What is a credential evaluation, and who issues it

Credential evaluation by Nuffic compares your foreign diploma with a Dutch one. The process helps employers, universities, or immigration officers determine your diploma level in the Netherlands. Nuffic is the body responsible under the Lisbon Recognition Convention for comparing foreign diplomas to Dutch qualifications.​

Once your credential evaluation is complete, you will receive an official document stating which Dutch education level your foreign degree corresponds to. The ratings can be WO (research university) or HBO (applied sciences). The Netherlands credential evaluation certificate is not legally binding, meaning universities and employers make their own final decisions, but it remains the standard reference point they use.

Note: The credential evaluation is digital and electronically signed, and the signature is only valid on the digital PDF. The signature becomes invalid if you print the document. If an employer asks for a hard copy, send them the digital file directly rather than a printout.

Do you need a credential evaluation?

You need to apply for a credential evaluation if you are in these categories:

• Your employer requests it as part of the hiring or contracting process.
• You are applying to a Dutch university for a master’s programme, and the institution requires formal evidence of your bachelor’s level.
• You are applying for a highly skilled migrant (HSM) visa or an EU Blue Card, and the IND requires Nuffic confirmation that your foreign degree meets the higher-education requirement of at least 3 years.

Note: If you are applying to work or study in a regulated profession such as medicine, nursing, or teaching, you will need confirmation from the competent authority about whether you need a credential evaluation and which steps to follow.

What documents do you need

The IDW requires the following for every application:

• a colour copy of the diploma or certificate for evaluation;
• a colour copy of the grades list or the complete diploma supplement;
• a colour copy of your passport, residence permit or identity card, which must be valid for at least 3 more months;
• A sworn translation of any documents not issued in Dutch, English, German, or French. Note: You don’t need translations if you are applying for integration (inburgering).

Depending on your situation, you may also need extra documents such as

• a copy of your bachelor’s diploma and a list of marks or grades, if you request a credential evaluation for a Master’s
• a copy of the documents from your previous education if you have received credit transfer for the education for which you are requesting a diploma evaluation
• proof of a change of name if your name on your passport, resident permit or ID card is not the same as on your diploma. This is, for example, a marriage certificate.
• a copy of the permission form, if you request a credential evaluation on behalf of someone else.

Where does translation fit in?

IDW requires you to submit a sworn translation for any documents issued in a language other than Dutch, English, German, or French.

A sworn translation, beëdigde vertaling in Dutch, is different from a standard certified translation. In the Netherlands, sworn translators are officially registered on the Register of Sworn Interpreters and Translators (Register beëdigde tolken en vertalers), maintained by Bureau Wbtv.

For IDW credential evaluation, you can use registered Dutch sworn translators or those from another country.

Documents that commonly require sworn translation for IDW applications include

• Degree certificates
• Diplomas
• Transcripts
• Grade lists
• Marriage certificate in cases where a change of name document is required
• Any additional country-specific documents

If any of these documents are issued in Arabic, Hindi, Mandarin, Urdu, Indonesian, Turkish, or other non-exempt languages, you need to translate them for IDW credential evaluation.

LegalTranslator works with RBTv-registered sworn translators for all major languages and accepts digital scans from anywhere in the world. We deliver sworn translations for IDW applications within 24 – 48 hours, with express options available. Request a free quote.

How to apply through IDW, step by step

If you need your foreign qualification evaluated for study or work in the Netherlands, here’s how to apply through IDW.

Check whether your profession is regulated

Visit the European Commission EURES database and search for your profession in the Netherlands. If it is regulated, contact the relevant Dutch professional authority before applying to IDW, as it will tell you the required sequence. If your profession isn’t on the list, you can proceed with the credential evaluation without contacting any authority.

Gather your documents

Gather your diploma, transcript, passport, country-specific documents and sworn translations if required. If you need to request the document from the issuing authority, do so early to allow for enough time for delivery.

Create an account on mijnidw.nl

Create an account on the IDW platform using a valid email and password. Ensure that all the information provided is accurate to avoid issues. After activating your account, you can begin the application. One diploma is evaluated per application.

Upload your documents and pay the fee

Cross-check your application and documents to ensure they are uploaded accurately. If everything is correct, you can proceed to pay the credential evaluation fee of €148.83. You can pay by iDEAL or credit card, and processing begins once payment is confirmed.

Wait for the evaluation

The official timeline is up to four months, or thirteen weeks. In practice, most complete applications are processed in six to ten weeks. If documents are missing, IDW will notify you by email, and you can upload additional materials through your account.

Receive your digital credential evaluation

Once the evaluation is complete, the certificate will be available in your account. You can download your credential evaluation as a signed PDF. The evaluation is valid and available to download through your mijnidw.nl account for three years.​

Costs and timeline

The IDW credential evaluation fee is €148.83 (AED 623.51) with a standard processing timeline of 16 weeks. The timeline can be longer during periods when the IDW is processing a high volume of applications. 

Sworn translation costs depend on the language pair and the length of your documents. For a degree certificate and transcript in Arabic, Hindi, or Mandarin, expect to pay between €100 and €250 (AED 418.94 to AED 1047.36) for the complete document package. LegalTranslator provides sworn translations for IDW at fixed pricing starting from AED 71.55 (€17.08) per page with no hidden charges.

A realistic total budget for most non-English degree holders is €250 to €400 (AED 1047.36 to AED 1675.77), including translation and the evaluation fee. Healthcare professionals should budget separately for Beroepen in de Individuele Gezondheidszorg (BIG)  registration (€88, approximately AED 368.67) and any required Dutch language testing.

Common mistakes

• Using a certified translation instead of a sworn translation for documents required by IDW credential evaluation will lead to rejection. The IDW only accepts sworn translations for documents not in Dutch, English, German, or French.
• Printing the credential evaluation is not required; the electronic signature is only valid on the digital PDF.
• Not checking for country-specific extra documents can also cost time. IDW requires additional documents for certain countries of origin. Check the IDW country list before submitting, or you risk a missing-documents request that adds weeks to your timeline.
• If you are in a protected profession, applying for credential evaluation without contacting the competent authority can create issues. There are additional steps for such cases, and the competent authority will be best able to guide you on what to do.

Need a sworn translation for IDW?

If your degree certificate or transcript was issued in a language other than Dutch, English, German, or French, you will need a sworn translation before IDW will process your application. Legal Translator provides sworn translations accepted by IDW and all Dutch institutions, delivered within one to three working days. Get a sworn translation for the Netherlands.