International & regional mobility
How do I understand recognition of my qualifications abroad?
Short answer
In the EU, formal recognition is needed only if your profession is regulated in the country where you want to work. For regulated professions you apply to that country's authority; some professions are recognised automatically.
Whether you need recognition depends on the profession, not on you. If the profession is not regulated in the host country, no formal recognition is required — you can apply for work directly. If it is regulated (for example teacher, lawyer, engineer, some healthcare roles), you apply to the competent authority there, which has up to four months to decide and may ask for extra experience, a course or an aptitude test where training differs significantly.
A few professions — such as doctors, general-care nurses, dentists, midwives, vets, pharmacists and architects — are in principle recognised automatically across the EU. Because rules vary by profession and country, always confirm your specific case with the official EU source below rather than relying on general guidance.
Good to know
General EU-level information, not legal advice. Whether and how your qualification is recognised depends on the profession and the specific country — check the official source for your case.