Contact centre for information on the recognition of professional qualifications

The contact centre provides citizens and similar centres in other EU Member States, the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland with information on the procedure for having professional qualifications recognised, including information on legislation governing the professions, social legislation and, where appropriate, ethical rules. In cooperation with the competent ministries and other competent authorities and contact centres, it assists citizens in exercising their rights.

The contact centres (content in English) operate in all other Member States. They can provide additional information on the recognition of professional qualifications abroad.

Rules on the recognition of professional qualifications

The rules for the recognition of professional qualifications are laid down in the relevant EU Directive and apply to all nationals of EU Member States, the EEA and Switzerland and, under special conditions, to third-country nationals who want to pursue a particular regulated profession in another host Member State.

The recognition of professional qualifications allows individuals to gain access to and pursue regulated professions in Member States where they have not obtained a professional qualification, in accordance with a special procedure for the recognition of professional qualifications.

The rules apply to both employed and self-employed professionals, with differences depending on the duration of the exercise of the regulated profession in Slovenia. Consequently, Slovenia has different procedures in place, namely for the recognition of professional qualifications for the pursuit of a regulated profession on a permanent basis and for the temporary or occasional provision of services in regulated professions.

As an alternative to the above-mentioned existing procedures, a European Professional Card has been introduced at European level for certain professions; it is electronic proof that an administrative check has been carried out and that the professional qualifications have been recognised or that the conditions for the temporary exercise of a professional activity have been fulfilled in the country in which the person intends to work.

Regulated professions

For certain professions, professional activities or groups of professional activities, some countries lay down or regulate, directly or indirectly, access to the profession, its practice or specific forms of practice by means of laws or other regulations relating to specific professional qualifications. Professional qualifications may be demonstrated by way of an evidence of formal qualifications, a certificate of competence, or evidence of professional experience.

The List of Regulated Professions in Slovenia is kept by the ministry responsible for labour based on Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications, which are communicated to the European Commission on the proposal of the competent ministry regulating a particular profession.

Slovenia and other Member States also regulate other professions covered by specific sectoral directives, such as activities involving toxic substances, insurance agents, the transport sector, lawyers, auditors, etc.). All occupations and professions that require authorisation or the fulfilment of certain conditions can be accessed at the Slovenian Business Point (SPOT).

EU Member States, EEA members and Switzerland keep national lists of regulated professions that must be communicated to the European Commission and are published in the EU Regulated Professions Database. The database also contains information on the competent authority, i.e. an authority or body empowered by the State to issue or receive evidence of formal qualifications and other documents or information and to receive applications and take decisions in accordance with Directive 2005/36/EC.

EU Member States, EEA members and Switzerland are also required to publish their lists of regulated professions on their national Points of Single Contact (in English only).