Qualification-date conditions
Automatic recognition for eligible pre-2021 diplomas
A designated UK medical diploma issued before 1 January 2021 may use automatic diploma recognition; BIG instructs this cohort to request a paper application. Later diplomas use the certificate-of-competence procedure; doctors may require the professional-content test. Specialist recognition is separate.
Other professions
The legacy route also covers designated pharmacy, dentistry, midwifery and nursing diplomas. Later qualifications are assessed; dentists and nurses may also require a professional-content test. Dutch proficiency and BIG registration remain requirements. UK recognition of a third-country diploma does not transfer automatically.
Automatic or direct recognition describes a particular qualification procedure. Registration, language, scope, supervision, employment and immigration requirements can still apply. A UK licence or job title alone does not settle the route.
Source-led overview checked 28 October 2026. Use the exact award, date and profession when checking the regulator’s rules.
The Brexit agreement: what does this mean?BIG-register / CIBGRecognition of foreign diplomasBIG-register / CIBGFour checks before you commit
- Match your exact qualification, award date and professional register to the local route.
- Confirm language, supervision, specialty recognition and any assessment requirements.
- Verify the role, employer, training status and written offer.
- Check work rights, housing and the household budget separately.
Recognition of a qualification is not a licence to start work. Registration, scope, employment, language and work rights need separate confirmation.
Start with your profession
Each card separates a mapped official source from an authority lookup. A medical-registration route must not be applied to another profession.
Doctors
A designated UK medical diploma issued before 1 January 2021 may use automatic diploma recognition; BIG instructs this cohort to request a paper application. Later diplomas use the certificate-of-competence procedure; doctors may require the professional-content test. Specialist recognition is separate.
Official starting pointThe Brexit agreement: what does this mean?BIG-register / CIBGExplore this starting pointNurses
The legacy route also covers designated pharmacy, dentistry, midwifery and nursing diplomas. Later qualifications are assessed; dentists and nurses may also require a professional-content test. Dutch proficiency and BIG registration remain requirements. UK recognition of a third-country diploma does not transfer automatically.
Official starting pointRecognition of foreign diplomasBIG-register / CIBGExplore this starting pointMidwives
The legacy route also covers designated pharmacy, dentistry, midwifery and nursing diplomas. Later qualifications are assessed; dentists and nurses may also require a professional-content test. Dutch proficiency and BIG registration remain requirements. UK recognition of a third-country diploma does not transfer automatically.
Official starting pointRecognition of foreign diplomasBIG-register / CIBGExplore this starting pointParamedics
A profession-specific route is not mapped in this guide yet. Ask the destination authority and intended employer which register, recognised qualification and scope apply. Do not assume that the medical route covers this profession.
Authority check neededNetherlands: Work and residence informationNetherlands · public authorityExplore this starting pointDentists
The legacy route also covers designated pharmacy, dentistry, midwifery and nursing diplomas. Later qualifications are assessed; dentists and nurses may also require a professional-content test. Dutch proficiency and BIG registration remain requirements. UK recognition of a third-country diploma does not transfer automatically.
Official starting pointRecognition of foreign diplomasBIG-register / CIBGExplore this starting pointPharmacists
The legacy route also covers designated pharmacy, dentistry, midwifery and nursing diplomas. Later qualifications are assessed; dentists and nurses may also require a professional-content test. Dutch proficiency and BIG registration remain requirements. UK recognition of a third-country diploma does not transfer automatically.
Official starting pointRecognition of foreign diplomasBIG-register / CIBGExplore this starting pointVeterinarians
Procedure B assesses veterinary qualifications obtained outside the EEA or Switzerland; no automatic transfer is claimed.
Official starting pointVeterinary registration: NetherlandsCIBG · DiergeneeskunderegisterExplore this starting pointPlaces and roles to research
- Amsterdam
- Rotterdam
- Utrecht
- Regional services
Compare the actual role, roster, language and support in your chosen location. Training accreditation and specialist privileges need their own confirmation.
A life that works beyond the job
Build a location-specific budget. Include transport, housing deposits, temporary accommodation and the gap before your first salary. For households, add partner work plans, childcare and school access.
Read the family planning guideOfficial work and immigration sources
Netherlands: Work and residence informationNetherlands · public authorityNetherlands: Official employment starting pointNetherlands · public authorityOfficial starting links do not confirm live vacancies or an individual entitlement. Follow the authority’s current services and requirements.