Qualification recognition
What it takes to have your qualification recognised and work in another country.
Finance & Economics in 9 countries Tap a country to see how to qualify there
4 United Kingdom Open door Some demand
No licence needed to work in finance - the entire barrier is getting an employer to sponsor you.
- Recognition
- 5/5 Unregulated there, or the South African qualification is accepted as it is.
- Time to practise
- Immediate once you have a visa; 3-6 months from job offer to arrival
What it takes: exams, language test, cost
- Exams
- None to work. CFA exams are voluntary; FCA-approved qualifications apply only to regulated advice roles.
- Language test
- English at CEFR B2 for the visa: an SA degree counts only with a paid Ecctis assessment confirming it was taught in English; otherwise pass an approved English test
- Rough cost
- UK ENIC statement about GBP 60-100; Skilled Worker visa from GBP 819 plus GBP 1,035 a year health surcharge
Worth knowing: Being unregulated cuts both ways: nobody blocks you, but nobody recognises you either. Sponsorship for junior finance roles is scarce.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 6 steps
- Apply for jobs directly; a SA BCom is accepted by UK employers without any registration step.
- If an employer or the Home Office asks, get a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability showing how your degree maps to UK levels.
- Get a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor and a Certificate of Sponsorship for the Skilled Worker visa.
- Check the salary going rate for your occupation code - graduate-level finance salaries outside London often fall below the threshold.
- Optional but valuable: progress through CFA Levels I-III, which UK employers recognise immediately.
- For regulated advice roles you additionally need an FCA-approved qualification and Statement of Professional Standing.
Evidence and sources (4)
Demand evidence: Economists/statisticians (2433) are visa-eligible but not on the Immigration Salary List; only underwriters (3532) and data analysts (3544) are on the TSL. (source)
5 Ireland Open door High demand
Unregulated work; Dublin's funds and banking sector hires internationally, but you need a permit.
- Recognition
- 5/5 Unregulated there, or the South African qualification is accepted as it is.
- Time to practise
- Immediate once permitted; permit processing time varies: as of 2 October 2026 DETE was processing Critical Skills applications received on 25 September 2026 and new General Employment Permit applications received on 26 August 2026
What it takes: exams, language test, cost
- Exams
- None to work. CFA and Central Bank minimum competency qualifications are role-specific.
- Language test
- English (no test for SA graduates)
- Rough cost
- Critical Skills Employment Permit fee around EUR 1,000; NARIC comparison is free
Worth knowing: Critical Skills permits have salary floors that entry-level finance roles often miss; a General Employment Permit has a labour-market test.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 6 steps
- Apply for jobs directly - no registration or recognition step exists for finance or economics graduates.
- Get a job offer, then apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit if the role and salary qualify, or a General Employment Permit otherwise.
- Check the current Critical Skills Occupations List for your exact job title before assuming the faster permit applies.
- Have your degree compared via NARIC Ireland if an employer requests evidence of level.
- Optional: CFA Levels I-III, widely used across Dublin's funds and asset management sector.
- For regulated client-advice roles, meet the Central Bank of Ireland's minimum competency requirements.
Evidence and sources (3)
Demand evidence: Critical Skills List: business and financial project management specialists (2424) in finance, investment, risk, credit or fraud analytics. (source)
4 Netherlands Open door Some demand
No licence required; Amsterdam finance works largely in English, but the salary threshold is the gate.
- Recognition
- 5/5 Unregulated there, or the South African qualification is accepted as it is.
- Time to practise
- Immediate once permitted; the IND must decide on a kennismigrant application within 90 days and aims to decide within 2 weeks if the application is complete
What it takes: exams, language test, cost
- Exams
- None to work in corporate or institutional finance. Wft diplomas apply only to regulated Dutch retail advice.
- Language test
- English is standard in Amsterdam finance; Dutch (Wft exams in Dutch) only for regulated retail advice.
- Rough cost
- IDW (Nuffic) diploma evaluation EUR 148.83; IND permit fees are usually paid by the employer
Worth knowing: Salary thresholds change each January and are the practical filter. Graduates often use the orientation-year permit after a Dutch masters instead.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 6 steps
- Apply for jobs directly - finance and economics roles are not licensed in the Netherlands.
- Have your degree evaluated by Nuffic if an employer or the IND asks for a credential statement.
- Get an offer from an IND-recognised sponsor and apply for the highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant) permit, or an EU Blue Card.
- Check the current IND gross monthly salary threshold for your age group - it is the main hurdle for junior roles.
- Optional: CFA Levels I-III; Dutch asset managers and banks recognise the charter.
- For regulated advice to Dutch retail clients you need Wft diplomas, which are in Dutch.
Evidence and sources (5)
Demand evidence: No Dutch shortage list; analysts qualify for the salary-based IND highly skilled migrant permit. No current UWV occupation data reachable. (limited evidence for this country) (source)
- IND highly skilled migrant permit
- Nuffic - Dutch centre for international education
- IDW (Nuffic) - credential evaluation to work in the Netherlands ('A diploma evaluation costs €148.83')
- IND - highly skilled migrant information (publication 3072, p. 4: decision within 90 days, aims for 2 weeks)
- CDFD - frequently asked questions (Wft exams are offered only in Dutch)
3 Germany Recognised, paperwork only Some demand
Unregulated, but German is expected in most finance jobs outside a few international banks.
- Recognition
- 4/5 Mutual recognition or an assessment plus registration. No major exams.
- Time to practise
- Immediate once permitted; an estimated 6-18 months including language learning
What it takes: exams, language test, cost
- Exams
- None to work. German trade-law registration exams apply only to regulated advisory roles and are in German.
- Language test
- German around B2 for most employers; English is sufficient at some Frankfurt international banks.
- Rough cost
- ZAB Statement of Comparability about EUR 200; national visa fee EUR 75
Worth knowing: Rated 4 rather than 5 because the language barrier, not regulation, is the real constraint on getting hired.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 6 steps
- Check your degree on the anabin database; if it is listed as recognised, that satisfies the Blue Card degree test.
- If anabin does not list your university clearly, request a Statement of Comparability from the ZAB.
- Get a job offer meeting the EU Blue Card salary threshold and apply for the Blue Card or a skilled worker visa.
- Learn German to about B2: Frankfurt's international banks use English, but most German employers do not.
- Optional: CFA Levels I-III, recognised across German asset management.
- For regulated investment advice you must be registered under German trade law (for example section 34f GewO) with local exams in German.
Evidence and sources (3)
Demand evidence: Financial analysis is mentioned as a field hiring scientists/mathematicians, but economists are not a named German shortage profession. (limited evidence for this country) (source)
5 United States Open door High demand
No licence to work in finance, but H-1B cap selection makes the US the hardest to enter.
- Recognition
- 5/5 Unregulated there, or the South African qualification is accepted as it is.
- Time to practise
- Immediate once authorised, but the visa can take years
What it takes: exams, language test, cost
- Exams
- None to work in corporate finance. FINRA Series exams apply to securities sales and advisory roles.
- Language test
- English (no test for SA graduates)
- Rough cost
- WES evaluation roughly USD 100-250; visa costs are employer-paid but substantial
Worth knowing: Rated 5 for the profession, but visa-wise the US is the toughest of the nine for an SA finance graduate.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 6 steps
- Apply for jobs directly - corporate finance, banking and economics roles are not licensed.
- Get a WES or similar credential evaluation if an employer or immigration lawyer asks for one.
- Secure an employer willing to sponsor an H-1B, or use an L-1 intracompany transfer. Since the FY2027 season, H-1B cap selection is weighted by the offered wage level, so entry-level offers have lower odds.
- An alternative is a US masters degree, then OPT work authorisation, then H-1B from inside the US.
- Optional: CFA Levels I-III, which originated in the US and carries the most weight there.
- For broker-dealer or advisory roles you must pass FINRA exams (SIE, Series 7, Series 63) once sponsored by a firm.
Evidence and sources (4)
Demand evidence: BLS OOH: financial and investment analysts projected to grow much faster than average; economists faster than average. (source)
4 Canada Open door Some demand
Unregulated work and a points-based system that rewards a degree and youth - once you have a year of skilled work.
- Recognition
- 5/5 Unregulated there, or the South African qualification is accepted as it is.
- Time to practise
- At least 1 year of skilled work experience first; then an estimated 8-18 months through Express Entry (IRCC's processing standard for Express Entry applications is six months for 80% of cases), and immediate on arrival
What it takes: exams, language test, cost
- Exams
- None to work. Canadian Securities Course and provincial registration apply only to securities-registered roles.
- Language test
- English, or French in Quebec; IELTS or CELPIP is mandatory for Express Entry
- Rough cost
- ECA about CAD 250; IELTS about CAD 320; permanent residence fees CAD 1,590 per adult (processing plus right of PR fee)
Worth knowing: Canada is often the most achievable of the nine for permanent residence with an unregulated commerce degree, as no job offer is required, but a new graduate is not eligible until they have at least a year of skilled work experience.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 6 steps
- Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from WES or another designated organisation - required for Express Entry points.
- Write IELTS or CELPIP; language scores are a large share of your Express Entry points.
- Create an Express Entry profile once you qualify: the Federal Skilled Worker Program needs at least 1 year of continuous skilled work experience (TEER 0-3) in the last 10 years, CLB 7 in all four abilities and proof of settlement funds. A job offer is not required.
- Apply for jobs directly once you have permanent residence, or seek an employer work permit as an alternative route.
- Optional: CFA Levels I-III, widely held in Toronto and Vancouver.
- For securities roles, complete the Canadian Securities Course and any provincial registration required by your employer.
Evidence and sources (5)
Demand evidence: Financial analysts and economists are in no current Express Entry category; the occupations remain skilled-visa eligible. (source)
4 Australia Open door Some demand
No licence to work, but general finance job titles are not always on the skilled occupation lists.
- Recognition
- 5/5 Unregulated there, or the South African qualification is accepted as it is.
- Time to practise
- Immediate once visaed; an estimated 6-15 months for skills assessment and visa (VETASSESS lists 7 weeks for a professional skills assessment, which may take longer)
What it takes: exams, language test, cost
- Exams
- None to work in corporate finance. ASIC's financial adviser exam applies only to retail advice roles.
- Language test
- English; IELTS or PTE is normally needed for the visa and for points
- Rough cost
- VETASSESS full skills assessment AUD 1,146 for applicants not resident in Australia for tax purposes (AUD 1,260.60 with GST); skilled visa application fees several thousand AUD
Worth knowing: The occupation code decides everything. A job that is unregulated can still be un-sponsorable if its ANZSCO code is off the list.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 6 steps
- Apply for jobs directly - finance analyst and economist roles need no registration.
- For a skilled visa, check whether your occupation (for example Economist or Financial Investment Adviser) is on the current occupation list.
- Get a skills assessment from the assessing authority named for your occupation, usually VETASSESS for finance and economics roles.
- Apply for an employer-sponsored Skills in Demand visa or a points-tested skilled visa (189/190/491).
- Optional: CFA Levels I-III, well recognised in Sydney and Melbourne.
- To give retail financial advice you must meet ASIC's education and exam standards, which are Australia-specific.
Evidence and sources (4)
Demand evidence: JSA Occupation Shortage List 2025: Investment Analyst (212332) and Economist (232333) both rated No Shortage nationally. (source)
4 New Zealand Open door Some demand
Unregulated work in a small market; the Accredited Employer Work Visa is the normal route in.
- Recognition
- 5/5 Unregulated there, or the South African qualification is accepted as it is.
- Time to practise
- Immediate once visaed; 2-5 months for visa processing
What it takes: exams, language test, cost
- Exams
- None to work. NZ financial advice competency standards apply only to advice roles.
- Language test
- English; an approved test may be required depending on the visa pathway
- Rough cost
- NZQA standard qualification assessment NZD 445; Accredited Employer Work Visa from NZD 1,540
Worth knowing: Rated 5 for practice, but demand is the weakest of the nine. Treat NZ as a lifestyle move rather than a career accelerator.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 6 steps
- Apply for jobs directly - finance and economics roles need no registration in New Zealand.
- Find an employer that holds Immigration NZ accreditation, then apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa.
- Check the Green List and skills lists for your exact job title; generic finance roles are generally not on them.
- Have your degree assessed by the NZQA if an employer or a residence application requires it.
- Optional: CFA Levels I-III, recognised by NZ banks and fund managers.
- For financial advice you must be engaged by a licensed Financial Advice Provider and meet NZ competency standards.
Evidence and sources (4)
Demand evidence: Financial analysts and economists are not on the Green List; entry is via an ordinary Accredited Employer Work Visa. (source)
4 United Arab Emirates Open door Some demand
No licence for most finance jobs; the employer's work permit is the route, though some roles are licensed.
- Recognition
- 5/5 Unregulated there, or the South African qualification is accepted as it is.
- Time to practise
- Immediate once the visa is issued; roughly 1-3 months from job offer
What it takes: exams, language test, cost
- Exams
- None to work. CISI exams set by the capital markets regulator apply only to specific licensed roles.
- Language test
- English is the working language of most finance roles; Arabic helps but is rarely required
- Rough cost
- Work permit fees (AED 250-3,450) are paid by the employer; degree attestation costs are unknown
Worth knowing: Work visas are employer-tied and do not lead to citizenship or permanent residence; the 10-year Golden Visa (e.g. AED 30,000+ monthly salary) is the long-term exception.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Get your degree certificates attested for the UAE; employers usually need them for the work permit and graduate-level job title.
- Secure a job offer; the employer applies to MOHRE for your work permit, and the residence visa follows.
- For some regulated roles onshore, the Capital Market Authority (formerly SCA) requires set CISI exams such as UAE Financial Rules and Regulations.
- For senior or client-facing licensed roles in the DIFC, your firm applies to the DFSA to make you an Authorised Individual; ADGM has an equivalent regime.
- Optional: CFA Levels I-III, widely used by Gulf employers to benchmark international candidates.
Evidence and sources (4)
Demand evidence: Not named as a Golden Visa priority profession; financial analysts and economists are level 2 professionals on an ordinary employer visa. (source)
General information, not immigration or legal advice. Confirm the rules with the regulator before you rely on them. Finance & Economics overview