FAQs - What is a regulated profession

If neither your profession nor the training for it is regulated in your home country, you may have to prove that you have practised your profession for at least 1 year during the last 10 years before you can set up in another country or even provide services there on a temporary basis.

YES — You can begin practising in Finland subject to the same conditions as the Finns. However, while your profession may not be regulated as such in Finland, it may be not an independent profession but part of another profession which is regulated. Check with the Finnish contact point for recognition of professional qualifications whether your profession is regulated in Finland.

YES — They apply by extension to the non-EU countries of the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) plus Switzerland. However, there are special rules for Switzerland. To find out about these rules, contact the Swiss contact point for recognition of professional qualifications.

EU rules concern only the recognition of qualifications issued by EU countries - with some special rules also for Switzerland. Spain's recognition of your Argentinean qualifications is not binding on Italy unless you have practiced for at least 3 years in Spain before seeking recognition in Italy.

If neither your profession nor the training for it is regulated in Belgium, you may have to prove that you have practised your profession for at least 2 of the last 10 years before settling, or even just providing services on a temporary basis, in France. Payslips or statements from employers must be accepted, as long as they clearly identify your professional activity.

See main information on this topic

EU legislation

Need more information on rules in a specific country?

Ask national administrations
Last checked: 30/11/2023
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