Profession guides

Working in Europe by profession

Understand the EU regulation status of your profession, which countries require qualification recognition, and which permit routes are available to you.

Professions

9 profession guides

Select your profession to see regulation status, best destination countries, and relevant work permit routes.

Software Engineer

Unregulated

Software engineering is unregulated across Europe. No qualification recognition is required — your EU Blue Card or skilled-worker permit is the main pathway.

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Nurse

Regulated EU

Nursing is one of 7 professions covered by automatic EU recognition for EU/EEA-trained nurses. Non-EU nurses must complete a national recognition procedure.

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Doctor

Regulated EU

Medicine is covered by automatic EU recognition for EU/EEA-trained doctors. Non-EU doctors face a national recognition procedure through state or national medical chambers.

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Architect

Regulated EU

Architecture is covered by the EU general system and automatic recognition for EU/EEA architects. Non-EU architects must go through national chambers.

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Civil Engineer

Regulated (varies)

Civil engineering regulation varies by country. Some EU member states require chamber registration for the protected title; others treat it as unregulated.

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Teacher

Regulated EU

Teaching is a regulated profession in all EU countries. Recognition goes through state education authorities. Non-EU teachers face the general-system procedure.

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Researcher

Unregulated

Researchers have a dedicated EU permit route under the Researcher Directive 2016/801. A hosting agreement with a recognised institution is the key requirement.

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Accountant

Regulated (varies)

Accountancy regulation varies across the EU. Statutory audit and certain signing rights require registration. General accounting roles are often unregulated.

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Lawyer

Regulated EU

Law is the most restricted regulated profession in Europe. Non-EU lawyers cannot practise local law in most EU countries without a separate national admission process.

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