If you have acquired your professional qualification in other EU country and wish to commence work in a regulated profession in Estonia, you must apply for recognition of your qualification directly to the competent authority of the corresponding regulated professional activity.
The competent authority will decide whether the education or work experience obtained abroad is sufficient for operating in the same profession in Estonia. If notable differences are detected (e.g. in the content of the education or in professional activities), the competent authority may assign an adaptation period or the requirement to pass a competence test for the employee. Making the decision may take up to 4 months.
The requirement of recognition of professional competence applies to both employees and self-employed persons. The procedure for applications and recognition may vary depending on whether the provision of services is intended to be permanent or temporary.
More information about professional recognition is available on the website of the Estonian ENIC/NARIC.
Some professionals, such as doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, veterinarians, pharmacists and architects, are granted the right to work in Estonia after they are entered in the respective national register.
Detailed information about the registration and professional recognition of health care workers is available on the Registration of health care professionals | Terviseamet.
Detailed information about the registration and professional recognition of veterinarians is available on Activity licence for veterinarians | Eesti.ee.