EU Healthcare Workers in the Netherlands: How It Works

Understanding BIG Registration:

The Foundation of Dutch Medical Practice

At the heart of Dutch medical licensing is the BIG-registration (Beroepen in de Individuele Gezondheidszorg), named after the Wet BIG (Individual Healthcare Professions Act). This registration is mandatory for all healthcare professionals practicing in the Netherlands, including doctors, nurses, dentists, physiotherapists, midwives, psychologists, and pharmacists.

The BIG-registration serves multiple purposes:

• It confirms that you are qualified to practice your profession

• It protects patients by ensuring only qualified professionals can use protected professional titles

• It subjects registered professionals to disciplinary rules that maintain healthcare quality standards

For international healthcare professionals, obtaining BIG-registration is the primary step toward practicing in the Netherlands. The process varies significantly depending on whether you received your qualifications within the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, or in a non-EEA country like South Africa or Australia.

Pathways to Registration for EU/EEA and Swiss Professionals

If you obtained your qualifications in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland, the process is relatively straightforward due to the EU Directive on the recognition of professional qualifications (Directive 2005/36/EC).

Automatic Recognition for Sectoral Professions

Certain medical professions benefit from automatic recognition across the EU, including:

• Doctors (general practitioners and specialists)

• Nurses responsible for general care

• Dentists

• Midwives

• Pharmacists

For these professions, if your qualification is listed in Annex V of the Directive and meets the minimum training requirements, your qualification should be recognized automatically in the Netherlands.

The Application Process for EU/EEA Professionals

1. Prepare your documentation: Gather your identity documents, qualification certificates, and proof of good standing from your home country's regulatory authority.

2. Submit your application: Apply through the CIBG (Centraal Informatiepunt Beroepen Gezondheidszorg), the executive organization of the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.

3. Verification process: The CIBG will verify your documents and qualifications with the relevant authorities in your home country.

4. Registration: Once approved, you'll be entered into the BIG-register and can legally practice your profession in the Netherlands.

The process typically takes 4-8 weeks for EU/EEA professionals with automatically recognized qualifications. Apply to a listing today, connect with us, even though you might not be BIG registered yet.