Short answer
Start with the authority for the exact profession, not a generic diploma-level report.
Sources: Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
Who decides
The relevant competent authority: BIG-register for the nursing example, DUO for the teaching example; other roles have other authorities.
Sources: Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) · CIBG / BIG-register · DUO
Check this before paying
Read the official regulated-profession map and then the profession’s current procedure.
Open the primary source ↗Sources: Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
When this applies
Permanent work and temporary or occasional service can follow different rules. Public-health or public-order exceptions can require recognition before temporary work.
Sources: Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
Which document
The professional recognition, competence or registration evidence specified by the responsible authority.
Sources: Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
Avoid the wrong purchase
A paid IDW comparison or an academic title award cannot substitute for a professional decision.
Sources: Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) · IDW / Nuffic and SBB · DUO
What this does not do
This is an authority map, not an exhaustive personal checklist, residence-route selection or recognition decision.
Sources: Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
Your next official step
Identify the competent authority and use the specific profession guide below to check its current instructions.
Continue to the official guidance ↗Sources: Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
Who arranges the academic comparison?
In the BIG competence procedure the authority arranges any necessary Nuffic/SBB assessment. DUO’s teaching forms describe an existing IDW evaluation as optional. Do not infer a requirement to buy one yourself merely because Nuffic is consulted within a professional procedure.
Sources: Certificate of competence for qualifications outside Europe · EU teaching recognition form, 5283-EN-010 · Non-EU teaching recognition form, 5264-EN-025
DiploWay recipient map
Write the exact professional title, work setting and intended duration. Keep qualification country, citizenship and residence status separate; one does not establish the others. Ask the authority which facts affect the route before choosing documents or examinations.
Related decisions for this process
Profession-specific processes
- Accountancy and auditNetherlands — protected RA/AA designations; RA pathway example and statutory audit distinction
- NursingNetherlands — BIG-register general nurse (verpleegkundige); not VIG caregiver, specialist registration or a BES-island procedure
- TeachingEuropean Netherlands — DUO primary, special needs, secondary, vocational/adult teaching authorisations; not childcare or a generic all-sector licence
Explore another use for the same qualification
Sources and scope
- Foreign healthcare diploma: route overview
CIBG / BIG-register · checked 2026-10-14 (UTC date)
- Foreign teaching qualifications: recognition or temporary service
DUO · checked 2026-10-14 (UTC date)
- Employment evaluation: check the recipient first
IDW / Nuffic and SBB · checked 2026-10-14 (UTC date)
- Applying to use a Dutch academic title
DUO · checked 2026-10-14 (UTC date)
- Certificate of competence for qualifications outside Europe
CIBG / BIG-register · checked 2026-10-14 (UTC date)
- EU teaching recognition form, 5283-EN-010
DUO · checked 2026-10-14 (UTC date)
- Non-EU teaching recognition form, 5264-EN-025
DUO · checked 2026-10-14 (UTC date)