The recognition of qualifications across borders is critical to the freedom of movement of labour and the efficient working of labour markets, especially in cross-border regions where labour market flows are strongest. This has been recognised by the Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications (which will be referred to as 2005 Directive in this document). Yet there remain legal and administrative obstacles that impede the process. This case study looks into the obstacles to qualification recognition. It discusses three different types of recognition: professional recognition; academic recognition; and ‘informal’ recognition. Member states have implemented procedures for qualification recognition concerning regulated professions in line with the 2005 Directive. In addition, countries have systems for the academic recognition of diplomas obtained within formal education and training. These enable the mobility of students and can also facilitate access to the labour market. There are however administrative obstacles deriving from complex, costly, and time-consuming procedures. Citizens face some difficulties to know whom to address to ask for recognition and to understand the procedures. Also, there are significant costs mainly deriving from legal translations of documents and administrative fees. Once an application is submitted, public authorities often need to require more documents from applicants, and this leads to an increase in time and costs, and may generate stress for the citizens. These obstacles pile up and can drive the applicant to give up from the accreditation procedure. The case study highlights the need to: Increase cooperation between national authorities in order to simplify recognition procedures. This is the aim of the EU platform ‘Internal Market Information System’ (IMI), which allows authorities in different countries to exchange information in different areas, including professional qualifications. Put in place initiatives to revise and simplify the requirements of regulated professions. The Commission has recently launched a mutual evaluation exercise of regulated professions with this objective. Make sure that the information on recognition procedures reaches all potential users. This involves the setting up of specialised services to inform citizens, and the availability of updated and more user-friendly institutional websites. Make diplomas easier to understand for foreign employers. Explore the possibility of automatic mutual recognition of certain diplomas, or the development of joint programmes leading to a degree recognised in different countries. Promote initiatives for the recognition of qualifications attained through continuing education and training. Promote the use of the tools that aim to help recognition, such as the Diploma Supplement, at border regions. The case study is illustrated with the example of the North of Portugal – Galicia cross-border region where there has been an imbalance (generally a higher level of qualifications on the Spanish side of the border) but where there have been a set of policies designed to address specific obstacles.