How do I obtain recognition of a foreign teaching qualification?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
For ongoing teaching, apply to DUO for recognition. Temporary or occasional work has a conditional notification route for EEA/Swiss diplomas. Recognition is free; a foreign diploma alone is not automatic Dutch teaching authorisation.
On this page
1. Your situation
Select the exact authorisation: primary, special, subject teaching, general secondary, vocational/adult education. You need teacher training at least equivalent to Dutch higher education, granting teaching rights in the diploma country and matching the requested role.
2. Conditions
DUO’s temporary route requires an EU residence permit and an EEA/Swiss diploma with matching rights. Outside those countries only recognition, not the temporary shortcut. Gather diploma, authorisation evidence, course content and other documents required by the chosen form/online route. If you are an EU citizen without such a permit, ask DUO to confirm your notification conditions; do not infer exclusion from this brief source wording.
3. Preparation
Prefer DUO online; paper takes considerably longer. Otherwise use Aanvraag Erkenning EU-beroepskwalificaties onderwijspersoneel for EEA/Switzerland, or the non-EU version. Temporary work uses Melding tijdelijke of incidentele dienstverrichting EU-beroepskwalificaties onderwijspersoneel. Follow the form’s document/translation requirements.
4. Apply
Non-EEA diplomas for primary/special education also require language evidence at B2 or equivalent. Dutch examples include NT2 programmeII or suitable Dutch-taught diploma; Papiamento for Bonaire; English for Saba/Sint Eustatius and international education in European Netherlands. The source lists acceptable evidence per language. English evidence is not general Dutch authorisation.
5. Decision
People from Ukraine under temporary protection can apply with suitable teaching qualifications. Ordinary primary education requires DutchB2; internationally oriented primary education EnglishB2. An igbo recognition does not cover ordinary education. This route does not require sworn translations of original Ukrainian documents; other evidence rules remain.
6. Next steps
DUO may consult Nuffic and the diploma country’s authority. If verification there is impossible, the institution must confirm graduation. Keep receipt and respond to requests. Check the decision’s exact teaching scope; temporary registration receives acceptance confirmation. Follow objection instructions for refusal. Application is not recognition.
Does EnglishB2 allow ordinary primary teaching?
Not under an igbo-only recognition. That covers internationally oriented primary schools; ordinary education has different language/authorisation conditions.
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DUO · Werken als leraar ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.