What is a regulated profession?

As a general rule, a profession is regulated if you have to hold a specific degree to access the profession, sit special exams such as state exams and/or register with a professional body before you can practise it.

If your profession is regulated in the EU country where you want to practise, you may need to apply to get your professional qualification recognised there.

Check out the regulated professions database, which can tell you which professions are regulated in which EU countries and by which authorities.

For more information follow the link.

Recognition of professional qualifications in practice

The recognition of professional qualifications laid down in Directive 2005/36/EC enables the free movement of professionals such as doctors or architects within the EU. Other professions such as sailors or aircraft controllers do not fall under Directive 2005/36/EC and are governed by specific legislation. Special laws also exist for lawyers and commercial agents.

For more information follow the link.

Automatic recognition

In the EU, there is a system of automatic recognition of professional qualifications for seven so-called sectoral professions: Nurses, Midwives, Doctors, Dentists, Pharmacists, Architects and Veterinary Surgeons.

For more information follow the link.