One in four new doctors and nearly half of all newly licensed dentists in Belgium hold foreign
One in four new doctors and nearly half of all newly licensed dentists in Belgium hold foreign degrees, according to figures released by federal health minister Frank Vandenbroucke.
Key Clinical Takeaways:
- Between 2020 and 2025, the Belgian Federal Public Service (SPF) Health Public granted 13,918 professional licenses to general practitioners and specialists, with 3,014—approximately 22%—holding basic degrees earned abroad.
- Among dentists, the proportion reached 45% over the same five-year period, accounting for 1,265 out of 2,821 newly issued professional licenses.
- Combined, foreign-trained doctors and dentists represent 25.5% of all new healthcare practitioners recognized across Belgium between 2020 and 2025.
Parliamentary Inquiry Reveals Foreign Degree Totals
Federal Frank Vandenbroucke disclosed the statistics in a response to a parliamentary question, which were subsequently detailed by L’Echo and De Tijd. Official recognition from the SPF Health Public is mandatory for any medical professional intending to practice within Belgium’s healthcare system. However, public health officials note that acquiring this administrative recognition does not automatically confirm that the practitioner is actively treating patients inside the country.
Breakdown of Medical and Dental Licensing
The influx of international qualifications varies significantly between medical disciplines. For general practitioners and medical specialists, foreign degree holders accounted for 22% of the 13,918 total licenses processed over the five-year observation window. Dental licensing displayed a much higher dependency on international education pipelines. Out of 2,821 dental master’s degrees validated by federal authorities between 2020 and 2025, 1,265 originated outside Belgian borders.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.