Working in the Netherlands
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in the Netherlands
6,400
In the Netherlands , the term "occupational therapist" is also referred to as
Ergotherapeut
Main language(s) spoken in the Netherlands
Dutch
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Not Required
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Required
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It is compulsory to join the Ergotherapie Nederland in order to practice as an occupational therapist
No
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
Yes
Required is to graduate at an Univeristy of apllied science in Occupational Therapy, a 4 years education programme
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
Dutch (Flemish)
Since many articles and books we use are written in English this is more or less also a required language
Additional requirements for occupational therapists to practice
Especialy for OT's working in a private practise, it is obliged to prove, every five years that you have attended courses, have been working as an OT and have done other tasks to contribute to OT. Only when you have earned enugh point you can be/ stay a registred OT; see the following website for more information: https://www.kwaliteitsregisterparamedici.nl/ (External) ↗
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
The need for OT is growning and we have many job opportunities. Few students choose to study OT.
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
The central sites are: Vacaturebank Ergotherapie Ergobaan.nl - de specialist in Ergotherapie vacatures There are also many agencies to be found via the internet advertising vacancies.
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
Permission to work in the Netherlands If you do not hold the nationality of one of the European Union member states, you will require a Residency Permit (‘Verblijfsvergunning’). BSN Number. An employer will ask for a BSN number (Burger Service Number) a central tax number. This is obtained by contacting one of the many Tax offices.
To work in the Netherlands a Visa verblijfsvergunning is obtained as wel as a Certificate of good conduct (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag) That shows that you have no criminal convictions or behavior that would present a risk to your work as an OT.
To work in the Netherlands a Visa verblijfsvergunning is obtained as wel as a Certificate of good conduct (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag) That shows that you have no criminal convictions or behavior that would present a risk to your work as an OT.
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in the Netherlands
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Ergotherapie Nederland and was last updated on 9th May 2025. WFOT is not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or changes in the information provided. This information is intended as a guide and should be independently verified before making any decisions.
Definition of Occupational Therapy in the Netherlands
Ergotherapie Nederland's definition of occupational therapy in own language
Ergotherapie is gericht op het mogelijk maken van het handelen, zodat participatie - het deelnemen van mensen aan het dagelijks en maatschappelijk leven - gerealiseerd wordt ten behoeve van gezondheid en welzijn. Dit wordt bereikt door de mogelijkheden van personen, organisaties of populaties in het handelen te benutten en te vergroten, dan wel door de omgeving aan te passen en/of te gebruiken.
Ergotherapie Nederland's definition of occupational therapy in English
Occupational Therapy focuses on enabling occupation, in order to realize participation in daily and societal life, for the benefit of health and well being. This will be accomplished by using and increasing the abilities of persons, organizations and populations, and or by modifying and using the environment.
Definition date: April 2017
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in the Netherlands
4