Skilled Australians will find it easier to live and work across Europe under a landmark new trade deal between Australia and the European Union, which will make it simpler for qualifications to be recognised. 

The Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement secures access for local professionals,  including lawyers, accountants, architects, engineers and health workers, to take up job opportunities across EU countries, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade revealed on Tuesday.  

However, the government has not yet detailed exactly which professions will be  covered.

Another key change is that Australians will no longer need to have their qualifications re-approved in every EU country.

If their degree or professional licence is accepted in one EU nation, other countries in the bloc are also expected to recognise it, making it easier to move and work across Europe.

‘This means Australian professionals will no longer need to undergo a full qualification recognition process for each additional EU Member State where they seek to supply their services.’

The EU has also agreed to make it easier for Australian companies to send staff to Europe.

Senior staff and specialist workers will be able to transfer to EU offices for up to three years, while eligible graduate trainees will be able to move for up to one year.

Australians who want to set up a business or carry out approved business activities in Europe will be able to travel there for up to three months within any six-month period.

‘This enhanced access provides more predictable, transparent and streamlined mobility arrangements to support Australian service suppliers and business representatives engaging with counterparts in the EU,’ DFAT said.

A new visa pathway will also be introduced for Australian researchers, engineers and technicians: the Innovation Mobility Pathway.

It allows eligible researchers and their families to stay in the EU for up to nine months while they job-hunt or set up a business, and gives them greater freedom to travel and live across multiple EU countries while undertaking major research projects.

‘The Innovation Mobility Pathway also enhances the mobility of Australian researchers, engineers and technicians to promote greater cooperation in innovation and advancing science and technology,’ DFAT said.

The agreement also now recognises Australian trade qualifications in the EU.