Recognition procedure other health professions

Recognition procedure

The practice of certain health professions – professions de santé – is subject, in accordance with the amended law of 26 March 1992 on the exercise and upgrading of certain health professions – loi modifiée du 26 mars 1992 sur l’exercice et la revalorisation de certaines professions de santé –, to an authorisation to practise by the Ministry of Health – ministère de la Santé.

In some cases, the professional recognition of the diploma by the ministry of Research and Higher Eductation – ministère de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement supérieur – is a prerequisite for obtaining the authorisation to practise:

• holders of a recognised Luxembourgish diploma can turn directly to the Ministry of Health – ministère de la Santé – to apply for the authorisation to practise;
• for the sectoral professions of nurse (non-specialised) – infirmier (non spécialisé) – and midwife – sage-femme –, holders of a diploma referred to in Annex 5.2.2. or 5.5.2. of the Directive 2005/36/EC are exempted from the recognition procedure and can directly apply for authorisation to practise with the Ministry of Health – ministère de la Santé;
• holders of a diploma awarded outside Luxembourg are required to apply for professional recognition (also known as the recognition of professional qualifications) by the MESR before applying for authorisation to practise with the Ministry of Health – ministère de la Santé. 

Application for professional recognition

The application for professional recognition must be filed to the MESR along with the following supporting documents:

• the application form duly completed and signed (for applications submitted by regular mail only);
  • Document: Form for professional recognition
• a copy of the evidence of formal qualifications (diploma, certificate, diploma supplement, etc.);*
• official proof of professional experience, if existing (copy of the employment contract, attestation by the employer, etc.);*
• official proof of legal establishment or professional recognition in one or more Member States of the European Union, if existing (copy of the authorisation to practise, decision on equivalence, document certifying membership of a professional order, etc.);*
• a copy of an identity document;
• a copy of the valid residence permit for Luxembourg (applies to applicants who are not nationals of a Member State of the European Union or of a Member State of the European Economic Area or of the Swiss Confederation);
• proof of payment of the fee: debit note/bank statement (for applications submitted by regular mail only. Online applications include payment by credit card);
• if applicable, any other useful document.*

* Documents in the original language must be accompanied by a sworn translation into English, French, German or Luxembourgish, if the original language is different: List of sworn translators, by the Ministry of Justice – ministère de la Justice.

Course of procedure

After examination of the application for recognition, the decision is communicated by regular mail: 

• direct recognition
• decision granting compensatory measures
• refusal of recognition

Direct recognition

In the case of a direct recognition, the application for the authorisation to practise the profession must be filed to the Ministry of Health – ministère de la Santé.

Decision granting compensatory measures

The decision granting compensatory measures is based on the finding of substantial differences between, on the one hand, the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills acquired by the applicant, and, on the other hand, the professional profile of the profession in question as defined by Luxembourg law.

Professional recognition is therefore conditional on the successful completion of either an aptitude test or an adaptation period, in order to bridge the differences between the applicant’s qualifications and the profession in question in Luxembourg.

The details of the adaptation period and the aptitude test are set out in the letter notifying the decision to impose compensatory measures. The means of appeal are also explained in the above-mentioned letter, but are available under the heading Means of appeal as well.

After obtaining professional recognition following the successful completion of the compensatory measures, the application for the authorisation to practise the profession in question must be filed to the Ministry of Health – ministère de la Santé.

Refusal of recognition

In the event of a decision refusing professional recognition, the means of appeal are explained in the letter notifying the decision, but are also available under the heading Means of appeal.

Aptitude test

The next aptitude test related to the health professions will take place: 

The arrangements for the aptitude test can be found in the Grand Ducal Regulation of 17 February 2017 on the recognition of professional qualifications – règlement grand-ducal du 17 février 2017 relatif à la reconnaissance des qualifications professionnelles - (in particular articles 2 and 4 thereof).

Registration for one of the compensatory measures requires the prior payment of the participation fee of EUR 300.

In order to ensure the smooth running of the aptitude test, the registration deadline is 15 working days before the date of the test.

To register, please send your request to participate by e-mail to rqp@mesr.etat.lu with a clear indication of the profession and proof of payment of the participation fee. Payment of the fee shall be proof of registration for the aptitude test.

In the event that you no longer wish to pursue the recognition of your qualifications, please communicate your decision by e-mail to rqp@mesr.etat.lu.