If you trained abroad and want to see patients in the Netherlands, start by finding out how the Dutch authorities will assess your medical degree. Some doctors can have their diploma recognised and join the BIG Register in one application. Others need a professional assessment and may need further clinical training before they can register.
This Nursing Manthra guide covers both European and non-European medical qualifications, including what to do if you already practise as a specialist. The BIG Register is the Dutch register for regulated healthcare professionals. For a doctor, the registration title is arts. Official overview of foreign diploma recognition
Which Dutch licensing route applies to you?
| Where or how you qualified | Usual pathway | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| You hold a designated medical diploma from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland | Automatic recognition with direct BIG registration | Recognition and registration can be handled together if you meet the conditions, including Dutch language proficiency. |
| You hold an EEA or Swiss medical diploma that does not qualify for automatic recognition | Recognition of Professional Qualifications | The authority reviews your qualifications individually and may require a compensatory measure before recognition. |
| You hold a medical degree from outside the EEA or Switzerland | Certificate of Competence | Doctors normally take the physician BI assessment. If your qualification is recognised, you can then apply for BIG registration. |
Your exact qualification matters. If you trained outside Europe but later obtained recognition or registration in an EEA country, or if you hold a UK qualification, use the BIG Register’s Advice Wizard and confirm your route before filing. Provide details of where and when you earned your degree and where it was subsequently recognised. BIG Register Advice Wizard and recognition routes
Route 1. Automatic recognition for designated European medical diplomas
Check whether the exact title of your degree appears on the Dutch list of designated qualifications. Some applicants also need evidence from the authority in the country of training, such as a certificate of conformity. Older qualifications may be assessed under acquired-rights rules. Once your language proof and supporting documents are ready, you can apply for diploma recognition and BIG registration together. The published fee for this combined application is €85, and the BIG Register says it usually assesses a complete application within a maximum of three months. Automatic recognition and direct BIG registration · European diploma evidence checklist
Route 2. Recognition of Professional Qualifications
If your EEA or Swiss diploma does not qualify for automatic recognition, apply through the Recognition of Professional Qualifications route if directed by the Advice Wizard. The authority compares your education and professional experience with the Dutch requirements. If it identifies substantial differences, it may require an adaptation period or an aptitude test. After recognition, apply for BIG registration. Recognition of Professional Qualifications
Route 3. Certificate of Competence for doctors trained outside Europe
Step 1. Prepare your language evidence
Doctors generally need Dutch at B2+, covering speaking, listening, reading and writing. Check the accepted exams before paying for a course or booking a test. For the Certificate of Competence route, doctors also need English reading proficiency at B2. Accepted evidence can include an approved English test or an eligible diploma supplement showing that the training was completed in English. Dutch language requirements and accepted providers · English reading evidence
Step 2. Gather your documents and apply
Use this checklist to prepare for your document review. The exact submission requirements depend on your route and personal circumstances.
- Valid passport or accepted identity document
- Final medical degree and official course overview or academic transcript
- Evidence of internship or clinical rotations, where relevant
- Professional registration and work experience evidence, where applicable
- Required language evidence and any profession-specific form
- Professional standing and criminal record evidence at the stage specified by the BIG Register
Check which documents require certified copies. If a document is in a language other than Dutch or English, follow the official translation instructions. Doctors on the Certificate of Competence route should wait for the BIG Register to request the detailed syllabus before sending it. You can start through My BIG Register from abroad. If you do not have a Dutch citizen service number (BSN), you can request a BIG login. Supporting documents · Application preparation and login
Step 3. Take the physician BI assessment
The BI-toets is the professional assessment for doctors on this route. Since 1 March 2026, the physician assessment has retained the medical progress test (iVTG) and the clinical skills assessment (DKV). The separate clinical knowledge section (DKK) was removed. The BIG Register sends instructions on payment and registration when your application is ready for the assessment stage. Physician BI assessment format · Professional assessment and booking information
Assessment availability checked on 7 November 2026. The Dutch BIG Register roadmap reports that the physician BI assessment is full for this year and next year. The professional test page also shows no physician places currently available. Check the Dutch roadmap for updates before making travel plans. The published average of six to eighteen months for recognition is a general estimate and may be exceeded when assessment places are unavailable or additional training is required. Dutch BIG Register roadmap · Processing times and costs
Step 4. Complete the commission review and register
The Commission for Foreign Healthcare Graduates (CBGV) reviews your education, experience and BI assessment results. Depending on its findings, you may need further training, an adaptation internship or a practical skills assessment. Once you receive your Certificate of Competence, apply separately for BIG registration as an arts. The recognition application and commission review are free. The BI assessment has a separate charge, and the published BIG registration fee is €85. Language exams, translations and document certification can add to your costs. Certificate of Competence procedure · BIG registration after recognition · Official costs
Can I work as a GP, specialist or consultant?
BIG registration as an arts is the starting point for working as a doctor. To practise as a Dutch family doctor (huisarts) or in a recognised medical specialty, you also need the relevant specialist registration. If you completed specialty training abroad, check the recognition and registration process with the RGS, the Dutch Medical Specialists Registration Committee. If you only hold a basic medical degree and want to become a huisarts, plan for entry into Dutch GP specialty training. KNMG guidance for doctors with foreign specialist qualifications
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply while living outside the Netherlands?
You can start the recognition application from abroad using My BIG Register. Check your route’s instructions for any documents that must be sent by post and for any assessment or training that requires your attendance. Application preparation
What if I qualified several years ago or had a break in practice?
Older diplomas can trigger additional registration requirements. For doctors, the work-experience route generally requires 2,080 qualifying hours over five years. A training route may be available if you do not meet the work-hours requirement. Check which experience counts before submitting your evidence. BIG Register criteria for doctors with older diplomas
Does BIG registration give me permission to work in the Netherlands?
Medical registration and immigration permission are separate. If you need a work residence permit, check the applicable route with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Under the highly skilled migrant route, an IND-recognised employer applies on your behalf if you meet the requirements. IND highly skilled migrant permit
Need help reviewing your documents?
Nursing Manthra assists internationally educated doctors with document review and licensing application support. For an initial review, email your CV and available qualification, internship and registration documents to [email protected]. Tell us where you earned your medical degree, where you currently hold registration, your current Dutch language level, and whether you want to work as a doctor, family doctor or specialist. We’ll review your profile and explain the next steps for your route.
Contact Nursing Manthra
For document preparation, verification support, licensing guidance and examination study materials:
UAE / WhatsApp: +971 502 515 717
India: +91 6828756689
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/971502515717
Study materials: https://nursingmanthra.com/study-materials/
About the Author:
Shincy George, RN, MSN (Cardiothoracic Nursing), SCFHS-RN, DHA RN, MOH UAE RN, NCLEX-RN (USA), is the Founder of Nursing Manthra Academy.
With extensive international clinical and academic experience, she is dedicated to guiding healthcare professionals through global licensing pathways. Through Nursing Manthra, she supports internationally educated healthcare professionals in achieving their career goals across Canada, USA, UAE, Middle East, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries.
Her mission is to simplify complex licensing processes and empower healthcare professionals with the right knowledge, guidance, and support to succeed globally.
