Working Abroad Within the EU

An EU national generally has the right to work for an employer or as a self-employed person in any EU country without a work permit. (Some restrictions are in place for Croatian citizens in some countries, and for some EU citizens in Croatia). This quick guide provides important information you need to know before embarking on your career in another EU country.

Regulated Professions

Some professions are regulated differently depending on the country, and employers may require that your qualifications, training and professional experience be officially recognised before you can start working. If you are moving on a short assignment (maximum of 2 years) you won’t need your professional qualifications recognised, although you may need to make a written declaration for some professions.

To check whether you need to have your qualifications recognised, you can use the regulated professions database. Beware that you will need to know the name of the job in the local language. If you cannot find your profession in the database, contact the national contact point in the country where you wish to work. They can also advise you on what you need to submit to the authorities.

If you want to work abroad in a regulated profession, go ahead and have your qualifications recognised – in 80% of cases, it works! 

Social Security

Every EU country is free to design its social security system independently, meaning that rules on things like unemployment and other benefits vary. However, EU rules determine under which country’s system you should be insured when two or more countries are involved – for instance, if you live in one EU country but work in another. Before leaving, it is therefore a good idea to find out which system applies to you.

Family Benefits

Is your family joining you? All EU countries offer some family benefits but amounts and conditions differ widely. In some countries you will receive regular payments, while in others your family situation may give rise to tax benefits rather than payments.

The country responsible for your family benefits, child benefits, maternity/paternity leave etc., depends on a number of things, including your economic status, place of residence, and duration of your stay. Your nationality is not a factor.

Healthcare

EU citizens can get healthcare under the same conditions as other local residents when abroad. Which country pays for your medical treatment will depend on your specific situation. If you take prescription medicines, remember that these may not be available or could have a different name in another country.

More valuable information about working abroad within the EU can be found at the Your Europe website.

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