Ad Hoc Query on recognition of qualifications and skills of third-country nationals in relation to regulated professions
This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member and Observer Countries implement measures to facilitate a more efficient and effective recognition of the qualifications of third-country nationals (TCNs) for access to regulated professions. It explores whether countries use specific assessment methods to enable TCNs to enter regulated professions, whether they facilitate or accelerate the recognition procedure for specific groups of TCNs or specific professions, and whether they have institutional arrangements or coordination mechanisms in place to facilitate that recognition. The query also considers whether countries are involved in cooperation activities related to these recognition procedures.
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Background:
EU Member States continue to face persistent labour and skills shortages across high-, medium-, and low-skilled occupations, while the skills and qualifications of many TCNs remain underutilised. Recognition procedures are particularly complex for regulated professions, where access to the labour market is subject to qualification and licensing requirements under national legislation. Differences across Member States in procedures, documentation requirements, processing timeframes, and costs may hinder TCNs' labour market access and increase administrative burdens for both applicants and authorities.
Against this background, the European Commission launched this AHQ to collect examples and good practices implemented by Member States that facilitate the recognition of qualifications and enable TCNs to access regulated professions.
Respondents:
23 EMN Member and Observer Countries (including BE) provided a public answer to this ad hoc query.
Findings:
A preliminary analysis of the results of the ad hoc query shows that:
- Half of the respondent countries implement measures to facilitate more efficient and effective recognition of TCN qualifications for access to regulated professions. For example, SK maintains a public Database of Regulated Professions, which provides TCNs and EU nationals with uniform information and guidance on recognition procedures, while ES introduced a fast-track procedure to accelerate the recognition of qualifications for individuals with a formal job offer, particularly in high-demand professions. In BE, holders of non-European degrees often face distinct procedures or must first obtain academic equivalence before pursuing professional recognition.
- Most facilitation measures are sector-specific, mostly focused on healthcare professions (eg., FI) or target specific groups of TCN, Ukrainians, for certain regulated professions (LT). In FR, recognition and access procedures are also facilitated in the sports sector through a fully digitised online service that enables holders of sports qualifications obtained outside the EU to submit equivalence applications.
- Several countries allow temporary practice of regulated professions in certain sectors, sometimes under supervision (eg, AT). Some countries also facilitate the administrative procedure for individuals lacking sufficient documentation (eg, BE in the Flemish Community for applicants and beneficiaries of international and temporary protection).
- Finally, most countries report participation in formal EU networks related to recognition procedures, such as the ERIC-NARIC network. Another example is the expert group on recognition of qualifications in the Benelux context.
For further details, please read the compilation of answers attached above.
