Besides immigration considerations, recognition of professional qualifications should be taken into account, particularly for regulated professions where formal recognition of qualifications by state authorities is required. Since the end of the transition period (31 December 2020), the EU rules for the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications no longer apply to UK citizens. However, recognition decisions concerning UK citizens made when the UK was a member of the EU continue to be valid.
UK nationals seeking recognition of their qualifications in Belgium after the end of the transition period will be treated as third country nationals and recognition will be based on the Belgian rules, even if they hold an M-Card. (For more information on applying for recognition of professional qualifications, see the section of the Brexit Helpdesk for post-Brexit arrivals).