Guidance

International recognition of UK professional qualifications

Published 12 August 2026

This guide is for UK-qualified professionals and businesses who want to understand how to get their UK professional qualifications recognised internationally (including in North, Central and Latin America, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and wider Europe). 

For guidance on providing services in the EU, read ‘Recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states’. Recognition requirements and processes vary by country and by profession.

This guidance explains the typical steps, where to find authoritative information, and what to prepare before you contact the relevant overseas regulator or competent authority.  

Overview

 What recognition means 

Some professions are regulated in law. This means there is a legal requirement to have your professional qualifications (and sometimes your experience) assessed before you can carry out certain professional activities or use a protected professional title, like ‘architect’. 

In most countries, recognition decisions are made by the overseas regulator or ‘competent authority’ for that profession. There is no single international system for recognition, so you will usually need to check requirements for your specific profession and the country (or region) where you want to work. You may also need to meet separate requirements for registration and licensure, such as visas or work permits. 

This guidance is focused on recognition of professional qualifications (RPQ) and does not replace advice from overseas regulators, employers or immigration authorities.   

Before you start:

• confirm the country where you want to work. If the country has a federalised regulation system (for example, some licensing is set at state or provincial level), be prepared to check rules for the specific state, province, territory or region where you will work
• be clear about the professional activities you want to carry out and the title you want to use
• confirm whether you will provide services temporarily, occasionally, or on a long-term basis (requirements can differ)
• gather evidence of your UK qualifications, your UK professional registration, your work experience and qualifications from the relevant UK competent authority or chartered/professional membership body – you may need to provide copies of these to confirm your qualifications and registration status
• allow time and budget for fees, translations, certification of documents and (in some cases) tests or adaptation periods
• check whether you need to meet language requirements

Step 1: check whether your profession is regulated in your target country 

Not every profession is regulated in every country. In some places you can work without having your qualification formally recognised, but you may still need to meet other requirements (for example, visa/work requirements, employer checks, licensing rules, or membership of a professional body). 

Check:

• the target country’s government websites for information on regulated professions and licensing
• websites of the overseas regulator or professional body for your profession

If the country has multiple jurisdictions (for example, federal systems), check requirements for the specific state, province or region. 

Trade associations, chambers of commerce and employers may be able to point you to the correct regulator, but you should still verify requirements with the regulator directly. 

Step 2: identify the overseas regulator or competent authority 

If your profession is regulated, you will usually need to apply to the overseas regulator or competent authority to have your qualifications assessed. In some countries, there may be different bodies for registration, licensing, and professional conduct. 

In countries with federal or devolved systems, regulation can be set at state, provincial or territorial level. This can mean there is more than one competent authority, depending on where you plan to work. 

When you contact the overseas regulator, ask what you need to do to practise your profession in that country.

For example, ask about: 

• whether your UK qualifications are eligible for assessment 
• the application route (for example, for experienced professionals, new graduates, or temporary services) 
• documents you must provide (and whether they must be certified or translated) 
• fees and expected processing times 
• any exams, interviews, supervised practice or adaptation periods 
• language requirements 
• how to appeal or request a review if your application is refused 

Step 3: check whether any recognition arrangement is available 

In some cases, there may be bilateral recognition arrangements that make it easier to have your UK qualification recognised overseas. These can include Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) between regulatory or professional bodies, or other arrangements such as memoranda of understanding (MoUs). 

Some UK trade agreements include frameworks to support recognition discussions between regulators, but recognition decisions are still made by the overseas regulator. You should check with the regulator what, if any, arrangement applies to your profession. See Annex 1 for a select list of arrangements that UK regulated sectors have with international partners, and Annex 2 for a list of broader country-level agreements. 

You can also read ‘Arrangements to facilitate the recognition of professional qualifications’ for background on different types of arrangements. 

Step 4: prepare your evidence and apply 

Most regulators will have an application process for overseas-qualified professionals. You may need to apply online, pay a fee, and provide documents to show your identity, qualifications and professional experience. 

Common documents can include: 

• your passport or other identity documents
• qualification certificates and transcripts
• evidence of professional registration or membership in the UK (if applicable)
• references, employment history, or evidence of practice hours 
• evidence of professional indemnity insurance (for some professions) 
• criminal record or fitness to practise checks (for some professions) 
• certified translations, if required 

Common requirements and things to prepare for 

Countries with state, provincial or territorial regulation 

If regulation is set at state, provincial or territorial level, you may need to repeat steps 1 to 4 for the specific jurisdiction where you will work. Ask whether the regulator recognises your qualification for that jurisdiction, and whether you can transfer recognition if you later move within the country. 

Fees and timescales 

Costs and processing times vary widely. As well as application fees, you may need to budget for translations, certification of documents, travel, and any tests or courses required by the regulator. 

Language requirements 

Some regulators require evidence of language proficiency, especially where you will have direct contact with the public. Requirements can include formal tests or evidence of professional experience in the language. 

Tests, interviews or supervised practice 

If the regulator identifies differences between your UK qualification and the local requirements, you may need to do one of the following:

• take an aptitude test
• complete an interview
• complete an online learning module
• undertake a period of supervised practice or adaptation

Translating and certifying documents 

You may need to provide certified copies and certified translations of your documents. Some countries also require documents to be authenticated (for example, using an apostille). Check the regulator’s guidance before you pay for translations or certification. 

If you cannot get recognition 

If you cannot get your qualification recognised, or the process would take too long, you may have other options depending on your profession and target market.

For example: 

• ask the regulator whether there are alternative routes (such as, an assessment based on professional experience)
• consider roles where recognition is not required, or where you work under supervision 
• consider completing any additional training, tests or local qualifications needed
• ask the regulator about review or appeal processes if your application is refused 

Get help and related guidance 

Start with the overseas regulator or competent authority for your profession, as they can tell you the correct route and requirements. 

Use the UK Regulated Professions Register to check whether your profession is regulated in the UK and who the UK regulator is. 

If you are providing professional services overseas (for example, as a self-employed professional or through your employer), business.gov.uk has export support guidance on recognition of professional qualifications and how to get help from the export support team. 

For background on recognition arrangements, read ‘Arrangements to facilitate the recognition of professional qualifications’. 

If you are providing services in the EU, read ‘Recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states’. 

This guidance provides general information. If you spot something that is out of date, choose the ‘Report a problem with this page’ button at the end of this GOV.UK webpage.

Annex 1: a select list of arrangements that UK regulated sectors have with international partners 

Wording index

The following are descriptions of types of agreements but titling may vary in the agreements themselves.

Bilateral accreditation arrangement

This provides recognition of qualifications from specific accredited education providers or programmes, rather than reciprocal recognition between regulatory bodies.

Direct Membership Agreement (one way)

This provides a one-way membership route for eligible members. Local practising rights are not automatically conferred and local licensing requirements may still apply.

Direct route to membership

This provides a direct route to membership for eligible members. Local practising rights are not automatically conferred and additional local requirements may apply.

Memorandum of understanding (MoU)

This provides a framework for co-operation, information sharing, recognition discussions, or pathways between organisations. It does not automatically confer practising rights or recognition unless explicitly stated.

Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)

A formal agreement between 2 or more parties (usually regulatory bodies) which aims to facilitate mobility of professionals through agreed mutual recognition, registration or membership processes. Subject to agreed criteria and local requirements.

Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications (MRPQ)

This provides reciprocal recognition of professional qualifications between participating bodies, subject to any specified eligibility criteria and local requirements.

Pathway to membership/study route

This provides a route to body membership through examinations, additional study, experience requirements or other prescribed criteria. Local practising rights are not automatically conferred.

Reciprocal Membership Agreement

This provides a reciprocal membership route for eligible members. Local practising rights are not automatically conferred and local licensing requirements may still apply.

Recognition / practice route

This provides a route to recognition for practice in the overseas jurisdiction, subject to local conditions.

Regulatory co-operation

This provides a regulatory co-operation framework. Local practising rights are not automatically conferred.

Unilateral Recognition Agreement

This rovides a one-way route for eligible professionals from one jurisdiction to have their qualification, registration or membership recognised by another body. It is not automatically reciprocal, so professionals moving the other way may need to use a different route.

This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change. For further information, refer to the relevant authority/professional/regulatory bodies’ websites.

Accounting profession

Country/ region/ territory	UK competent authority or chartered/professional membership body	Overseas competent authority or chartered/professional membership body	Notes
Australia	Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)	Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)	Mutual Recognition Agreement
Australia	Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI)	CA ANZ	Mutual Recognition Agreement
Australia	Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)	CA ANZ	Reciprocal Membership Agreement
Australia	ICAEW	Certified Practicing Accountants Australia (CPA Australia)	Pathways to membership/study route
Australia	Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)	CA ANZ	Reciprocal Membership Agreement
Australia	ICAS	CPA Australia	Mutual Recognition Agreement
Canada	CAI	Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada)	Mutual Recognition Agreement
Canada	ICAEW	CPA Canada	Reciprocal Membership Agreement
Canada	ICAS	CPA Canada	Reciprocal Membership Agreement.
China	ICAEW	Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA)	Pathways to membership/study route
Ghana	Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)	Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG)	Pathways to membership
Hong Kong	ACCA	Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA)	Mutual Recognition Agreement
Hong Kong	CAI	HKICPA	Reciprocal Membership Agreement
Hong Kong	ICAEW	HKICPA	Reciprocal Membership Agreement/pathways to membership
Hong Kong	ICAS	HKICPA	Mutual Recognition Agreement
India	ICAEW	Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)	Pathways to membership/study route
Kenya	ICAEW	Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK)	Pathways to membership/study route
Malaysia	ACCA	Malaysia Institute of Accountants (MIA)	Recognition/ Practice Route
Malaysia	ACCA	Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA)	Mutual Recognition Agreement
Malaysia	ICAEW	MICPA	Pathways to membership/study route
Nepal	ICAEW	The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN)	Pathways to membership/study route
New Zealand	ACCA	CA ANZ	Mutual Recognition Agreement
New Zealand	CAI	CA ANZ	Mutual Recognition Agreement
New Zealand	ICAEW	CA ANZ	Reciprocal Membership Agreement
New Zealand	ICAS	CA ANZ	Reciprocal Membership Agreement
Nigeria	ICAEW	The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)	Pathways to membership
Pakistan	ICAEW	Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP)	Pathways to membership/study route
Singapore	CAI	Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)	Mutual Recognition Agreement
Singapore	ICAS	ISCA	Reciprocal Membership Agreement
Singapore	ICAEW	ISCA	Reciprocal Membership Agreement/pathways to membership
South Africa	CAI	South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)	Mutual Recognition Agreement
South Africa	ICAEW	SAICA	Reciprocal Membership Agreement
South Africa	ICAS	SAICA	Reciprocal Membership Agreement
Sri Lanka	ACCA	Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka)	Mutual Recognition Agreement
Sri Lanka	ICAEW	CA Sri Lanka	Pathways to membership/study route
United States*	CAI	The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)/ National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)	Mutual Recognition Agreement
United States*	ICAEW	AICPA	Study route
Vietnam	ICAEW	Vietnam Association of Accountants and Auditors (VAA)	MoU
Zimbabwe	ACCA	Professional Accountants and Auditors Board (PAAB)	Recognition/ Practice Route
Zimbabwe	CAI	The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ)	Mutual Recognition Agreement
Zimbabwe	ICAEW	ICAZ	Reciprocal Membership Agreement

Actuarial science profession

Country/ region/ territory	UK competent authority or chartered/professional membership body	Overseas competent authority or chartered/professional membership body	Notes
Australia	Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA)	Institute of Actuaries (Australia) (IAAust)	Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)
India	Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA)	Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI)	Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)
Israel	IFoA	Israel Association of Actuaries (ILAA)	Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)
South Africa	IFoA	Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA)	Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)

Architecture profession

Country/ region/ territory	UK competent authority or chartered/professional membership body	Overseas competent authority or chartered/professional membership body	Notes
Australia	Architects Registration Board (ARB)	Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA)	Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)
Canada	ARB	Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC)	Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)
Hong Kong	ARB	Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA)	MoU
New Zealand	ARB	New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB)	Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)
United States*	ARB	National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)	Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)

Audit profession

Country/ region/ territory	UK competent authority or chartered/professional membership body	Overseas competent authority or chartered/professional membership body	Notes
Australia	Financial Reporting Council (FRC)	Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)	Memorandum of Understanding on Reciprocal Arrangements (MOURA)
Canada	FRC	Canadian Public Accountability Board (CPAB)	MoU on Cooperation and Information Exchange
New Zealand	FRC	New Zealand Financial Markets Authority (FMA)	MoU on Reciprocal Arrangements
South Africa	ACCA	Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA)	Recognition / Practice Route

Engineering profession

Country/ region/ territory	UK competent authority or chartered/professional membership body	Overseas competent authority or chartered/professional membership body	Notes
Kuwait	Engineering Council UK (ECUK)	Kuwait Society of Engineers (KSE)	Mutual Recognition Agreement
New Zealand	ECUK	Engineering New Zealand (ENZ)	Mutual Recognition Agreement
United States*	ECUK	National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)	Mutual Recognition Agreement

Insurance profession

Country/ region/ territory	UK competent authority or chartered/professional membership body	Overseas competent authority or chartered/professional membership body	Notes
Barbados	Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)	Insurance Institute of Barbados	Pathway to membership/study route
Botswana	CII	Insurance Institute of Botswana	Pathway to membership/study route
Cambodia	CII	Association of Cambodia and Cambodia Insurance Brokers Association	Pathway to membership/study route
Canada	CII	Insurance Institute of Canada	Pathway to membership/study route
Egypt	CII	Insurance Institute of Egypt	Pathway to membership/study route
Ghana	CII	Insurance Institute of Ghana	Pathway to membership/study route
Gibraltar	CII	Gibraltar Insurance Institute	Pathway to membership/study route
India	CII	Insurance Institute of India (III)	Pathway to membership/study route
Indonesia	CII	Indonesian Insurance Institute	Pathway to membership/study route
Jamaica	CII	College of Insurance and Professional Studies	Pathway to membership/study route
Kenya	CII	Insurance Institute of Kenya	Pathway to membership/study route
Kuwait	CII	Insurance Regulatory Unit	Regulatory Recognition
Macau	CII	Insurance of Financial Services and Insurance Industry Professionals Association	MoU
Malawi	CII	Insurance Institute of Malawi	Pathway to membership/study route
Malaysia	CII	Malaysian Insurance Institute	Pathway to membership/study route
Mauritius	CII	Insurance Institute of Mauritius	Pathway to membership/study route
Namibia	CII	Insurance Institute of Namibia	Pathway to membership/study route
Nigeria	CII	Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria	Pathway to membership/study route
Pakistan	CII	Pakistan Insurance Institute	Pathway to membership/study route
Philippines	CII	Insurance Institute for Asia and the Pacific	Pathway to membership/study route
Saudi Arabia	CII	Saudi Insurance Authority	Regulatory Recognition
Singapore	CII	Singapore Insurance Institute	Pathway to membership/study route
South Africa	CII	Insurance Institute of South Africa	Pathway to membership/study route
Saudi Arabia	CII	Insurance Regulatory Commission	Regulatory Recognition
Sri Lanka	CII	Insurance Regulatory Commission	Regulatory Recognition
Sri Lanka	CII	Sri Lanka Insurance Institute	Pathway to membership/study route
Taiwan	CII	Taiwan Insurance Institute	Pathway to membership/study route
Tanzania	CII	Insurance Institute of Tanzania	Pathway to membership/study route
Trinidad and Tobago	CII	Trinidad and Tobago Insurance Institute	Pathway to membership/study route
Uganda	CII	Insurance Training College (Uganda)	Pathway to membership/study route
United Arab Emirates	CII	UAE Central Bank	Regulatory Recognition
West Africa	CII	West African Insurance Institute	Pathway to membership/study route
Zambia	CII	Zambia College of Pensions and Insurance Trust	Pathway to membership/study route
Zimbabwe	CII	The Insurance Institute of Zimbabwe	Pathway to membership/study route

Surveying profession

Country/ region/ territory	UK competent authority or chartered/professional membership body	Overseas competent authority or chartered/professional membership body	Notes
Australia	Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)	Australian Property Institute (API)	Recognition Route
Australia	RICS	Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS)	Recognition Route
Canada	RICS	Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC)	Recognition Route
Canada	RICS	Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS)	Recognition Route
China	RICS	China International Contractors Association	Recognition Route
Ghana	RICS	Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS)	Recognition Route
Hong Kong	RICS	Hong Kong Institute of Housing (HKIH)	Mutual Recognition Agreement
Hong Kong	RICS	Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS)	Mutual Recognition Agreement
Japan	RICS	Association for Real Estate Securitization (ARES)	Recognition Route
Japan	RICS	Japan Association of Real Estate Appraisers (JAREA)	Recognition Route
Japan	RICS	Building Surveyors Institute of Japan (BSIJ)	Recognition Route
Kenya	RICS	Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (IQSK)	Recognition Route
Malaysia	RICS	Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM)	Recognition Route
New Zealand	RICS	New Zealand Institute of Surveyors (NZIS) / Survey and Spatial New Zealand (S+SNZ)	Recognition Route
New Zealand	RICS	New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS)	Recognition Route
New Zealand	RICS	Property Institute of New Zealand (PINZ)	Recognition Route
New Zealand	RICS	Valuers Registration Board of New Zealand (VRBNZ)	Recognition Route
Saudi Arabia	RICS	Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers (TAQEEM)	Recognition Route
Singapore	RICS	Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV)	Mutual Recognition Agreement
South Africa	RICS	South African Geomatics Council (SAGC)	Recognition Route
South Africa	RICS	South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP)	Recognition Route
South Africa	RICS	South African Council for the Property Valuers Profession (SACPVP)	Recognition Route
South Africa	RICS	South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP)	Recognition Route
Sri Lanka	RICS	Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Sri Lanka (IQSSL)	Recognition Route
United States	RICS	American Society of Appraisers (ASA)	Recognition Route
United States	RICS	The Appraisal Foundation	Recognition Route
United States	RICS	The Appraisal Institute (AI)	Recognition Route
United States	RICS	CCIM Institute	Recognition Route
United States	RICS	Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFAI)	Recognition Route
United States	RICS	Counsellors of Real Estate (CRE)	Recognition Route

Veterinary profession

Country/ region/ territory	UK competent authority or chartered/professional membership body	Overseas competent authority or chartered/professional membership body	Notes
Australia	Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS	(To see the list of recognised accreditations from education providers please click on the link)	MoU
Canada*	RCVS	(To see the list of recognised accreditations from education providers please click on the link)	Unilateral Regonition Agreement
Hong Kong	RCVS	(To see the list of recognised accreditations from education providers please click on the link)	University Accreditation
Japan	RCVS	(To see the list of recognised accreditations from education providers please click on the link)	Recognition via European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) registration
New Zealand	RCVS	(To see the list of recognised accreditations from education providers please click on the link)	MoU
South Africa	RCVS	(To see the list of recognised accreditations from education providers please click on the link)	MoU
United States*	RCVS	(To see the list of recognised accreditations from education providers please click on the link)	MoU

*For some arrangements, requirements may vary by state or other jurisdiction.

Annex 2: country-level RPQ agreements 

This table lists broader country-level RPQ agreements covering regulated professions in scope.

Country/region/territory	Type of agreement	Notes
Australia	UK-Australia FTA	Effective from 31 May 2023.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)	UK-GCC FTA	Announced on 20 May 2026, legal text to be finalised.
Iceland	UK-Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein FTA	Effective from 1 February 2023.
India	UK–India Trade Deal	Signed on 24 July 2025, in force since 15 July 2026.
Liechtenstein	UK-Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein FTA	Effective from 1 September 2022.
New Zealand	UK-New Zealand FTA	Effective from 31 May 2023.
Norway	UK-Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein FTA	Effective from 1 September 2022.
South Korea	UK-South Korea FTA	Effective from 1 January 2021. An upgraded UK-Republic of Korea (RoK) FTA was announced on 15 December 2025, legal text to be finalised.
Switzerland	UK-Switzerland Recognition of Professional Qualifications Agreement	Effective from 1 January 2025.
Taiwan	UK-Taiwan Enhanced Trade Partnership arrangement	Signed in November 2023.