I would like to work in, or hire someone from, another country.

The procedures for evaluating and recognizing qualifications earned in the foreign country will depend whether you wish to enter an occupation or pursue further studies, whether your chosen occupation is regulated or non-regulated, and the country in which you intend to settle. As a general rule, if your chosen occupation is regulated, the recognition of qualifications will be determined by the appropriate national competent authority, while for a non-regulated occupation, recognition is normally at the discretion of the employer. In general, applicants for non-regulated occupations will have to demonstrate to their potential employer that they possess the experience and training required for the job.

You can find more about the specific requirements for recognition of your qualifications in your profession/trade by doing the following:

• Contact the national information centre of your country or in the country you are intending to go in order to find out whether the profession of yours is regulated or not; in case the profession is regulated – also to find out the name and address of the competent authority governing your profession/trade in the country where you intend to settle.
• Write to the competent authority and ask about specific requirements and costs for licensing, certification, or registration, as well as the recommended procedure for an assessment. The competent authority will advise you concerning the required documentation and the fees for assessment.

You should be aware that the recognition process can be different in different countries and for each profession/trade. It can be a costly and time-consuming process.

More information

The national information centre (see links to the left) should be able to assist you or to direct you to the appropriate source of information.

List of information points for professional recognition in the EU member states, the EEA countries and Switzerland

Recognition of Qualifications in the European Union

Last updated: 12.03.2007