Registration and consultation of architects' register
Do you want to use the title 'architect' in the Netherlands? If so, you must be in the Register of Architects (Architectenregister). You need a recognised diploma and professional experience to register. This registration is in accordance with the Architects' Title Act (Wet op de architectentitel).
Who must register in the Register of Architects
Architect is a protected title and you must be registered in the Register of Architects to use this title. This applies to anyone wishing to use the title of:
- architect
- garden or landscape architect
- interior architect
- urban designer
This also applies to the use of abbreviations of and compound words with this title. Yacht and naval designers are not required to register. If you use the title architect in another (not construction) field of work, such as for instance ICT architect, the title is not protected. In such cases you do not need to register.
Protected title in the firm name
Do you have an architectural firm and do you wish to use a protected title in the firm’s name? At least half of the directors must be registered under this title in the Register of Architects.
Unlawful use of the title
Do you use a protected title and you are not registered in the architects register? Then this is unlawful use of the title. Unlawful use of the title can be reported by anyone to the Register of Architects. They may take legal action.
How to register
If you qualified as an architect before 1 January 2015, you are eligible to register without professional experience.
If you qualified in or after 2015, you can only register in the architects' register if:
- you have completed the relevant masters training at an accredited educational institution;
Were you registered at some point and do you want to re-register? You need to apply for re-registration.
Employers and clients may require registration in the architects registers.
Do you have experience, but no qualification?
If you do not have the relevant degree, or you want to change the title under which you registered, and you have at least 7 years experience in the field, you may eligible to register via an alternative route.
Information obligation
If you are registered in the architects register you have an information obligation. This means you have to inform a prospective client requesting a quotation on your:
- professional expertise
- professional liability insurance
- rights and obligations
Did you qualify abroad?
If you qualified as an architect outside the Netherlands, your degree needs to be recognised first. Then the Register of Architects will determine if you need to complete a professional traineeship. If you are a trained and qualified architect from another EU country you automatically qualify for registration. You can request an assessment of your qualifications if you are not eligible for automatic recognition.
Working temporarily with a foreign qualification
Do you want to work temporarily in the Netherlands, and do you have a foreign architect’s degree? If you are from the EEA or Switzerland you can be registered in the architects register for the duration of your work in the Netherlands. For this you need to contact the Register of Architects.
Online registration procedure via Message Box
Using Message Box you can submit requests online to be listed in the architects' register, which is maintained by the Architect Registration Bureau. Message Box is a secure email system that enables you as an entrepreneur to exchange digital messages with Dutch government agencies.