Professions in Kosovo

An occupational standard describes the purpose of a profession, its main functions, activities, performance requirements, knowledge, skills and working conditions. Public institutions also use job descriptions that set out the mission, responsibilities and specific requirements of a position. Kosovo uses the National Qualifications Framework, known locally as NQF or KKK, with qualification levels 1 to 8. Formal education, vocational education and training, non-formal learning and relevant informal learning can contribute to a qualification. Recognition of prior learning, known as RPL or NJMP, is assessed through bodies approved by the National Qualifications Authority, also called NQA or AKK. Entry options include vocational schools, practical modules, workshops, workplace learning, higher education, continuing professional education, employer training and courses at the Employment Agency of the Republic of Kosovo, known as APRK. APRK operates eight Vocational Training Centers, or QAPs. In 2024, these centers trained 2,104 participants in profiles including electrical installation, vehicle repair, accounting, cooking, heating installation, hairdressing, information technology, construction, plumbing, baking and metalwork. Some programs combine QAP training with company-based learning and issue a certificate after completion. Availability differs by region and provider. A non-regulated occupation does not have one nationwide professional licence identified for every employer. The company normally sets the required education, skills and experience for the role. A regulated profession is different: sector law may require a specified qualification, practical experience, a state or professional examination, registration with a professional chamber or a licence. The Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, NQA, APRK, sector ministries, professional chambers and public institutions each have different responsibilities. MASHTI’s list dated 16 January 2025 records 158 regulated professions with their competent authorities and legal bases. The Centre for Regulated Professions supports policy oversight, state-exam planning, result certification and candidate records. Health professions may involve the Ministry of Health, professional chambers, practice requirements, examinations and licensing. Architecture and engineering licences follow Law 08/L-012 and include A and B categories; the relevant chamber handles registration and licensing, including recognition of foreign licences. Civil-service positions follow public competition and are classified into senior, middle and lower management, professional and other categories. The professional category has four classes, with requirements set by the applicable classification rules. Employment conditions are governed by Kosovo’s Labour Law in both private and public employment, including employment of foreign workers. Written contracts may be indefinite, fixed-term or for a specific task. A fixed-term contract may last up to 10 years, while a specific-task contract may last up to 120 days within one year. Employers must register employees for tax and pension purposes and comply with rules on equal treatment, forced labour, workplace safety and dangerous work. Employees have rights to wages, leave, social and pension registration, equal opportunity and safe conditions, while their duties arise from the contract and applicable law. Collective agreements and internal acts may improve statutory conditions. There is no general profession-specific wage schedule. A foreign higher-education or professional qualification at levels 5 to 8 is mainly assessed through NARIC Kosova. A regulated profession may additionally require recognition by the competent sector authority; health cases can require equalization or nostrification. Certified translations, notarization, administrative fees and proof in an official language may apply. Kosovo has no single fee or deadline system for all professions: QAP costs and duration depend on the provider, and regulated-profession recognition costs and deadlines depend on the responsible authority. The Public Service Coordination or PSC/PVK information service and the competent authority can confirm current requirements. Employment generally begins at age 18. Young people aged 15 to 17 may work only in light, non-hazardous work under the applicable rules. Career development can include APRK counselling and profiling, further QAP training, reskilling, progression through the NQF, recognition of prior learning and continuing education required for relicensing. The most useful checks are the task profile, required qualification, licensing authority, recognition procedure, regional availability, contract terms and workplace safety rules.