UK degrees no longer benefit from automatic EU recognition and often require a formal assessment in Luxembourg.
Luxembourg distinguishes between academic recognition, professional recognition, and recognition for salary purposes.
Anticipating the process helps avoid legal, contractual, or pay-related obstacles once in employment.
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Before Brexit, degrees awarded in the United Kingdom benefited from EU-wide recognition mechanisms. Since 1 January 2021, the UK has been considered a third country by Luxembourg. This change has significantly altered the rules governing the recognition of UK qualifications.
As explained by the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, qualifications obtained in a third country are subject to an individual assessment to determine their level and purpose within the Luxembourg education system.
It is important to note that Luxembourg mainly refers to recognition rather than strict equivalence. Recognition does not convert a UK degree into a Luxembourg diploma; instead, it officially positions it within the national qualification framework.
For holders of UK degrees, the procedure depends entirely on the purpose of the recognition.
Academic recognition applies to individuals wishing to pursue further studies or access training programmes in Luxembourg. It determines whether a UK qualification (Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD) corresponds to a specific Luxembourg level. According to the ministry, academic recognition is required for enrolment in a Luxembourg higher education institution.
Professional recognition is required to practise a regulated profession. The official portal Guichet.lu states that access to regulated professions is subject to prior authorisation, regardless of the country in which the qualification was obtained. This includes professions in healthcare, teaching, architecture, engineering, and certain skilled trades.
Finally, recognition for salary purposes allows employees to qualify as skilled workers, giving access to higher pay thresholds. The Labour and Mines Inspectorate explains that the skilled minimum wage applies only to employees who can demonstrate a recognised qualification or equivalent professional experience.
Not all employees working in Luxembourg with a UK degree are legally required to obtain formal recognition. In non-regulated sectors, employers retain a degree of discretion when assessing qualifications. However, in practice, several situations make recognition essential or strongly advisable.
For regulated professions, recognition is mandatory. The Ministry of Health stresses that qualifications obtained outside the European Union must be recognised before any authorisation to practise can be granted.
Recognition is also crucial for employees seeking skilled-worker status and the associated salary benefits. According to the Chamber of Employees, the absence of recognition may result in a lower salary classification, even when the employee holds a high-level qualification.
In addition, some Luxembourg employers require formal recognition of UK degrees to comply with internal governance or regulatory obligations, particularly in the financial and industrial sectors.
Academic recognition of a UK degree must be requested from the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth. The application generally includes the diploma, detailed transcripts, a description of the programme completed, and, where required, a certified translation. The ministry notes that all qualifications from third countries are subject to an in-depth assessment of course content and duration.
For regulated professions, applications are submitted via Guichet.lu, often through a fully digital process. The competent authority may impose compensatory measures, such as an adaptation period or an aptitude test, where substantial differences are identified between the UK training and Luxembourg requirements.
For salary recognition, assessment is usually carried out in conjunction with the employer. The Chamber of Employees points out that professional experience acquired in the United Kingdom may also be taken into account to justify skilled-worker status.
Recognition of a UK degree has a direct impact on remuneration. In Luxembourg, the skilled minimum wage is 20% higher than the unskilled minimum wage, representing several hundred euros more per month. The Labour and Mines Inspectorate emphasises that recognised qualifications are a key element of the employment contract.
Beyond pay, recognition facilitates access to senior positions, internal training programmes and long-term career mobility. According to the Chamber of Commerce, official recognition of foreign qualifications strengthens the long-term employability of international talent in Luxembourg.
For UK graduates, recognition also provides legal certainty in the event of administrative checks or employment disputes.
A frequent mistake is assuming that UK degrees still benefit from EU-level recognition. Since Brexit, this is no longer the case. As Guichet.lu reminds applicants, qualifications obtained in the United Kingdom are treated as third-country qualifications.
Another common issue is initiating the wrong procedure, such as applying for academic recognition when professional recognition is required. Identifying the correct objective in advance is essential.
Finally, starting the recognition process before taking up employment is considered best practice. The Ministry of Education, Children and Youth warns that incomplete or late applications significantly extend processing times.
For holders of UK degrees wishing to work in Luxembourg, diploma recognition has become a central issue in the post-Brexit context. Whether the goal is to access a regulated profession, secure skilled-worker pay, or support long-term career progression, understanding and anticipating the recognition process is essential.
When handled correctly, recognition allows UK qualifications to be fully valued within Luxembourg’s legal and professional framework.
Are UK degrees still automatically recognised in Luxembourg?
No. Since Brexit, UK qualifications are treated as third-country degrees and are subject to individual recognition procedures.
Is recognition required for all jobs?
No, but it is mandatory for regulated professions and strongly recommended for access to skilled-worker salary levels.
Can professional experience in the UK replace formal recognition?
In some cases, substantial professional experience may be taken into account, particularly for salary purposes, provided that appropriate evidence is accepted by the employer and the competent authorities.
