I believe licensure is pretty much universal but why not check with your local building code enforcement department and see what they require.

I've never heard of a place that didn't require electricians to be licensed. But that's my North American mindset. I suppose somewhere in the world it might not be required. So ... yes ... it depends on where you are.

It's a state by state thing, but most places will require some sort of license. In many cases there are two licenses. A contractor meets certain requirements to offer his services to the others. A electrician has a license to work in the field (either for a contractor or just as an employee of a builder or some organization). Some states like Texas allow licensed electricians to contract for themselves. Most (at least in states I've worked), license them both.

Good sruvey of state laws on this here:

http://www.necanet.org/professional-development/careers-in-electrical-contracting/licensure/state-code-licensing-requirements/state-electrical-regulations