BIG Registration in 2025: What is it and why do you need it?

Are you a dentist or medical professional (such as a doctor or psychiatrist) planning to work in the Netherlands? Then there’s one crucial step you can’t afford to miss: obtaining your BIG registration.

In this blog, we’ll explain what the BIG register is, why it’s essential for your career, how to apply, and how Care-Force can guide you every step of the way.

What is the BIG register?

BIG stands for Beroepen in de Individuele Gezondheidszorg (Professions in Individual Healthcare). The BIG register is a public, official database that proves you're licensed to work in healthcare in the Netherlands.

Without a BIG number, you're not legally allowed to call yourself a dentist or doctor in the Netherlands, and you cannot practice independently.

The BIG registration ensures high standards of care and safety for patients — and offers credibility and transparency for healthcare professionals.

Why do you need BIG registration in 2025?

Rules and expectations around BIG registration have become stricter in recent years. In 2025, employers will only hire professionals with a valid BIG registration. It proves you:

Hold a recognized (EU) medical or dental diploma
Meet the required Dutch language level
Are ready to practice independently and safely

No BIG registration? No job — it’s as simple as that.

How do you get BIG registered?

You can apply for a BIG number through the official BIG register website (www.bigregister.nl).
The process can take some time and involves several important steps. To keep things clear and easy to follow, here’s a brief overview:

1. Diploma recognition
If you graduated within the EU, your diploma is often automatically recognized. If not, an evaluation by Nuffic may be required.

2. Provide a valid language certificate
For dentists, C1-level Dutch is required. For doctors and psychiatrists, usually B2+. No valid proof = no registration.

3. Submit a complete online application
You’ll upload documents and fill in your personal and professional details. All information must be accurate and complete to avoid delays.

4. Wait for assessment and approval
Processing can take several weeks or even months depending on your situation.

💡 Did you know... many candidates experience delays because of missing documents or incorrect language certificates? With Care-Force, you avoid these common mistakes.

Where does Care-Force come in?

At Care-Force, we’ve been guiding international dentists and doctors for over 20 years. We understand that applying for a BIG number can be complex — especially in a foreign language. That’s why we’re here to help.

✅ Step-by-step guidance through the BIG application
✅ Document and language certificate check
✅ We liaise with the BIG register on your behalf
✅ We offer Dutch language training up to the required level
✅ Once registered, we connect you with top jobs in the Netherlands

“Without Care-Force, I wouldn’t have known where to begin. Thanks to their help, I got my BIG registration in a few months — and now I’m working in a modern dental clinic.”
– Lucía, dentist from Spain

Start your BIG registration journey today

At Care-Force, we assist dentists and medical professionals who want to build a career in the Netherlands. BIG registration is an important part of that process — and we guide candidates who are also looking for a job through each step.

Please note:

👉 We offer BIG registration support only to professionals who meet all upfront requirements, such as holding an EU diploma and a valid language certificate.

👉 Our service is available as part of our full placement support, which includes job matching, relocation assistance, and more.