Did you obtain your diploma abroad as a veterinarian, paraveterinary professional (veterinary nurse, veterinary technician), animal physiotherapist or embryo transplanters/winner? Then you must register in the 'Register of Veterinary Medical Practitioners' (Diergeneeskunderegister) to be allowed to work in your profession in the Netherlands. To qualify for this, you must meet the educational requirements that apply in the Netherlands. The profession and the country where a diploma was obtained, determines whether a qualification (diploma) is directly recognized by the register, or whether it must first be assessed by the committee. The table below indicates which procedure applies to your situation.
Last updated on the 1st of March 2024
What procedure must I follow to register with my foreign diploma?
| Profession | Land of qualification | Correct procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinarians (veterinary surgeons) | EEA countries or Switzerland | Procedure A |
| Veterinarians (veterinary surgeons) | Outside the EEA or Switzerland | Procedure B |
| Veterinary nurse, veterinary technician | All countries | Procedure B |
| Animal physiotherapist | All countries | Procedure B |
| Embryo transfer professional | All countries | Procedure B |
Authorisation specialists in embryo transfer or embryo collection
Veterinary care assistants and veterinary technicians specialised in embryo placement or embryo collection are allowed to perform less complex veterinary activities independently without supervision. However, most of their activities will take place under the supervision or guidance of a veterinarian. Animal physiotherapists may only treat animals after referral by a veterinarian.
Consulting the register
The Register of Veterinary Medical Practitioners is open to the public. For instance, suppliers of veterinary pharmaceutical products can consult the Register to determine whether targeted veterinarians and paraveterinarians are actually included.