Current Requirements for General Practitioner (huisarts) Registration in the Netherlands - 2025

Complete guide for non-EU doctors on BIG registration procedure for general practitioners

⚠️ Important warning

The process is more complex than it seems. Realistic timeline: 4-5 years. Requires serious preparation and financial investment.

Realistic timeline: 4-5 years (not 2-3 years)
Significant financial investment: €5000-6000
Mandatory Dutch language learning to B2+ level
Professional competence assessment
Specialization recognition is not guaranteed

Requirements for non-EU general practitioner registration

Current 2025 requirements for doctors from non-EU countries

Master in Medicine from recognized university

General practitioner specialization (depends on recognition of your specialization)

3-6 years total process (including language)

Dutch B2+ level required (certificate from institute in NL)

❌ AKV test cancelled as of January 1, 2024

Verklaring van Vakbekwaamheid procedure through CIBG

Non-EU general practitioner registration procedure

Step-by-step procedure for doctors from non-EU countries

Diploma recognition procedure

Verklaring van Vakbekwaamheid procedure through CIBG

Submission through CIBG (Central Information Point for Healthcare Professions)
Collect all documents
Waiting for diploma assessment

Language requirements (updated 2024)

Dutch B2+ level, English reading only

Dutch language: B2+ level (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
English language: reading only
Certificate from language institute in the Netherlands (exception: CNaVT)
Certificate not older than 2 years
❌ AKV test cancelled as of January 1, 2024

Professional test (BI Test)

Mandatory for doctors, cost: €1700

Mandatory for doctors
Cost: €1700
Includes written test + practical skills
Professional competence assessment

General practitioner specialization

Separate procedure through Specialist Registration Commission (SRC)

If your specialization is recognized → adaptation internship
If not recognized → full 3-year specialization
SRC assessment required
Additional training possible

BIG registration

Cost: €85 (valid for 5 years)

Cost: €85
Valid for 5 years
Mandatory for independent practice
Receive BIG number

Costs and timeline

Realistic costs and timelines for non-EU doctors in 2025

Total costs

Language certificates €200-500

BI test €1700

BIG registration €85

Specialization recognition ≈€2285 + €750 за стажировку

Total cost ≈€5000-6000

Realistic timeline

Realistic duration

3-6 years (median 4-5 years)

Including language study

Time to learn Dutch to B2+ level

Important note

The process is more complex than it seems. Requires serious preparation and financial investment.

GP training program

Informatie over de specialisatie tot huisarts

3-year training after basic doctor registration

Practical experience in GP practices

Theoretical knowledge and skills

Patient care and communication

Diagnosis and treatment

Certificate after successful completion

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about GP registration

How long does the entire registration process take?

Realistic duration: 3-6 years (median 4-5 years). Includes learning Dutch to B2+ level, diploma recognition procedure, BI test and specialization.

What is the BI test?

BI test is a mandatory professional test for doctors from non-EU countries. Cost: €1700. Includes written test and practical skills assessment.

Is it true that the AKV test is cancelled?

Yes, the AKV test was cancelled as of January 1, 2024. Now a certificate from a language institute in the Netherlands is required (exception: CNaVT).

How much does the entire registration process cost?

Total cost: ≈€5000-6000. Includes: language certificates (€200-500), BI test (€1700), BIG registration (€85), specialization recognition (≈€2285 + €750 for internship).

Useful links

Official websites and resources for GP registration

BIG register

Official website for BIG registration applications and information

www.bigregister.nl

LHV

National GP Association Netherlands

www.lhv.nl

KNMG

Royal Dutch Medical Association

www.knmg.nl

CNaVT

Dutch language test for medical professionals

www.cnavt.org

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