To work as a registered nurse in the Netherlands, you’ll need to apply for BIG registration. This process is overseen by the CIBG, the Dutch authority responsible for healthcare professions.
You’ll be asked to submit your diploma and official documents proving that you’ve completed a recognised nursing education. If you're currently working as a nurse outside the EU, if your diploma is older, or if you haven’t worked recently in nursing, you may be required to complete an additional assessment.
The steps can feel overwhelming at first, but with clear information and trusted support, the process becomes much more manageable. Eduployment is here to inform and support you every step of the way, helping you approach your registration with clarity and confidence.
A BIG registration officially confirms that you meet Dutch professional standards and are legally authorised to work as a nurse in the Netherlands. Without it, you’re not allowed to perform certain reserved medical procedures, such as administering medication or providing wound care (involving medical judgement), and healthcare employers will not be able to offer you a registered nursing position. Dutch health insurers only reimburse treatments provided by registered professionals, which makes a valid BIG registration not only a legal requirement, but also a practical necessity to work in the Dutch healthcare system as a registered nurse.
A BIG registration isn’t permanent; you’ll need to renew it every five years to prove that you’re still actively working as a nurse and meeting the required standards. If you’ve been out of practice for some time, you may be asked to complete a refresher course before you can re-register. At Eduployment, we make sure you understand exactly what’s expected. We provide clear information and ongoing support, so you can maintain your registration with confidence and stay on track in your nursing career.
“I think Eduployment is a good option for people who don’t know the language and want to live and work in the Netherlands. Because it has an online course with flexibility that adapts to individual rhythms. It also offers accommodation, depending on the city it can be a big challenge to find something on your own. In short, Eduployment gives the boost to start your life in a new country.”
“If you’re a nurse looking for a seamless move to the Netherlands, Eduployment is your ultimate partner! From day one, they were by my side—starting with my very first Dutch lesson, guiding me through the BIG registration process, and even helping me secure my own apartment in the Netherlands. Moving abroad can be overwhelming, but with Eduployment’s support every step of the way, the transition felt smooth and stress-free. Their team made what seemed daunting into an exciting journey!”
“The teachers and management of Eduployment were always available to answer questions. I had some difficulties feeling at home in the Netherlands. The aftercare offered by Eduployment made this a lot easier. They guided me throughout my whole two-year contract.”
“It is pleasant that Eduployment supports me still. We recently moved into a very nice apartment. Eduployment was there to help us move. Someone even came by with a screw driver to help us assemble some cabinets, and a pipe wrench to connect the washing machine.”
“The collaboration with Εduployment started about two years ago. Within a year I was able to speak and understand Dutch at a good level. After arriving in the Netherlands, the challenges I faced were many, but step by step and with patience, I can proudly say that one year later I have managed to achieve many of my goals and, most importantly, I have slowly gained the confidence I needed to grow professionally! During this time, Εduploymet supported me every time I needed it. Here’s to what’s to come next!”
“Dutch is a bit difficult at first, but it is possible! You have to focus on it. Learning Dutch should be your job; you should spend a lot of time learning a new language. I’m glad I decided to learn Dutch with Eduployment.”
“I was among the first group to be trained by Eduployment. We received excellent guidance and were able to make a good start with our Dutch employer. Some of my colleagues are still working there. I always wanted to work in forensic psychiatry. Thanks to my good knowledge of Dutch, help from Eduployment and the start in the Dutch nursing home, I succeeded.”
“I really like this job, because here every day is a challenge and that’s what I like. After I started, I passed the national knowledge test for triage assistant within five weeks. My audits are good and, in the meantime, I have also obtained my diploma. I am very satisfied with what I have achieved. The free language course from Eduployment was a very good investment!”
“The support of Eduployment was much needed, because we had no idea about the Dutch system. This support meant a lot to me, because most procedures require several steps that are difficult to solve on your own. Furthermore, the Eduployment team visited us a lot in the beginning to talk to us about how things were going and if we had any questions. That is very nice.”
“Eduployment has helped me get through this period very well, by offering lots of practical help, personal support and a solid track. Also, my colleagues who entered this programme with me in 2003 have meant a lot to me and we still keep in touch.”
Eduployment’s nurse jobs in Europe consist of providing care and assistance for our clients in the Netherlands. The jobs range from attending to the elderly so they can continue to live on their own to providing care, support and nursing in hospitals. There is always a job that suits you.
More info about our organisation? Read more about our unique Eduployment Programme or contact us.
Eduployment
Oude Nieuwveenseweg 111-113
2441 CT Nieuwveen
The Netherlands
Contact person: Selwyn Paehlig
Phone: +31 655 500 665
E-mail: info@eduployment.nl
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