Difficulties with the recognition of professional qualifications
Many professions in the Nordic countries are regulated either by law or through industry standards. As the requirements differ between countries, this can restrict the free movement of workers across Nordic borders.
Border Isssue Status: Unsolved, Registered in the Border Database
This problem is registered as a border issue in the Nordic Council of Ministers Border Database and has been prioritized by the Freedom of Movement Council. This border issue has been discussed at the highest political level and constitutes one of the prioritized areas in the Nordic Council’s Action Plan for mobility for 2019-2021.
In 2014, the Nordic Council of Ministers commissioned the consulting firm DAMVAD to carry out an analysis of regulated professions and welfare professions, Lovregulerede erhverv og velfærdsprofessioner. The report maps professions regulated by law in the Nordic countries.
The results show significant differences in the number of regulated professions across the Nordic countries:
- Iceland: 171
- Norway: 165
- Denmark: 162
- Sweden: 91
- Finland: 74
The analysis shows that professions regulated by law create fewer border issues than professions regulated by industry standards.
Recognition of qualifications means that a person's professional qualifications acquired in one country are formally recognised in another. Differences in education and requirements for authorisation or specific qualifications can make it difficult for professionals to work in other Nordic countries.
Many professions require specific knowledge and qualifications, regulated either by law or through industry standards. Qualifications accepted in one country may therefore not be accepted in another.
DAMVAD Analytics estimates that almost 25,000 people are prevented from commuting across Öresund because of the complex process for recognising their qualifications.
