Professional Qualification Recognition

If you have obtained a diploma or professional qualification in another EU country for a regulated profession, you can apply for recognition to work in that profession in the Netherlands. Regulated professions are professions that require a legal diploma or registration, such as doctor, nurse, architect or teacher.

Recognition is regulated by the Algemene wet erkenning EU-beroepskwalificaties and implemented by various competent authorities, depending on the profession. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science coordinates the policy. The process involves assessment of your qualifications and may include a compensation measure such as an aptitude test or adaptation period.

Requirements

  • Legal basis: Article 5 General Act on Recognition of EU Professional Qualifications (Algemene wet erkenning EU-beroepskwalificaties)
  • EU citizen: The scheme applies to citizens from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland
  • Regulated profession: The profession must be legally regulated in the Netherlands
  • Documentation: Diplomas, certificates, proof of professional experience from country of origin

Procedure

  • Application: Submit to the competent authority for your profession (e.g. BIG register for healthcare professions, Nuffic for teaching professions)
  • Assessment: Comparison of your qualifications with Dutch requirements
  • Additional requirements: Adaptation period or aptitude test may need to be completed if there are substantial differences
  • Decision: Within 4 months, or 3 months when using automatic recognition