Nearly 200 Foreign-Trained Health Professionals Denied Practice Rights in Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s health sector faces growing concerns over workforce integration, as nearly 200 foreign-trained professionals remain unable to practice in the country due to recognition issues or outdated qualifications.

According to official figures from the Ministry of Health, 141 of these professionals hold diplomas from outside the European Union, while about 50 others lack the required qualifications or have been away from the profession for more than a decade.

The latest data, shared in a parliamentary response to MP Sven Clement, shows that nurses, doctors, and dentists are among those most affected. Out of the 141 professionals with unrecognized credentials, 54 are nurses, 21 doctors, and 15 dentists. Others include laboratory technicians, pharmacists, physiotherapists, veterinarians, and midwives.

Many of these applicants received their diplomas from Brazil, Ukraine, India, Serbia, and several African and Latin American countries, but Luxembourg’s strict criteria for foreign qualifications have limited their ability to practice.

Between 2020 and 2024, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Health granted over 15,200 authorizations to health professionals, with 439 of them holding non-EU diplomas. While approvals for EU-trained professionals have remained steady, applications from third-country nationals continue to face hurdles.

Authorities explain that each application undergoes a detailed review to ensure the diploma meets national and EU legal standards. For non-EU degrees, prior recognition from another EU member state is typically required. Incomplete documentation can also lead to rejection, though candidates are informed of their appeal options.

The Ministry emphasizes that each country defines its own rules for professional access, and Luxembourg’s process aims to uphold patient safety and service quality. Still, with shortages in healthcare staff and rising demand, these restrictions highlight a growing tension between maintaining high standards and meeting workforce needs.
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