Belgium Sees High Share of Foreign-Trained Doctors and Dentists
Federal health minister Frank Vandenbroucke reported that between 2020 and 2025, about 22% of newly licensed general practitioners and specialists in Belgium earned their basic degrees abroad. The figures show 45% of newly licensed dentists held foreign degrees, with 1,265 of 2,821 dental master's degrees validated over the period coming from outside Belgium. Combined, foreign-trained doctors and dentists made up 25.5% of all new recognized practitioners, though officials noted that recognition does not necessarily mean they are actively treating patients.
Frank Vandenbroucke, Belgium’s federal health minister, released the numbers in reply to a parliamentary query. L’Echo and De Tijd then covered them. From 2020 through 2025, the SPF Health Public approved 13,918 licenses for general practitioners and specialists; 3,014 of those applicants had earned their foundational medical degrees outside Belgium.
For dentistry, 1,265 of 2,821 master’s-level credentials validated in that period came from foreign institutions. Combined, these groups accounted for 25.5% of newly recognized practitioners. Although recognition is needed to work in Belgium’s health system, officials said it does not necessarily show that someone is currently treating patients.
This trend may affect Belgian patients, local medical graduates, and internationally trained clinicians. Patients could encounter a more globally diverse workforce, perhaps easing some staffing gaps, while language, integration, and credential checks may influence trust. Domestic graduates might see changed competition for training places and posts. Because recognition does not equal active practice, the figures may overstate immediate bedside impact. Policymakers could use the data for workforce planning, but the numbers alone do not reveal where or whether these professionals work.