Admission to the profession
If your profession is regulated in the Netherlands, you will require permission from the responsible body, which is referred to as the competent authority. Contact the competent authority for further information about the admission procedure.
Please note that if you wish to practise your profession in the Netherlands temporarily (i.e. not permanently), you are not required to apply for recognition of your professional qualifications. You must, however, report in writing to the competent authority in advance of the temporary provision of services. For this reason, always contact the competent authority first.
Decision of the competent authority
The competent authority will make a decision within four months of submission of the application and the complete file. The possible outcomes are as follows:
- Immediate admission
Your diploma is accepted for admission to the regulated profession in the Netherlands and is comparable to the diploma required in the Netherlands. - Admission following the fulfilment of additional requirements
Your education differs substantially from the one in the Netherlands in terms of duration or content. You may practise the profession after satisfactorily completing an adaptation period or aptitude test. - No admission
You are not qualified for the profession (or not at the appropriate level) and therefore cannot be admitted.
If the profession is regulated in the Netherlands but not in the country in which the diploma was obtained, the competent authority may ask you for evidence of relevant professional experience. In this case, the competent authority must clearly substantiate its decision and specify what professional opportunities are available.
You may appeal against the decision to a national judicial authority. If this course of action does not lead to a solution, you may file a complaint with SOLVIT.
Costs
The competent authority may make a charge for the recognition procedure. The amount charged must, however, be proportionate to the procedural costs incurred.