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The European Commission has proposed simplifying the recognition of diplomas in the EU. For seven regulated professions, average application processing times could drop from 14 months to four. Other measures include common standards for verifying overseas credentials and electronic data exchange.

Diplomas from non-EU countries

A separate legislative proposal focuses on the recognition of professional qualifications held by non-EU nationals. It covers people already living legally in the bloc as well as those planning to relocate. Where applicants studied would not determine eligibility: graduates of European universities could also seek approval.

The rules would apply to occupations requiring formal verification of education before employment. Such assessments also feature in certain long-stay visa and residence-permit procedures. University admissions and recognition for further study are outside the initiative's scope.

Authorities would face limits on the supporting paperwork they could request. If a university or public body abroad could not confirm a diploma's authenticity in time, alternative evidence would be accepted. Substantial differences between training programmes could still lead to additional tests or courses.

The greatest time savings are expected in occupations covered by automatic recognition. Figures accompanying the proposal put the current average at 14.2 months, potentially falling to roughly four after the reform. No single processing period is envisaged for all other overseas credentials.

Who qualifies for automatic recognition

The simplified route would cover doctors, general care nurses, dentists, midwives, veterinarians, pharmacists and architects. EU-wide minimum training standards already exist for these seven professions, allowing authorities to compare programmes offered by different institutions.

Not every holder of an overseas diploma would qualify. Training must meet EU requirements, with its quality assessed by authorised European bodies. The course content and the institution's accreditation would be decisive.

Other applications would receive an individual review of knowledge and practical experience. Employment might also require evidence of local-language proficiency and compliance with rules on professional titles.

An approved qualification would not substitute for a visa, residence status or other permission needed to work in a particular country. Some fields would continue to require registration and supervised practice. National governments would retain control over entry conditions for foreign nationals.

Working in another EU country

Another proposal targets people taking jobs across borders within the bloc. In regulated fields, a move often requires clearance from an authority in the destination state. Doctors, nurses, engineers and teachers are among those affected.

Applications would be handled through a common online system. Where automatic recognition applies, the review period could be shortened from three months to five weeks. Each stage would have a binding deadline, and unjustified delays might entitle applicants to financial compensation.

The directive would define the full list of required paperwork. It would have to be accepted in any official EU language, without unnecessary translations or certified copies. Final authorisation would remain with the country where the applicant intends to practise.

Recognition of diplomas could also be extended to occupations covered by shared training standards. In September 2026, the Commission approved such a benchmark for physiotherapists. Ten more professions are on a preliminary list for potential inclusion.

Digital diplomas and verification

A further initiative would introduce electronic proof of education and skills. These records would be issued free of charge and stored in the European Digital Identity Wallet. Their authenticity could be checked against information about the awarding institution and its accreditation.

Older credentials would also be eligible for digitisation. If a qualification was awarded during the ten years preceding the law's entry into force, electronic proof could be issued on request within two weeks. A separate route would be established for earlier certificates.

A free Europass service would let employers compare qualifications from different member states. National registry data could be used to assess an applicant's level and field of study. It would be especially useful for positions that do not require formal professional recognition.

Digital diplomas in the EU would make credentials easier to verify. Access to regulated occupations would still depend on approval by the competent authority in the destination country. Electronic records would change information exchange without altering professional standards.

Impact on the labour market

Long waits for decisions on overseas qualifications prevent some applicants from finding roles in their field. Others accept jobs that do not require a degree. Businesses consequently miss out on skills already present in the workforce.

In 2023, roughly 40% of highly educated employees from non-EU countries held positions below their level of training. The share among EU citizens was about 20%. The Commission cited these figures in its discussion of employment in the EU for foreign professionals.

Employers' administrative costs of hiring foreign professionals could almost halve under the proposals, the Commission forecasts. Skills shortages affect 74% of small and medium-sized enterprises across the bloc. Yet only 14% recruit staff from other member states, compared with 33% of larger companies.

When will the changes take effect?

The Fair Labour Mobility package is still under legislative review. It contains five proposals, three of which address the recognition of qualifications in the EU. Adoption requires approval by both the European Parliament and the Council.

The measures for third-country nationals are expected to be implemented within two years of the relevant legislation being approved. Digital diplomas and revised processes for regulated occupations would have a three-year timetable. Exact dates depend on agreement over the legal texts and national readiness.

Until the changes enter into force, applicants must follow the requirements of their chosen country. Existing checks on educational credentials remain in place, and the proposed shorter deadlines are not yet binding.

FAQ

Which foreign diplomas would be covered by the new rules?

The proposals concern professional qualifications, primarily for employment in regulated occupations. Some provisions also cover the assessment of education for long-stay visas and residence permits. The recognition of credentials for further university studies is outside the scope of the proposal.

Which professions would benefit from automatic recognition?

The European Commission proposes the mechanism for doctors, general care nurses, dentists, midwives, veterinarians, pharmacists and architects. Their training programmes would have to meet EU standards and undergo the necessary quality checks.

How long would recognition of qualifications from non-EU countries take?

For the seven eligible professions, the average processing time is expected to fall from roughly 14 months to four. This is a projected result of the reform, not an enforceable deadline for every applicant.

What would change for professionals moving between EU countries?

The European Commission proposes a digital process for recognising professional documents and shortening the review period for relevant applications from three months to five weeks. The competent authorities in the destination country would continue to make the decision.

Would a recognised diploma replace a work permit or residence permit?

No. Recognition of a qualification does not remove immigration rules, language requirements or conditions for entering a regulated profession in an individual EU member state.

How would digital diplomas be verified?

Proof of qualifications would be stored in the European Digital Identity Wallet. Its authenticity could be checked against educational institution records, while Europass would help employers compare qualifications.

When would the new rules enter into force?

The legislative proposals still need approval from the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Once adopted, the rules for recognising qualifications from non-EU countries would have an implementation period of up to two years, while digital credentials and other professional procedures would have up to three years. National rules would apply in the meantime.