Qualification Recognition & Working Across Borders
# Qualification Recognition & Working Across Borders
You usually **can't just show up in another country and start contracting.** Three things have to line up.
## 1. Qualification recognition
Some credentials transfer or can be **assessed**: the **Red Seal** within Canada, **mutual recognition** within the EU, and **skills assessments** for migration to places like Australia and Canada. Expect to have your experience and qualifications **formally assessed**.
## 2. The right to work
You need legal **work rights** — a skilled-trades visa, work permit, or residency. Several countries actively recruit skilled trades through immigration programs.
## 3. Local requirements
Many countries require a **local partner**, **local company registration**, or **re-qualification** to the local standard before you can contract.
## Strategy
Get your **qualifications assessed**, secure **work rights**, and often **partner with a local firm** — then confirm everything with the official authority and an immigration professional.
**Takeaway:** You usually can't just show up and build abroad — get your qualifications assessed, secure work rights, and often partner locally.
> ⚠️ *International overview only — not legal advice. Contractor rules vary widely by country (and by region within a country) and change often. Always confirm with the official licensing/registration authority in that country and a local professional before relying on this.*
