Qualifications obtained in EU countries

    Last update Updated on 16/05/2024
    Qualifications obtained in EU countries

    In Italy, the recognition procedure for a qualification obtained in EU Member States, in a country of the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or of the Swiss Confederation is different according to the citizenship of the applicant: citizens from the European Union, from the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and from the Swiss Confederation and non-EU citizens.


    Citizens of the European Union, the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and the Swiss Confederation

    What can I apply for?

    Right of establishment

    If you are a citizen from the European Union, the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or the Swiss Confederation, you have obtained your health professional qualification in an EU Member State or in a country of the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or in the Swiss Confederation and you wish to pursue your profession in Italy on a permanent basis, you can apply for the recognition of your qualification under the provision called “right of establishment”.

    < link -> See section “right of establishment for EU citizens”>

    ·Right to free provision of services

    You can also provide your professional services on a temporary and occasional basis without permanently establishing in Italy and without enrolling in the relevant Italian Association/Order, Register or professional College; nevertheless, you will abide by the same legal provisions, in terms of obligations and disciplinary sanctions, as your Italian counterparts.

    < link -> “See section “free provision of services – EU citizens”>

    if you want to know which professionals are entitled to this right and how they can apply.


    NON-EU citizens

    What can I apply for?

    Qualification recognition

    If you are a non-EU citizen, you have obtained your professional qualification in a Member State or in a country of the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or in the Swiss Confederation and you wish to be authorised to pursue your profession in Italy, you will apply for the recognition of your qualification.

    See the information section Forms and services – Recognition of foreigners’ EU qualifications or look for the specific page on the interactive form)


    Renewal of recognition decree for NON-EU citizens

    The recognition decree issued for NON-EU citizens has a two-year validity. It expires if the professional does not enrol in the relevant professional Association during the two years, as provided by art. 50, paragraph 8 bis, of Italian decree DPR 31 August 1999, no. 394.

    See section “renewal of recognition decree for NON-EU citizens” if you want to know how you can get your recognition decree renewed.


    Can I have my documents back?

    See the dedicated section: Document return 


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