Netherlands needs more nurses, and nursing is a regulated profession there, so before you can work as a registered nurse you must have your qualification recognised and be registered with the BIG register (run by CIBG). How you get there depends on where you trained.

In short: if you trained in the EU or EEA, your nursing qualification is recognised largely automatically; if you trained elsewhere, you need recognition (with a possible aptitude test), skills in Dutch, registration with the BIG register (run by CIBG), a job offer, and a single permit (GVVA) or Highly Skilled Migrant permit through the IND.

Is Your Nursing Qualification Recognised in Netherlands?

Nurses who trained in the EU, the EEA, or Switzerland generally benefit from automatic recognition under Directive 2005/36/EC and can often use a European Professional Card. If you trained outside those countries, your qualification is assessed under the general system, and where there are major differences you may be asked to take an aptitude test or complete an adaptation period before you can register.

Step by Step

• Recognition: apply to have your nursing qualification recognised, supplying your diploma, transcripts, course content, and proof of experience in certified translation.
• Language: reach the required level of Dutch, since safe patient care depends on it.
• Registration: register with the BIG register (run by CIBG) to obtain the licence to practise; recognition alone does not let you work until you are registered.
• Job and visa: with a job offer, obtain a single permit (GVVA) or Highly Skilled Migrant permit through the IND.

The Work Route

Once you are recognised and have a job offer, the usual immigration route is a single permit (GVVA) or Highly Skilled Migrant permit through the IND. The professional steps (recognition and registration) and the immigration steps (visa or permit) run in parallel, so plan both early.

What You Can Expect to Earn

Nurses' pay in Netherlands follows national or collective agreements and varies by employer, region, and experience, so confirm the exact figures in your contract rather than relying on headline averages.

Avoiding Scams

Use official regulators and ethical recruiters only. Legitimate employers and agencies never charge a nurse upfront placement fees; if anyone asks you to pay to be placed, treat it as a likely scam and verify the employer and the BIG register (run by CIBG) through official channels.

Official Sources

Confirm the current rules with the BIG register (run by CIBG) and the Netherlands immigration authority, as procedures, language levels, and fees can change.