Complete guide for pharmacists with diplomas from outside EU/EEA who want to register in the Netherlands
Specific requirements for pharmacists with diplomas from outside EU/EEA in 2025
Pharmacist diploma recognized by CBGV commission
Usually 3-year Master Pharmacy + premaster required
Dutch B2 level (CNaVT certificate)
Declaration of professional competence via CBGV
CCPS certificate from all relevant countries
Good Conduct certificates from all countries
Yes, AKV test was cancelled from January 1, 2024. Now a certificate from a language institute in the Netherlands is required (exception: CNaVT).
Dutch pharmaceutical education differs strongly from most foreign ones. Dutch pharmacists must be experts in medication guidance, pharmaceutical patient care, medication assessments, auditing, medication reviews, ICT skills and communication - subjects that are often missing in traditional foreign curricula.
Extensive procedure via Declaration of professional competence
Collect all required documents before starting
Online application via mijn.bigregister.nl
Commission assesses your education and experience
CBGV imposes in 95% of cases a 3-year Master Pharmacy + premaster on non-EU pharmacists due to major differences in curriculum.
3-year education + possible premaster
CNaVT B2 certificate for pharmacists
Final registration with supervision period
Extensive documents list for declaration of professional competence
CCPS and good conduct certificates not older than 3 months
Realistic costs and timelines for non-EU doctors in 2025
The process is more complex than it seems. Realistic timeline: 4-5 years. Requires serious preparation and financial investment.
Every 5 years pharmacists must re-register in BIG-register
Faster ways to work in pharmaceutical sector
Research masters: drug innovation, biopharmaceutical sciences, pharmaceutical technology
Industry roles: medical affairs, clinical research, market access
KNMP mentor network - support for career choices
Specific questions for non-EU pharmacists
Dutch pharmaceutical practice fundamentally differs from most countries
Yes, this is a common strategy. Pharmacy assistant can start working faster
Total cost: ≈€8000-12000. Includes: language certificates (€200-300), CBGV assessment (€2500), Master Pharmacy (€6000-9000), BIG registration (€85), supervision period.
Master Pharmacy is full-time, very intensive, limited part-time work possible
Netherlands: pharmacy at Utrecht, Groningen, Leiden - all offer premaster programs
Realistic duration: 4-5 years. Includes learning Dutch to B2+ level, CBGV assessment procedure, Master Pharmacy and supervision.
official_websites_resources_non_eu_pharmacists
Online application for recognition of non-EU diplomas
Largest pharmaceutical faculty in the Netherlands
Professional association career support
Association of pharmacists in industry
Courses for qualified person certification
Official Dutch language certification B2
Start today preparation for Dutch pharmaceutical career
Disclaimer: Information is current as of 01.2025. Always consult official websites for the most recent information.
