profession, please complete this form also. You send the application form, the additional appendix and all required documents together by post to the address on the application form. 

With this method of requesting, you will not see a personal overview of documents to be submitted in your digital file. Read on the 'explanation of documents to be supplied' page which documents you must supply.