Mutual recognition agreements enable professionals in participating countries to practice outside their own country without taking additional exams or professional training. They are essential for UK-based architecture firms to compete internationally and play a vital part in the contribution of the sector to the UK economy. Promoting greater mutual recognition of qualifications in trade deals presents a major opportunity to strengthen trade in architectural services with new markets.
The mutual recognition of professional qualifications enables the free movement of professionals such as doctors or architects within the EU, allowing them to move across borders and practice their occupation or provide services abroad.
Mutual recognition agreements reduce significantly the administrative barriers to the movement of workers around the world and ensure that high professional standards are maintained. For individual professionals or the businesses looking to employ them, this means that the right to work in one country enables you to work in another country without re-qualification.
Promoting greater mutual recognition of qualifications in trade deals presents a major opportunity to strengthen trade in architectural services with new markets. The RIBA's policy paper below further explores the benefits of the existing system, and opportunities post-Brexit.
This report was originally published in January 2017.
