Profession guide
Working in Europe as a Doctor
Medicine is one of 7 automatic-recognition professions under EU Directive 2005/36/EC for EU/EEA-trained doctors. Non-EU doctors face a national recognition procedure.
EU regulation
Regulation status in Europe
Covered by EU Directive 2005/36/EC
This profession is one of the seven listed under the automatic recognition regime. EU and EEA-trained professionals receive recognition on production of qualifying certificates — no substantive assessment is required. Non-EU professionals must go through the general-system or national procedure.
Medicine is regulated in all EU member states and covered by the automatic recognition regime of EU Directive 2005/36/EC. EU and EEA-trained doctors receive recognition on production of their qualifying certificate without a substantive assessment. Non-EU doctors must apply to the national or state medical authority and will typically face a knowledge examination (such as Germany's Kenntnisprüfung) before a licence to practise is issued.
Countries where this profession is regulated (12)
Австрия 
Бельгия 
Германия 
Ирландия 
Испания 
Италия 
Кипр 
Литва 
Румыния 
Словакия 
Финляндия 
Франция Permit routes
Relevant permit routes
Most EU countries offer the EU Blue Card for doctors, but the relevant licensing procedure with the medical chamber must be completed before or alongside the work permit application. In Germany, both the Approbation (or Berufserlaubnis) and a residence permit must be in place before the first shift.
Qualification recognition
Country-level recognition guides
The following countries have detailed qualification recognition information in their country guides.
Related guides
Related scenario and best-for guides
Scenario guide
Skilled worker with a job offer
Blue Card, skilled-worker permits, and other employer-backed routes for qualified hires.
Open scenario guide →
Best countries
Best countries for skilled worker with a job offer
Blue Card, skilled-worker permits, and other employer-backed routes for qualified hires.
See ranked countries →
Other professions