Salaire Santé Luxembourg

Care assistants: getting a foreign diploma recognised

Last updated : August 2, 2026

The care assistant (aide-soignant) is a regulated healthcare profession in Luxembourg, but unlike the general-care nurse it does not benefit from automatic European recognition. Whatever the country where you obtained your diploma (France, Belgium, Portugal, a non-EU country…), a recognition of equivalence with the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth (MENEJ) is required before applying for the authorisation to practise.

Conditions depending on where you trained

  • Diploma obtained in the EU / EEA / Switzerland: you must hold a qualification that allows you to practise the profession in that State, and both the content and the duration of the training must substantially match Luxembourg's requirements (in Luxembourg, care-assistant training is a DAP — vocational aptitude diploma).
  • Diploma obtained outside the EU: your qualification must be officially recognised by an EU Member State and you must prove 3 years of professional experience in that Member State. A valid residence permit is also required.

The application file

  • detailed curriculum vitae (Europass format recommended);
  • copies of diplomas and of the report cards of the final training years;
  • work certificates in the care-assistant profession;
  • photocopy of an identity document (and of the residence permit where applicable);
  • translations by a sworn translator for any document not in French, German or English;
  • for documents issued outside the EU: certification of conformity by an authorised authority;
  • proof of payment of the 75 € fee.

How to submit the application?

Three options with the MENEJ Diploma Recognition Service:

  • the online form (payment by card or Payconiq);
  • by e-mail to reconnaissance@men.lu (file as PDF);
  • by post.

Processing time and next steps

The answer usually arrives within 2 to 6 weeks after the file is complete (maximum 3 months). If accepted, you receive a recognition certificate by post; it then allows you to apply for the authorisation to practise with the Ministry of Health. If refused, an informal appeal and then an appeal before the Administrative Tribunal are possible.

For a personalised step-by-step path, use our interactive assistant. And to know what you will earn once employed, see our page on the care assistant salary in Luxembourg.

Official sources

Information provided for guidance only (verified in August 2026). Only the competent administrations are authoritative.

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