Professional Recognition
The Professional recognition is regulated by the Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 7 September on the recognition of professional qualifications and is part of the legislative process of consolidation and flexibility of labour markets, promoting a bigger liberalisation of services and a simplification of administrative procedures within the professional recognition.
This regime applies to EU citizens and nationals from non-EU members that are signatories to the EEA (European Economic Area). It also applies to the recognition of qualifications obtained outside the EU, citizens of an EU member state.
It is important to refer that this regime applies only to regulated professions.
For detailed information on this subject, particularly on the regulated professions you can consult the Portuguese Employment and Training Institute (IEFP – Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional) website.
Nationals from countries not covered by the provisions of this Directive shall request previously the recognition of their academic qualifications under the existing legislation on this matter, in order to have access to the labour market in Portugal.