To work as a nurse in the Netherlands, you’ll need to meet a few important requirements. These include completing a recognised nursing education (nursing degree), 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 integration and ultimately registration. You can start your career with confidence and clarity.
When you join the Eduployment programme, you’ll begin your career in the Netherlands as a Verzorgende, 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; 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.
At Eduployment, we make sure your journey into Dutch healthcare is step-by-step, supportive, and focused on long-term growth.
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 in healthcare over the past five years. If you haven’t reached this threshold, you may need to take an assessment or follow 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.
Your professional experience is an important factor, both for staying registered in the BIG register and for continuing your career in Dutch healthcare. To renew your BIG registration, you must prove that you’ve worked at least 2,080 hours over the past five years.
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.
At Eduployment, 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.
If you’ve already completed nursing training abroad, you won’t necessarily have to start from scratch. Depending on your diploma and work experience, you may be eligible for exemptions.
The Dutch authorities will compare your education with the national curriculum. If parts of your training match, you could be exempt from repeating certain subjects or clinical hours. However, you may still need to follow a tailored programme, such as theory modules, placements, or a knowledge test, to meet the Dutch standards.
At Eduployment, we help you understand what to expect and guide you through every step of this process. Together, we’ll make sure your pathway to recognition in the Netherlands is clear, realistic, and adapted to your background.
In the Netherlands, hands-on training is a key part of nursing education and professional integration. If you hold a diploma that does not fully meet Dutch standards, you may be asked to complete a supervised internship or adaptation period. This could be in a nursing home, hospital, or community care setting.
Such practical experience helps you get acquainted with Dutch healthcare protocols, teamwork, and patient expectations, so you can work with confidence and provide high-quality care.
At Eduployment, we make sure you’re well-prepared before you start and continue to support you throughout the entire process.
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 sometimes complete additional training to meet Dutch standards. That can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Eduployment is here to guide you through every stage. We help you understand what’s needed for diploma recognition, BIG registration, and, if necessary, further training or practical placements. 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.
“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.”
The Netherlands offers a great balance between income and cost of living. With strong salaries, excellent public services, and tailored support from Eduployment, you can count on a comfortable start. Do you have questions about living, working, or financial arrangements in the Netherlands? Our team is ready to guide you personally. Get in touch with us today!
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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