Register as a Pharmacist in Netherlands

Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport or Ministry of Health Welfare and Sport

The Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport regulate the profession of pharmacy by granting the license.

In order to work in the Dutch healthcare sector with an international qualification, your diploma must be deemed equivalent to a Dutch diploma, which requires official recognition. Additionally, proficiency in the Dutch language is typically required in most cases. If your goal is to work in one of the regulated professions under the BIG (Individual Healthcare Professions) Act, registration in the BIG register is essential following the recognition of your diploma.

Steps in the application process

This procedure typically pertains to healthcare professionals holding diplomas from non-EU member states or Switzerland.

The overall process consist of at least two phases. In phase I the education is assessed and based on that the decision is served for equalency of recommendation of additional courses. In phases II, after getting approved in phase I, The person can apply for registration in the BIG register as Pharmacist. Doctors, dentists, and nurses are required to undergo an additional professional content (BI) test. Please review the step-by-step guide below attentively to understand the process. For certain professions, BIG registration can only be pursued after obtaining a Certificate of Competence (refer to step 9).

1. Preparing the application

2. Complete the application form and add the documents

3. Submit the application form and document

4. Assessment of qualification and overviews of subjects

5. Take the professional test (only for doctors, dentists and nurses)

6. Assessment by the commission

7. Receipt of (intended) decision

8. Your certificate of competence

9. Possibly apply for BIG registration (only for certain professions including pharmacist)

Application processing time

The processing time for your application typically ranges from 6 months to 1.5 years from the moment of submission.

However, the duration may vary depending on individual circumstances and the complexities of the case.

Fee involved in the process

Phase-I

The educational assessment or recognition of foreign qualification is free of charge.

Phase-II

The BIG register fee is €85

Dutch Language skills and English Reading Skills 

As Dutch is the primary language spoken by the majority of patients and is the official language of healthcare, care providers with foreign diplomas must demonstrate proficiency in Dutch. Evaluating Dutch language proficiency constitutes a significant aspect of the General Knowledge and Skills (AKV) test. Additionally, English language proficiency is also assessed as part of the test. The required language proficiency level varies depending on the profession.

Given the significance of proficient Dutch language skills, all correspondence and documentation related to this recognition procedure will be provided exclusively in Dutch.

Different language proficiency levels have been established for various professional tiers:

- Language Level B1: Applicable to Senior Secondary Vocational Education (MBO) professions, including roles like nurses.

- Language Level B2: Required for Higher Professional Education (HBO) professions, encompassing positions such as physiotherapists, physician assistants, midwives, and registered dental hygienists.

- Language Level B2+: Designated for university-level (WO) professions, covering disciplines like doctors, dentists, pharmacists, psychotherapists, health psychologists, and clinical technologists.

Where can you find resources for learning Dutch and obtaining a language certificate?

In the Netherlands, there are several providers offering training or courses in Dutch tailored to the appropriate level for obtaining a language certificate, with or without an accompanying test. It's essential to note that a language certificate is considered valid only if acquired through an examination.

For preparatory courses or acquiring a language certificate at levels B1 and B2, you can reach out to:

1. The State Exam Dutch as a Second Language (Nt2): This national language exam is designed for non-native adults learning Dutch as a second language. You can find a list of providers per province offering language training and NT2 exams on the Staatsexamensnt2.nl website.

2. University Language Centres: Visit the NUT website to discover all university language centers across the Netherlands.

3. Other Language Institutes: Contact any language institute capable of providing a Dutch course covering the necessary language level and components (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). It's crucial to ensure that the certificate obtained reflects successful completion of tests for all components, as proof of participation alone is insufficient.

Providers at B2+ Level:

Not all language centers offer courses or tests at the B2+ level. However, the following institutions provide such services. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and you may explore other institutions offering suitable components (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) at the required level for your course or test.

If you reside abroad and have proficient Dutch skills, you have the option to take the 'Dutch as a Foreign Language' test (CNaVT). This test must be administered by the Nederlandse Taalunie (Dutch Language Union). The certificate will be issued by either the College voor Toetsing en Examens (Board for Testing and Examinations) or the Nederlandse Taalunie.

English Reading Skills Levels:

- Language Level A2: Applicable to Senior Secondary Vocational Education (MBO) professions, such as nurses.

- Language Level B1: Required for Higher Professional Education (HBO) professions, including roles like physiotherapists, physician assistants, and midwives.

- Language Level B2: Designated for university-level (WO) professions, such as doctors, dentists, pharmacists, psychotherapists, and health psychologists. This level is comparable to IELTS 5.5-6.0 and TOEFL 72-94 scores.

Additionally, you have the option to enroll in English language courses offered by the aforementioned language institutes.

IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge certificates are recognized language certifications that meet the requirements for exemption from the English component of the AKV test. Refer to the AKV regulations (in Dutch) for more details on qualifying certificates for exemption.

Documents Required

When applying, you must include the following documents:

1. A notarized copy of the passport section containing personal data or a valid identification document.

2. A certified copy of the certificate or diploma from vocational training (the original diploma may be required at a later stage).

3. A certified copy of the subject overview corresponding to your vocational training diploma (the original subject overview may be requested at a later stage).

4. A certified copy of the training program (also referred to as Syllabus or Curriculum) for the duration of your training (for doctors and dentists; hold off on requesting this document until further notice. It may not be required for your application, and you will receive notification regarding its necessity upon submission of your application).

5. A document (original or an original certified copy) showing that you are authorized to practice your profession.

6. A certified copy of supporting documents verifying proficiency in Dutch language skills.

7. A certified copy of supporting documents demonstrating the required level of English reading skills.

Possible additional documentation:

- Please include the following documents with your application if applicable. It is recommended to provide all relevant documents as they are crucial for the assessment of your application:

1. Certified copy of the front and back of your residence document.

2. Official, signed employer's statement or another official statement (original or certified copy) of practical and/or professional experiences.

3. Certified copy of the certificate/diploma of your training as a legally recognized specialist.

4. Certificates, certificates, or diplomas (original or certified copy) from other specializations or further training after your vocational training.

5. Certificates, certificates, or diplomas (original or certified copy) from courses and/or training in your field.

6. Official statement from designated competent authority (original or certified copy) if your diploma has already been recognized by another EU Member State, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland and you have worked in your profession in this country.

7. Curriculum vitae (CV): overview of work experiences, education/courses, and publications (written in Dutch)

Using and Agent or Assistant

Regarding applications to the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport in the Netherlands, direct communication will occur between the applicants and the ministry. However, applicants have the option to designate an agent or representative to assist them in the application process. In such cases, the agent or representative must provide a power of attorney confirming their authority to act on behalf of the applicant. This power of attorney can be conveyed via email or as a physical document sent by the applicant, explicitly stating the individual's authorization to act on their behalf in the application process. It's important to note that attorneys-at-law and public legal aid attorneys are exempt from presenting this document unless specifically requested.

If you require assistance with your application to the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, our services are available to support you at every stage. Please feel free to contact us via phone (WhatsApp) at +358 46 9406962 or email us at contact.european.pharmacist@gmail.com.

Official website

To access the official online portal for submitting applications and accessing important resources, please visit the following link: Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport Netherlands.

We encourage applicants to utilize this online resource for streamlined and up-to-date information.

Trained in EU/EEA?

This information is intended solely for pharmacists trained outside the EU/EEA. Pharmacists trained within the EU/EEA are directed to follow the provided link https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/professional-qualifications/european-professional-card/index_en.htm for relevant guidance and procedures.