Page Last Updated
07/01/2025
Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications
The Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications is an important aspect of the free movement of citizens throughout the EU. This is governed by Directive 2005/36/EC on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications which has been transposed into national legislation primarily by means of the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Act 2002 (Cap 451) and the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Regulations (S.L. 451.03). The law lays down the framework through which regulated professions are to be recognised by ‘Designated Authorities’ being the entities responsible for each individual regulated profession.
- permanently settle and practice a profession in a host Member State (what is known as ‘establishment’) in which case recognition is required;
Or
- practice the profession on a temporary or occasional basis in the host Member State in which case the individual will need to submit a declaration to the Designated Authority concerned.
The regulated professions database provides information on which professions are regulated by which authority in the other Member States. You will need to know either the name of the profession in the local language or its English translation. This is an important tool for those wishing to establish themselves or provide services on a temporary basis in the other Member States. Information on the database and the principles of mutual recognition is available here.
Assistance
Requests of assistance to the MRC Unit must be sent exclusively by email to the following address: [email protected]. MRC unit responds within 30 working days of receiving the email. If the request is particularly complex and requires an in-depth investigation, the Unit may avail itself of a longer term, in this case a new deadline will notify to the user. MRC Unit assistance services are free.
Appeal against the decision of the competent authority
The professional can appeal against a negative decision of the competent Authority. Each authority should indicate the appeal procedure in its legislative act and website. If no mention is made in the legislative act the professional can appeal to the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Appeals Board by sending an email on [email protected].
Warrant and fees
Registration and submission of documents for the practice of the professions is managed by the competent authorities and not by MRC Unit. The competent authorities may charge fees for the services offered.
Recognition of qualification
For information regarding title study recognition kindly refer to MQRIC Unit. MRC has no authority for such procedures, and will therefore decline to answer questions linked to title study recognition.
