Hockey in Netherlands: leagues, imports and eligibility

League structure and pathways

The two senior pathways covered here are separate competitions:

• Central European Hockey League (CEHL) — cross-border senior competition
• Eredivisie — Dutch national senior competition

IJshockey Nederland's 2026/27 regulations separately govern movement between CEHL and Eredivisie. The final CEHL format must be checked on the official league site.

Comparing pathways

These are separate routes, not one combined league. Compare the current competition, club role and regulations.

Where international players are considered

No label confirms a vacancy or eligibility. Verify the 2026/27 regulations, import and Dutch-trained status, roster need, federation registration, transfer and right to work.

Age and player status

Junior routes require checks on age, eligibility, education, housing and development. Senior routes focus on role, production, experience and readiness.

Passport and eligibility

Citizenship affects immigration, registration and sometimes import status. It does not guarantee a place or replace league or academic requirements.

Transfer, registration, visa and work

1. Transfer: an international move normally follows the current IIHF process.
2. Registration: the club or institution confirms the applicable rules.
3. Documents: the purpose of travel must match the visa or status.

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals have free labour-market access subject to general requirements. For other nationals, the employer generally needs an authorised work route; UWV/IND should confirm the case.

General orientation, not legal advice. Verify the case with the official authority, club and qualified professional.

When clubs build rosters

Timelines differ across professional, junior and college systems. Prepare early; later needs may appear but are not guaranteed.

Stats and video clubs need

• Elite Prospects and verifiable statistics
• current team, league, role and availability
• recent video and full shifts
• citizenship, education and contract status

EHA cases

EHA publishes only supportable cases. A previous result does not guarantee another player a contract.