Portugal offers extensive opportunities for international professionals seeking to work in regulated professions. Whether you’re an EU citizen or from outside the European Union, understanding the qualification recognition process is essential for establishing your career in Portugal. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about professional licensing, qualification recognition, and the necessary steps to practice your profession legally in Portugal.
General Framework for Professional Qualifications
Working in Regulated Professions in Portugal
If you wish to work in Portugal in a profession that is regulated, you will generally need to apply for the recognition of your professional qualifications. Regulated professions are those that require specific educational qualifications, professional experience, or certification to practice legally. These professions are typically regulated to protect public health, safety, and consumer interests.
The Portuguese regulatory framework ensures that professionals meet the necessary standards before they can practice in their field. This system maintains high professional standards while facilitating the mobility of qualified professionals within the European Union and beyond.
Recognition of EU/EEA/Swiss Qualifications
For qualifications obtained in an EU Member State, EEA country, or Switzerland, recognition is subject to specific EU law under Directive 2005/36/EC, which has been transposed into Portuguese Law No. 9/2009. This directive facilitates the recognition of professional qualifications across EU member states, making it easier for professionals to move between countries.
The process for EU/EEA/Swiss qualifications is generally more streamlined than for non-EU qualifications, with established procedures and shorter processing times. The principle of mutual recognition applies, meaning that qualifications obtained in one EU country should be recognized in another, provided they meet equivalent standards.
Recognition of Non-EU Qualifications
If you obtained your qualifications in a country outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, the recognition of skills and qualifications is a national responsibility. You should contact the competent authority for your specific profession to understand the requirements and procedures.
Non-EU qualification recognition typically involves a more detailed assessment process, as there may not be established equivalency agreements between Portugal and your country of origin. The competent authority will evaluate your qualifications against Portuguese standards and may require additional documentation or compensatory measures.
How to Check If a Profession Is Regulated
You can check if a profession is regulated and whether it has an impact on public health or safety by consulting the Generic Names of Professions database. This resource provides comprehensive information about regulated professions in Portugal and their specific requirements.
For professions impacting public health or safety, a prior check of qualifications is conducted to ensure that practitioners meet the necessary standards. This additional scrutiny helps protect the public and maintains professional integrity in critical fields.
Role of DGERT in Recognition Processes
The Directorate-General for Employment and Industrial Relations (DGERT) serves as the coordinating body in Portugal for the recognition of professional qualifications based on Directive 2005/36/CE. DGERT plays a crucial role in facilitating the recognition process and ensuring consistency across different professions.
DGERT also functions as an Assistance Centre, providing information on recognition procedures, access and exercise of regulated professions, and related labor, social security, and deontological matters. The organization coordinates national competent authorities and monitors regulated professions via the European Commission’s REGPROF database.
Competent Authorities and Processing Times
The competent authority for each specific regulated profession is responsible for assessing applications and granting authorization to work. Each profession has its designated authority, which has expertise in evaluating qualifications and professional competence in that specific field.
The recognition process typically takes between 1 and 4 months, depending on the complexity of the case and the completeness of the documentation provided. It’s recommended to apply well in advance of when you plan to start working to allow sufficient time for processing.
Compensatory Measures and Temporary Service Provision
If your qualifications are not deemed sufficient, the competent authority may require compensatory measures, such as an adaptation period or an aptitude test. These measures ensure that professionals meet Portuguese standards while providing a pathway for qualification recognition.
The procedure differs based on whether you intend to establish permanently or provide temporary or occasional services. For temporary services, a written declaration to the competent authority before starting is required, which remains valid for one year. This flexibility allows professionals to provide services across borders while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Use of Professional Activity as Evidence
Evidence of professional activity can be used to prove experience and competence in your field. This is particularly valuable for professionals who may have extensive practical experience but lack formal documentation of their qualifications.
Professional activity evidence can include employment records, client testimonials, project portfolios, and other documentation that demonstrates your competence and experience in the profession. This evidence is considered alongside formal qualifications in the assessment process.
European Professional Card (EPC) – Digital Recognition Tool
The European Professional Card (EPC) is an electronic procedure available in the EU for specific professions, allowing for recognition in another EU country. This digital tool streamlines the recognition process for certain professions by providing a standardized electronic format for qualification verification.
In Portugal, the EPC is available for nurses, pharmacists, and physiotherapists. The EPC system makes it easier for these professionals to have their qualifications recognized across EU member states, reducing bureaucracy and processing times.
Recognition of Qualifications for Specific Professions
Architect
Architects seeking to practice in Portugal must register with the Ordem dos Arquitetos for a professional internship. The process requires obtaining specific recognition of qualifications, equating foreign qualifications to a Master’s in Architecture from a Portuguese public higher education institution.
Required documents include an application form, photo, identification, recognized qualification certificate, declarations from orientator and host entity, internship plan, and personal accident insurance. Applications can be submitted to regional sections or via the online platform. A 12-month professional internship is required, particularly for countries without international reciprocity agreements.
Certified Accountant
Certified accountants must register with the Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados. Conditions include being a member of the professional accounting body in your country of origin and membership in the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).
A compensation measure involves taking an exam on Portuguese taxation and the professional rules, including the Statute and Code of Ethics of the Ordem. Required documents include the application form, contact details, proof of membership in your country’s professional body, and identification documents.
Insurance and Reinsurance Intermediary
Insurance and reinsurance intermediaries must register with the Autoridade de Supervisão de Seguros e Fundos de Pensões (ASF). Different requirements apply for brokers/reinsurance intermediaries versus insurance agents.
Conditions include being over 18 years old, having legal capacity for commercial acts, adequate qualification (minimum mandatory schooling plus insurance course recognized by ASF, or a relevant bachelor’s degree), and not being in incompatible situations. Brokers and reinsurance intermediaries also need at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in the last 7 years.
Engineer
Engineers must register with the Ordem dos Engenheiros. Conditions include holding a Licenciatura or Master’s in Engineering from a higher education institution and being a member of a recognized professional engineering association in your country of origin.
Required documents include proof of nationality, CV, qualification certificate with program content and hours, document detailing course years and disciplines, proof of professional activity, proof of complementary training, proof of professional association membership, declaration of no disciplinary sanctions, and other supporting documents. Applications are made at regional Secretariats.
Nurse
Nurses must register with the Ordem dos Enfermeiros. The process requires obtaining Specific Recognition through a Portuguese public higher education institution or obtaining a Licenciado degree in Nursing from a Portuguese institution.
Required documents include civil identification, criminal records from both country of origin and Portugal, NIF (Portuguese tax number), passport photo, and proof of Portuguese language proficiency at C1 level or passing a language control procedure.
Dentist
Dentists must register with the Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas. The process requires holding a foreign higher education degree in Dentistry recognized as equivalent to a Portuguese Licenciado or Mestre in Dentistry.
Required documents include identification, criminal records from both country of origin and Portugal issued less than 3 months prior, NIF, visa or residence permit if applicable, the equivalence certificate, and a certificate from the professional organization in the country of origin proving registration and good standing. An aptitude test may be required, with provisional admission possible under supervision.
Lifeguard (Nadador-Salvador)
Lifeguards must complete inscription in the Specific Technical Aptitude Exam (EEAT). Conditions include having lifeguard training from the country of origin with proof, sufficient Portuguese language skills for the EEAT, registration on the capitaniaonline platform, and payment of the EEAT fee.
Required documents include the application form, fee payment proof, CV, original lifeguard diploma or certificate with hours and program content, proof of professional experience, copy of passport or ID, medical certificate, and passport-type photo.
Nutritionist
Nutritionists must register with the Ordem dos Nutricionistas. The condition is holding a foreign higher education degree with specific recognition equating it to a Licenciado degree in Nutrition Sciences, Dietetics, or Dietetics and Nutrition for admission as an intern member.
Required documents include online application form, copy of ID or Citizen Card or NIF, qualification certificate with specific recognition, criminal record certificate, internship project, and proof of Portuguese language course completion.
Maritime Professionals
Maritime professionals must request recognition from the Direção-Geral de Recursos Naturais, Segurança e Serviços Marítimos (DGRM). Conditions include having sufficient training from country of origin, having worked aboard a vessel up to the date of application, and holding STCW certification when applicable.
Required documents include a specific form, identification, basic safety certificate, security awareness certificate, maritime book with embarkation/disembarkation records, declaration from master or company proving functions, medical certificate for seafarers, certificate of professional qualifications, and temporary protection residence certificate.
Sports Coach and Exercise Technician
Sports coaches and exercise technicians must request recognition from the Instituto Português do Desporto e da Juventude (IPDJ) via email using a specific form. Required documents include declarations from employers proving functions and duration, proof of academic and professional training, and certificates of any formal or non-formal training.
If documentation cannot be obtained due to circumstances in the country of origin, IPDJ may conduct an interview to assess qualifications or request an evaluation.
Conflict Mediator
Conflict mediators seeking recognition for inscription on the Ministry of Justice’s private list must meet specific conditions including full civil and political rights, completing a conflict mediation course, and Portuguese language proficiency. Recognition is subject to reciprocity agreements.
Required documents include application form with professional details, civil identification, NIF, copy of mediation course certificate, declaration of honor regarding rights and adherence to mediator statute, copies of diplomas and certificates, and documentation from the Ukrainian authority proving conditions to practice.
Casino Banker
Casino bankers must request equivalence of the Professional Certificate from Turismo de Portugal, I.P. Required documents include valid identification, CV, updated criminal record, academic qualification certificate, casino banker course certificate with modules and duration, professional certificate, and proof of professional experience.
If qualifications cannot be determined or there are substantial differences, Turismo de Portugal may require a theoretical and practical aptitude test. The equivalence request has no cost unless the aptitude test is needed.
Recognition of Foreign Academic Degrees and Diplomas
Who Can Request Recognition
Anyone who has completed a higher education course abroad in a recognized or accredited institution can request recognition of their academic degrees and diplomas in Portugal. This recognition is available regardless of nationality and can be requested at any time.
The recognition process is designed to ensure that foreign qualifications are properly evaluated and given appropriate credit in the Portuguese education and professional systems.
Where and How to Apply
The process is initiated via a form on the portal of the Direção-General do Ensino Superior (DGES). This online platform streamlines the application process and provides guidance throughout the recognition procedure.
Upon completion of the recognition process, DGES issues a Recognition Certificate with a unique number, which serves as official proof of your qualification’s recognition in Portugal.
Types of Recognition
Automatic Recognition
Automatic recognition is the simplest and fastest type of recognition available. However, it’s not available for all countries and degrees. This type of recognition is typically available for qualifications from countries with established bilateral agreements or recognized accreditation systems.
Level Recognition
Level recognition is attributed by a public higher education institution, equating the degree to a Portuguese level (Licenciado, Mestre, or Doutor) based on comparing courses. This type of recognition focuses on the academic level rather than the specific content of the degree.
Specific Recognition
Specific recognition is attributed by a public higher education institution, analyzing the level, duration, and programmatic content to equate the degree to a specific Portuguese degree in a specific area of training. This is the most detailed type of recognition and is often required for professional purposes.
Required Documentation
Required documents depend on the type of recognition requested. Generally, you’ll need to provide your original degree certificate, academic transcripts, proof of the institution’s accreditation, and certified translations of documents not in Portuguese.
Additional documentation may be required depending on the specific circumstances of your case and the type of recognition sought.
Processing Times and Fees
Processing times are a maximum of 30 days for automatic and level recognition, and 90 days for specific recognition, after the process instruction is complete. These timeframes begin once all required documentation has been submitted and verified.
The cost varies depending on the type of recognition and the institution involved in the process. Fees are typically modest and are designed to cover administrative costs.
Support and Resources
Support Centres for Qualification Recognition
Support centres are available throughout Portugal to provide information on the recognition of professional qualifications. These centres offer guidance on the application process, required documentation, and specific requirements for different professions.
The support centres are staffed by knowledgeable professionals who can assist with complex cases and provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation.
SOLVIT – Assistance with Cross-Border Legal Issues
The SOLVIT network is a free service designed to help solve legal problems when EU citizen or business rights are violated by a public administration in another EU country. This service can be particularly helpful if you encounter difficulties in the qualification recognition process.
SOLVIT provides informal problem-solving assistance and can help resolve issues that arise during the recognition process, ensuring that your rights as an EU citizen are protected.
Useful Tools and Databases
REGPROF Database
The REGPROF database provides comprehensive information about regulated professions in EU Member States. This database is an essential resource for understanding which professions are regulated and what requirements apply in different countries.
Your Europe Portal
The Your Europe website provides practical advice and information on regulated professions and required documents. This portal offers user-friendly guidance on various aspects of living and working in EU countries, including professional qualification recognition.
ENIC-NARIC Network
The ENIC-NARIC network provides advice on academic recognition and credential evaluation. This network connects national information centers that specialize in academic recognition, offering expert guidance on degree equivalency and recognition procedures.
These resources, combined with the support of competent authorities and professional organizations, ensure that qualified professionals can successfully navigate the recognition process and establish their careers in Portugal. The Portuguese system balances the need for professional standards with the facilitation of international mobility, creating opportunities for qualified professionals from around the world.