Sweden backs easier recognition of non-EU qualifications

Sweden’s government supports an EU plan to make it easier for non-EU professionals to have their qualifications recognised. One proposed rule would normally require a decision within three months of a complete application.

A government memorandum published on Friday sets out Sweden’s position on proposals presented by the European Commission in September. They remain under negotiation and do not yet change Swedish rules.

The proposed directive for non-EU nationals would simplify recognition for regulated professions through digital applications, fewer required documents and common procedures. Authorities could still require compensatory measures where training differs substantially from national requirements.

Automatic recognition would be possible for specified professions, including doctors, general-care nurses, dentists and architects, but only where the training’s quality had been assessed by an approved assurance body. It would not cover every foreign qualification automatically.

Sweden welcomes easier professional mobility and common digital systems, while stressing that credentials must reliably reflect skills, particularly in healthcare. The government says the effects on responsible authorities need further analysis.

Recognition of a qualification would not itself grant a Swedish work permit. The memorandum notes that qualification recognition is not part of Sweden’s labour-immigration rules, limiting the effect here of proposed provisions linked to visa and residence-permit applications.

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