Definition
A regulated profession is one whose access, pursuit, or mode of practice is subject to legal requirements specifying particular qualifications, registration, or licensing conditions set by a competent authority. Examples include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lawyers, architects, and engineers. Within the EU, Professional Qualifications Directive 2005/36/EC governs the recognition of qualifications for regulated professions across member states. Non-EU workers wishing to practise a regulated profession in an EU country must have their foreign qualifications formally recognised by the relevant national authority before beginning work.
Official sources
Related terms
BAMF
Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge
Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees — the central authority for immigration policy implementation, qualification recognition for some routes, and refugee processing.
Read definition →
EU Blue Card
Blaue Karte EU
An EU-wide work and residence permit for highly qualified non-EU workers. Requires a job offer meeting a minimum salary threshold and recognised qualifications.
Read definition →
Qualification Recognition
The formal process by which a European country or authority evaluates and accepts a foreign academic degree or professional qualification as equivalent to a domestic one.
Read definition →
Work Permit
An official authorisation granting a non-citizen the legal right to be employed or self-employed in a country, usually issued alongside or embedded in a residence permit.
Read definition →