The Eduployment Programme

Requirements for working as a nurse in the Netherlands

  • Relocation and Integration Support
  • Sponsored Language Training
  • Guaranteed Job Placement

Since 2002, Eduployment has been offering nursing opportunities in the Netherlands for EU bachelor nurses, assistant nurses, and Erasmus nursing students via our tailor-made programmes for nursing professionals.

To work as a nurse in the Netherlands, you’ll need to meet a few important requirements. These include completing (or following) a recognised nursing education (Bachelor nursing degree), command of the Dutch language at B1 level for foreign nurses, obtaining the necessary registration (BIG registration), and being able to demonstrate relevant knowledge and skills. These standards help ensure the quality and safety of care across the Dutch healthcare system.

Eduployment is here to guide you through each step, from our healthcare-focused language training to registration and integration, so you can start your nursing career in the Netherlands with confidence and clarity.

Nursing career levels and professional roles

As part of the Eduployment programme for nurses, you will complete our Dutch language course, come to the Netherlands and take the state language exam.

While you wait for your BIG registration, you’ll begin your career in the Netherlands as a ‘verzorgende’ (carer), an essential and respected role in Dutch healthcare. As a verzorgende, you’ll provide personal care, support with daily activities, and work with care plans under the guidance of your team. This is not an entry-level position like a ‘helpende’ (helper). It’s a skilled role that reflects the level of your nursing background and training.

Once you’ve achieved your BIG registration, you’ll officially be recognised as a ‘verpleegkundige’ (registered nurse) in the Netherlands. This opens the door to a broader range of responsibilities and further specialisation.

BIG re-registration and ongoing qualifications for nurses

To maintain your right to work as a registered nurse in the Netherlands, you must renew your BIG registration every five years. This ensures that all nurses remain active in the field and continue to meet professional standards.

To re-register, you’ll need to prove that you’ve worked a minimum number of hours (2,080) in healthcare over the past five years. If you haven’t reached this threshold, you may need to take an assessment or follow a refresher training to show that your knowledge and skills are up to date.

At Eduployment, we make sure you understand what’s required and help you prepare for each step. With the right information and support, maintaining your BIG registration becomes a manageable and straightforward part of your professional journey as a nurse in the Netherlands

Work experience and BIG requirements for nurses

Not only the number of hours matters, but also the nature of your experience. Whether you’ve worked in hospital care, elderly care, psychiatry, or another setting, each situation can affect the requirements you’ll need to meet. It is important for both for staying registered in the BIG register and for continuing your career in Dutch healthcare.

We help you understand how your experience fits into the Dutch system and what steps to take if additional preparation is needed. With the right guidance, your background becomes a solid foundation for your future as a registered nurse in the Netherlands.

EU bachelor nurses and assistant nurses

If you’ve already completed nursing training abroad and obtained a bachelor's degree or a nursing assistant diploma (Greek SAEK or Italian Super OSS), you can apply for our programme for nurses or assistant nurses.

With Eduployment, you’ll be guided you through every step of this process. Together, we’ll make sure your pathway to the nursing career in the Netherlands is clear, realistic, and adapted to your background.

Your healthcare environment in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, to fully understand and be fully understood by your patients, their family, and your colleagues is of utmost importance. That’s why you will start with working at a Dutch care home first, where the pace is slower than that of a hospital.

Such a setup helps you get acquainted with Dutch healthcare protocols, teamwork, and patient expectations. That way you can work with confidence and provide high-quality care. It is also perfect to further practice and develop your Dutch language skills.

How Eduployment helps you move forward

Starting your nursing career in the Netherlands takes more than a diploma. You’ll need to learn the Dutch language, understand the steps, prepare the right documents, and be really dedicated to your goal of becoming a nurse in the Netherlands. This can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Eduployment is here to guide you through every stage: language training, arrival and settling down in the Netherlands, BIG registration, etc. We take the time to explain the process clearly, and we stay by your side throughout your journey.

Our aim is simple: to help you feel fully prepared and confident as you build a meaningful future in Dutch healthcare.

Want to talk to us personally?

We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have questions about our programmes, language training, housing, or registration, we’re here to help.

At Eduployment, we believe that personal support makes all the difference. That’s why we take the time to listen, guide, and give you clear answers, so you can take your next step with confidence.

Ready to start your journey to living and working in the Netherlands? Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you.
Selwyn Paehlig
Director Eduployment
Call +31 6555 00 665

Real stories from our students

Ana Munaiz

“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.”

Sylvia Agarici

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!”

Matthias Christen

“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.”

Tonia Karapidaki

“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.”

Altea Koutsiouki

“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!”

Inês Ramos

“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.”

Asta Kuodiene

“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.”

Ágnes Hajas

“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!”

Alberto Soto

“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.”

Eglė Skersienė

“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.”

Join The Eduployment Programme!

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

We are firm believers in personal support and always take the time to listen, guide, and give you clear answers. As a result, you can take your next step with confidence.

So, we’d love to hear from you. Ask us any questions about our programmes, language training, housing, or registration. We’re here to help.

Ready to start your journey to living and working in the Netherlands? Don’t hesitate to reach
out. We’re here for you.

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