The general system of recognition applies to all professionals who do not fall under the other recognition systems such as the automatic system and recognition based on professional experience.
Recognition under the general system is available for professionals who:
- practise a regulated profession that does not fall under the automatic system as they do not belong to any of the seven sectoral professions(nurses responsible for general care, midwives, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, architects, and veterinary surgeons)
- belong to one of the sectoral professions but do not meet the conditions to benefit from automatic recognition for specific reasons (for example a pharmacist who does not hold a diploma listed in Annex V of the Directive)
- practise as specialist doctors but either their specialist medical training is not listed in Annex V or if listed, their home Member State has not notified the specialist medical training to the Commission
- belong to the sectoral professions (mentioned above) but do not meet all the necessary criteria
- are in the crafts, trade and industry sectors but do not have sufficient professional experience to benefit from that type of recognition (see Annex IV of the Directive)
- hold a third-country qualification, obtained recognition in any country of the EU (under national rules) and have 3 years of professional experience in that country
The general system is based on an equal treatment of qualifications between Member States. This implies that Member States recognise the proof of professional qualifications issued in another Member State, where they grant full access to a given profession in that Member State.
The process for the general system consists of checking and comparing the training obtained by foreign professionals with the training required for the same profession in the country of destination. The country of destination needs to make sure that the applicant is prepared and qualified to practise a given profession without any risk for society (for example patients, minors, consumers, etc.).
Procedure
To obtain recognition under the general system, the professional must apply to the specific authority that oversees the profession in the country where they intend to work. The national Assistance Centre of the relevant country will be able to direct the professional to the specific competent authority where the application must submitted. Once the application is submitted, the authority must:
- acknowledge receipt of the application within one month and ask for any missing, necessary documents to process the application
- assess the application as soon as possible and decide whether to grant recognition within three months, which can be extended by one more month (4 months in total)
Physiotherapists, mountain guides and real estate agents can obtain recognition electronically via the European Professional Card.
During the assessment, competent authorities of the host Member State compare the training acquired by the professional in the home Member State and the training required for the same profession in the host Member State (training duration and content, together with the precise professional activities the applicant can carry out under the same title in the home country). If they find any substantial differences, competent authorities may impose:
- compensation measures to ensure the applicant has the required qualifications
- when compensation measures are deemed insufficient, competent authorities may grant partial access to the profession in the destination country
In case recognition is not granted and the applicant disagrees with the decision, they can appeal to the court in the respective country. For further information regarding the right of appeal please contact the relevant Assistance Centre.
Compensation measures
Compensation measures imposed by competent authorities of the host Member State must be necessary and proportionate and consider the applicant's previous professional experience. There are two types of compensation measures:
- an aptitude test
- an adaptation period meaning a practice period under guidance of up to 3 years
Applicants should be able to choose between an aptitude test or an adaptation period. However, Member States may, in specific cases justified by reasons of public interest, deviate from this rule and choose not to offer that choice
For further information regarding national compensation measures, contact the national competent authority.
Documents required for the application
Professionals applying for recognition will be requested to provide certain documents to support their application. Competent authorities may ask for the following list of documents:
- proof of nationality (such as copy of identity card)
- attestation of professional competence or qualification (copy of degree/diploma)
- proof of professional experience (for example contracts)
- proof of good character, repute, no declaration of bankruptcy (for example criminal record)
- medical certificate of good physical or mental health
- proof of financial standing and insurance cover (such as insurance contract)
