What's the difference between RIZIV and INAMI?

They are the same federal institute — RIZIV is the Dutch name, INAMI the French. You only register once.

How long does the full process take?

Community recognition typically takes 3–4 months; the visum and RIZIV number together usually add 4–8 weeks.

Do I need to be in Belgium during the process?

Not for the recognition step, but most candidates move during the visum/RIZIV stage to open a bank account and complete identity steps.

Can I bill conventional rates from day one?

Most newly registered dentists join the 'convention' (geconventioneerd / conventionné), which sets standard tariffs and unlocks government top-ups. You can also work out-of-convention.

Belgium · RIZIV / INAMI

RIZIV / INAMI registration for dentists in Belgium

RIZIV (Rijksinstituut voor Ziekte- en Invaliditeitsverzekering) or INAMI (Institut National d'Assurance Maladie-Invalidité) is the federal Belgian health insurance institute. To bill patients via the Belgian social-security system, dentists must hold a RIZIV/INAMI number.

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Step by step

How it works

Community recognition

Submit your EU diploma for recognition to the relevant Community: Flemish (NVAO/Departement Onderwijs), French (ARES), or German-speaking authority.

Apply for your visa-tandarts

After recognition, request the official 'visum' from FOD Volksgezondheid / SPF Santé Publique. This is your authorisation to practise.

Register with RIZIV/INAMI

Submit your visum and ID to RIZIV/INAMI to receive your national provider number. This is required to bill the mutualities (insurance funds).

Affiliate with a mutuality

Choose a mutuality (Christelijke, Socialistische, Liberale, Neutrale, Onafhankelijke) for your personal social insurance — separate from the patient billing system.

Founder

Julius Segersteen

Swedish dentist · Practising in NL since 2015

Why DentistBridge

A dentist-led bridge between Europe, the Netherlands, and Belgium

“I know how complex it can feel to move abroad as a dentist. DentistBridge was created to make that journey clearer, safer, and more personal.”

— Julius Segersteen, Founder

Founded by a dentist
Built and run by Julius Segersteen, a Swedish dentist practising in the Netherlands since 2015.
Personal relocation experience
We know the move first-hand — registration, BSN, housing, banking, and the cultural fit.
BIG & RIZIV/INAMI guidance
Step-by-step help with Dutch BIG and Belgian RIZIV/INAMI registration from start to approval.
Clinic matching
A vetted network of trusted clinics across the Netherlands and Belgium matched to your profile.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between RIZIV and INAMI?: They are the same federal institute — RIZIV is the Dutch name, INAMI the French. You only register once.
How long does the full process take?: Community recognition typically takes 3–4 months; the visum and RIZIV number together usually add 4–8 weeks.
Do I need to be in Belgium during the process?: Not for the recognition step, but most candidates move during the visum/RIZIV stage to open a bank account and complete identity steps.
Can I bill conventional rates from day one?: Most newly registered dentists join the 'convention' (geconventioneerd / conventionné), which sets standard tariffs and unlocks government top-ups. You can also work out-of-convention.

Next steps

What to do next

Related guides

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