Do you want to immigrate to the Netherlands as a doctor? Great choice! The country offers top salaries for doctors and has one of the best healthcare systems in Europe. This guide covers everything you need to know to work as a doctor in the Netherlands. We’ll walk you through the requirements, the process, and common questions about starting your medical career there.
How to Work and Immigrate to the Netherlands as a Doctor?
Let’s answer the age-old question, “How to work as a foreign doctor in Netherlands”:
Step 1. Check Eligibility
To immigrate to the Netherlands as a doctor, you need to determine whether you are eligible to practice as a doctor in the Netherlands, you should:
You need a medical degree from an accredited institution to practice medicine in your country. You can find out what degrees are recognized on the Dutch government’s website.
You can expect Dutch authorities to review your qualifications, usually the Dutch Ministry of Health. Your qualifications will be checked to ensure they meet Dutch standards.
Continue your medical education and adhere to Dutch medical regulations. Practicing medicine in the Netherlands is essential if you want to succeed.
Step 2. Learn the Language
To immigrate to the Netherlands as a doctor, you’ll need a proficient level of Dutch, typically B2 or higher on the CEFR scale, and in some cases, C1. Inburgeringsexamen or NT2 language tests may be required, though specific tests and scores may vary. There is no substitute for learning medical terminology in Dutch.
Step 3. License Recognition
Medical professionals and doctors must go through the Netherlands Medical Council registration, also known as “BIG Register” (Beroepen in de Individuele Gezondheidszorg Register). Medical practitioners in the country are required to register with this organization. Healthcare professionals are registered with the BIG Register to ensure that their qualifications are up-to-date, adhere to Dutch healthcare standards, and are proficient in Dutch.
To immigrate to the Netherlands as a doctor, BIG Register registration requires certain criteria from you, including a recognized medical degree, language proficiency (especially in Dutch), and passing the BIG Exam. Dutch Health, welfare, and Sports Ministry (VWS) oversees doctors’ registration to practice medicine legally. Medical specialties and professional qualifications may have specific registration requirements.
Step 4. Apply for a Visa
To immigrate to the Netherlands as a doctor and start working, you’ll need a Netherlands work visa. Depending on your qualifications, you may be able to apply for a Highly Skilled Migrant Visa or a European Blue Card. Your employer can help you with the application if you have a job offer. Ensure you have all the necessary documentation, including a valid passport, proof of employment, and financial statements.
Step 5. Residency Permit
To immigrate to the Netherlands as a doctor:
Your local municipality should be notified of your arrival after you have registered.
By applying to the IND, you can obtain a Dutch residence permit. You can get assistance from your employer or sponsor.
Ensure you have the necessary documents, including a valid passport, proof of employment, a criminal past, and proof of financial means.
Obtain biometric information and interview if necessary.
Your application will be processed, and a residence permit will be issued once the IND has processed it.
Renewals of residence permits, which often require continued employment and financial stability documentation, must be done before they expire.
Step 6. Health Insurance
To immigrate to the Netherlands as a doctor successfully, you will need health insurance in the Netherlands since healthcare is mandatory. It may be possible for your employer to assist you with this. Zilveren Kruis, Achmea, CZ, VGZ, and Menzis are some of the Netherlands’ most prominent health insurance providers.
Step 7. Housing
To stay and live after you immigrate to the Netherlands as a doctor, you need proper housing. Apartments, houses, shared housing, and short-term rentals are among the housing options available when relocating to the Netherlands. International residents can find housing on websites such as Funda.nl and Pararius.com and expat-oriented sites such as Expatica and HousingAnywhere. It may also be helpful to join social media groups and local boards.
Step 8. Financial Considerations
To immigrate to the Netherlands as a doctor, you must be prepared for the cost of living in the country, which includes taxes, healthcare premiums, and daily expenses.
Rent. Monthly rent is between €800 and €2,000 or more.
Groceries. The cost per month is approximately €200 to €300.
Transportation. The average monthly amount is between 50 and 100 euros.
Utilities. The monthly cost is estimated to be between €150 and €200.
Health Insurance. Typically, the cost per month is €100.
Dining Out. Mid-range restaurants may charge between €15 and €30 for a meal.
Entertainment. Per month, you should budget between €50 and €100.
Step 9. Stay Informed
Keep up with local news, taxation, health insurance, and legal changes to stay in the Netherlands successfully. Develop language skills, understand Dutch culture, and join expat networks. You can have a fulfilling experience in the Netherlands by staying informed about employment regulations and participating in cultural and leisure activities.
Can Foreign Doctors Work in the Netherlands?
Can I move to the Netherlands as a doctor? The answer is yes. Foreign doctors in the Netherlands must be qualified and meet the eligibility principles. It’s a long process, and your documents must be recognized and registered.
Protected Doctor Jobs in the Netherlands
A few doctor job Netherlands in healthcare need approval and recognition from the Dutch government. You must get approval from the authorities before you immigrate to the Netherlands as a doctor. It is illegal to work in these occupations if you don’t get the approval, and you may not apply for a visa or work permit.
- Allied medical care professional
- Clinical technologist
- Dentist
- Doctor
- Health psychologist
- Midwife
- Nurse
- Pharmacist
- Physiotherapist
- Physician Assistant
- Psychotherapist
- Registered dental hygienist (temporary registration)
- Remedial educationalist
To find a doctor job in the Netherlands, start by ensuring your medical degree is recognized by the BIG Register. You need fluency in Dutch, so pass the required language test. Search for jobs on Dutch healthcare portals, hospital websites, or recruitment agencies specializing in medical professionals. Focus on roles like general practitioner, specialist, or emergency doctor. Employers often assist with visas. Apply directly to healthcare institutions and follow Dutch registration and licensing rules to qualify for practice.
Can You Be a Doctor in the Netherlands without Speaking Dutch?
It is almost impossible to work as a doctor in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch. Most medical jobs require fluency in Dutch, proven by passing a language test like the Staatsexamen NT2 (Dutch as a Second Language Exam) at the B2 or C1 level. Doctors must communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and healthcare teams.
Although limited, some English-speaking roles exist. They include medical researchers, academic lecturers, or clinical trial coordinators in international hospitals or organizations. These jobs usually focus on research or teaching and involve minimal patient interaction.
Are Doctors Paid Well in the Netherlands?
Yes. Doctors are the highest-paid jobs in the Netherlands. After you learn how to become a doctor in Netherlands, you can expect to earn about €12.000-€20.000 per month. The amount is average and increases with your expertise and work experience.
Doctors’ Salaries in the Netherlands
A doctor who has just graduated from the university can earn €4.000-€6.000. A licensed door can earn €12.000-€20.000 per month. The Netherlands has one of the top healthcare systems in the world. So you can expect to earn higher than in other European countries.
How to Get a Job as a Doctor in the Netherlands?
- Find out whether there is demand for your specialization and locations where you might be able to find jobs in the Dutch medical field.
- Dedicated healthcare job websites like “MedischeBankenbank” or general job boards like “Indeed” and “LinkedIn” can be used to find vacancies.
- You can find job listings at medical societies and associations, such as KNMG.
- Connect with Dutch medical professionals by attending medical events and online forums.
- If you are seeking a job, you may want to consider medical recruitment agencies.
How to Become a Doctor in Netherlands?
The following are the key steps to learn how to become a doctor in Netherlands:
- Make sure to emphasize biology, chemistry, and physics in your high school education.
- The Netherlands conducts most of its medical education in Dutch, so international students should demonstrate proficiency in this language.
- Attend a Dutch university for a three-year premedical bachelor’s program.
- The Dutch medical schools offer six-year medical degrees after completing a pre-medical program.
- Take part in clinical rotations in various medical specialties as part of your medical education.
- Upon receiving your medical degree, choose a medical specialty that requires further training, including a residency.
- The Dutch government requires doctors to be registered in a medical registry called BIG (Beroepen in de Individuele Gezondheidszorg Register). As a result of this registration, you confirm that you are compliant with Dutch healthcare standards and proficient in Dutch.
- After completing your medical education, specialization, and any required residency, you must apply for a medical license.
- Maintain your knowledge of Dutch medical regulations and advancements in your field as a medical professional by committing to continuous learning.
Medical Residency in Netherlands
This opportunity provides specialized training for doctors in surgical fields, internal medicine, pediatrics, and more. The duration of residency depends on the specialty, typically lasting 3 to 6 years. The training takes place at teaching hospitals and academic medical centers, such as Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, AMC in Amsterdam, and UMC Utrecht. Residents will gain advanced medical knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on patient care experience. If you are a non-EU doctor, you may need to complete an adaptation program to align your qualifications with Dutch standards. The cost can be from €2,000 to €10,000. Fluency in Dutch is mandatory because residents work directly with patients and colleagues in Dutch healthcare settings.
- Steps to Apply:
Submit your credentials to the BIG Register to confirm they meet Dutch standards. - Non-EU doctors must pass this to demonstrate medical knowledge and language skills.
- Pass a language proficiency test, typically at a B2 or C1 level.
- Look for opportunities at teaching hospitals and academic medical centers.
- Include your CV, motivation letter, and translated medical certifications.
- Highlight your clinical experience and strengths to stand out.
- Some specialties may require interviews or extra exams.
Are Doctors in Demand in the Netherlands?
Yes, there is a high need for doctors in the Netherlands due to factors like the aging population and the increasing number of people requiring healthcare. The healthcare industry offers doctors a variety of employment opportunities. Specialization and location may affect demand, however. So, you better start to learn how to become a doctor in Netherlands.
Is a US Medical Degree Valid in the Netherlands?
A US medical degree is not automatically valid in the Netherlands. To practice, you must first validate your degree through the BIG Register to ensure it meets Dutch standards. You also need to pass the AKV test, which assesses your medical knowledge and Dutch language skills. Fluency in Dutch is mandatory, proven by passing the Staatsexamen NT2 at the B2 or C1 level. Non-EU doctors with a US degree may also need to complete an adaptation program or extra exams. Once qualified, you can apply for jobs or residency in the Netherlands.
Immigrate to the Netherlands as a Doctor: Let’s Recap
This article answered the prominent question, “How to work as a doctor in the Netherlands?” It brought you all you have to know: who is eligible, the requirements, and the recognition and registration process. Every step is explained in detail; you will need no other guide to move to the Netherlands as a doctor.
If you have questions, write them down in the comment section. The Visa Library team will answer them. You can find more information about the Netherlands visa from the right sidebar.
FAQs
Do you need to speak Dutch to work as a doctor in the Netherlands?
Yes, you typically need to speak Dutch to work as a doctor in the Netherlands.
Do doctors speak English in the Netherlands?
There are a large number of doctors who speak English, especially those in large cities and academic medical centers. The Netherlands has many schools that teach and speak English as a second language.
Can American doctors work in the Netherlands?
Yes, American doctors have the opportunity for working as a foreign doctor in the Netherlands, but they must navigate a series of steps.
- Published by
- Max-B.
- 6 Comments
Good day
I am a medical doctor working in iraq, what should my first be? The thing should i start creating an account on Big Register Website and start doing document work or i should be doing that after getting my language certificates?
Medical practice in the Netherlands requires fluency in Dutch, so an Iraqi doctor moving there should make that a top priority. The next step is to submit the necessary paperwork to the Dutch government in order to have your medical credentials officially recognized. After your credentials have been validated, you can apply for inclusion on the BIG Register, the Dutch healthcare professional register. This is a necessary requirement for working as a medical professional in the Netherlands. Get started on your job hunt or residency applications at the same time. Get ready for life in the Netherlands and make sure you’re meeting all the immigration requirements. You can make the transition to the healthcare system in the Netherlands much easier by consulting immigration experts or organizations that specialize in healthcare relocations.
Hello. New info has come forth that as of the 1st of January 2024, the AKV test wont be necessary and you can provide just the language proficiency instead. Can explain please what does this mean exactly? Thank you in advance, your content is most helpful.
You have received information that shows a shift in the immigration rules for medical professionals in the Netherlands, effective as of January 1, 2024. It specifies that linguistic proficiency rather than the AKV (Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) test will be sufficient for immigration.
This likely means that the AKV test, which was previously used to evaluate a doctor’s knowledge and skills, will no longer be required for doctors seeking employment in the Netherlands. They will mostly need to show that they can communicate well in Dutch or whatever other language is necessary for their profession. Being able to communicate fluently in a language both patients and coworkers understand is crucial in the healthcare industry.
Is 1700euro fee for all part of medical exam DKV,VGT & DKK? Or is it 1700euro for each ?? Are these exams in English or Dutch? N
The 1700 euro fee typically covers all parts of the medical exams (DKV, VGT, and DKK) required for doctors seeking to immigrate to the Netherlands. These exams are generally conducted in Dutch.