(For Non-EU/EEA Nurses – India, Nepal, and Similar Backgrounds)
Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Netherlands as a non-EU/EEA candidate involves a structured process to ensure that foreign qualifications meet Dutch healthcare standards.
This process includes:
qualification evaluation
professional competency assessment
language proficiency
formal registration in the BIG register
Candidates typically move through these steps with structured preparation and guidance to ensure proper sequencing and documentation.
The first step in the process is the evaluation of your educational qualification.
Your nursing diploma is submitted to the designated authority (IDW – Netherlands)
The purpose is to:
assess equivalence with Dutch standards
identify any gaps in education or training
This step establishes the foundation for further progression.
Note:
The evaluation fee is paid directly to the authority
The cost may vary slightly each year (approximately around 148 Euros)
Once the evaluation is completed:
An application is made for the Certificate of Competence
This step is based on the outcome of the evaluation
It helps determine:
whether the candidate meets professional standards
whether additional steps (such as assessments) are required
This stage moves the candidate closer to eligibility for professional practice.
To work as a nurse in the Netherlands, candidates must demonstrate Dutch language proficiency at B1 level.
This ensures the ability to:
communicate with patients and colleagues
function effectively in a healthcare environment
Commonly accepted pathways include:
NT2 (State Exam)
CNaVT or equivalent recognized certification
Language preparation is typically completed alongside the recognition process.
After completing the above steps:
Candidates proceed toward the BIG register application pathway
The BIG register (Beroepen in de Individuele Gezondheidszorg) is the official system for healthcare professional registration in the Netherlands
At this stage:
documentation is submitted
eligibility is reviewed based on prior steps
The relevant authorities review the candidate’s profile based on:
educational qualification
professional experience
evaluation results
language proficiency
Possible outcomes include:
Direct progression toward registration
Requirement to complete additional steps
Requirement to undergo professional assessment
In many cases, candidates are required to complete the Professional BI Test (Beroepsinhoudelijke Test).
This assessment evaluates:
theoretical knowledge
practical nursing skills
clinical reasoning
It may include:
multiple-choice knowledge test
practical skill assessment
case-based interview
This step ensures alignment with Dutch healthcare standards.
After successfully completing required assessments:
A Declaration of Professional Competence is issued
This confirms that the candidate meets the necessary standards for practice
This declaration is required for final registration.
Once all requirements are met:
The candidate is registered in the BIG register
This allows legal practice as a nurse in the Netherlands
Additional points:
Registration fee is applicable (paid to the authority)
Initial work may be under supervision for a defined period
Full recognition follows based on compliance with requirements
While exact requirements may vary, candidates are typically required to provide:
Nursing diploma and transcripts
Proof of professional experience
Certificate of good conduct
Language proficiency proof (B1 level)
Valid identification
Documents may need:
translation into English or Dutch
proper certification as per guidelines