Nurse CV for the Netherlands
For nurse jobs in the Netherlands, lead with BIG register entry. Employers usually expect a CV on A4 paper, most recent experience first. Length: 1–2 pages.
Build a nurse CV for the NetherlandsYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
Registration and licences
| Nurses | BIG register entry |
|---|
Put it near the top of the CV. If you are still applying, list it with the status “In progress” and the date you applied. Confirm current requirements with the regulator before you apply.
In the EU/EEA, this profession has automatic recognition under Directive 2005/36/EC: mention recognition of your diploma (or that it is in progress).
Sections to include
| Section (in this order) | How important | Heading in Dutch |
|---|---|---|
| Profile | Recommended | Profiel |
| Registration & licences | Expected | Certificaten & registraties |
| Experience | Expected | Werkervaring |
| Education | Expected | Opleiding |
| Clinical skills | Recommended | Vaardigheden |
| Courses & CPD | Recommended | Cursussen en trainingen |
| References | Recommended | Referenties |
Length: 1–2 pages.
Personal details in the Netherlands
| What it is called | Curriculum Vitae (usually written in Dutch or English) |
|---|---|
| Length | 1–2 pages |
| Paper size | A4 |
| Layout | Single column |
| Order | Most recent first |
| Dates | Month and year (e.g. Mar 2023) |
| Photo | Optional |
| Date of birth | Optional |
| Nationality | Optional |
| Marital status | Optional |
| Right to work / visa status | Optional |
| References | “References available on request” is fine |
| Explain gaps longer than | 6 months |
Key facts
- Nurses in the Netherlands must be in the BIG register to use the protected title verpleegkundige. Source: bigregister.nl
- In the EU, qualifications of nurses responsible for general care and of midwives are recognised automatically under Directive 2005/36/EC. Source: employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu
- In the Netherlands, professionals such as doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists and physiotherapists must be in the BIG register to use their protected professional title. Source: bigregister.nl
- The Dutch Equal Treatment Act prohibits discrimination on grounds including religion, belief, political opinion, race, sex, nationality, sexual orientation and civil status. Source: wetten.overheid.nl
- Employers in the Netherlands can hire non-EU professionals through the IND highly skilled migrant scheme, which has its own salary thresholds. Source: ind.nl
Facts checked 2026-10-15.
Tips
- Lead with your registration (e.g. NMC PIN, AHPRA number, RN licence) and its status.
- For each post give the ward or unit, patient group, bed numbers and shift pattern.
- List competencies: IV, cannulation, medicines management, specific equipment.
- Overseas nurses: state your OSCE / NCLEX / IELTS or OET status.
- In the EU/EEA, automatic recognition (Directive 2005/36/EC) covers nurses responsible for general care; specialist nursing qualifications go through the general recognition route.
- Direct, factual tone; a short profile and clear bullet points.
- A photo is optional; date of birth and nationality are optional.
- Mention languages with levels (CEFR A1–C2); multilingualism matters here.
Questions
What registration do nurses need on a CV in the Netherlands?
Nurses applying in the Netherlands should show BIG register entry near the top of the CV, with the registration number and status. If you are still applying, list it with the status “In progress”. Put it in its own section, above your experience. Requirements change, so confirm the current rules with the regulator before you apply.
Should a nursing CV for the Netherlands have a photo?
It’s optional. A nursing CV for the Netherlands works with or without a photo, and most employers decide on your experience and qualifications. If you add one, keep it professional: a recent head-and-shoulders picture on a plain, light background. Leave it out if the job advert or application form says not to include one. A photo is optional; date of birth and nationality are optional.
How long should a nursing CV be in the Netherlands?
Aim for 1–2 pages, the norm in the Netherlands. Put your registration and most recent roles on the first page, keep older roles to a line or two each, and use A4 paper. Employers in this field usually check your registration first. CV Atlas warns you when the CV runs longer than usual.
What sections does a nursing CV for the Netherlands need?
A nursing CV for the Netherlands needs your contact details, experience, education and registration and licences. A photo and date of birth are optional there, so add them only if you are comfortable doing so. Put the most recent role first and describe each post with the setting, scope and results. CV Atlas applies this structure when you choose the job and the country, and its readiness check lists anything missing.
Can I use my qualification from another EU country in the Netherlands?
Usually, yes. Nurses have automatic recognition of qualifications across the EU, the EEA and Switzerland under Directive 2005/36/EC, so mention that your diploma is recognised in the Netherlands, or that recognition is in progress. You still need to register with the authority in the Netherlands before you start work, and you may need to show language skills. Confirm the process and timescales with the competent authority before applying.
Related guides
General guides: CVs for the Netherlands and Nursing & midwifery CVs in any country.
Other jobs in the Netherlands: Doctor, Dentist, Pharmacist, Allied health, Teacher, Engineer, Lawyer, Accountant, Electrician and trades, Care worker, Childcare worker, Social worker, Software engineer.
Nurse CVs for other countries: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Sweden, Norway, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Singapore, Japan.
Start your nurse CVYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
Guidance checked October 2026; facts checked 2026-10-15. General information for most employers, not legal or immigration advice. A job advert’s own instructions always come first. CV Atlas is not affiliated with any regulator or professional body named.