This section concerns specialist doctors; dentists; midwives; pharmacists.

For these professions, the Public Health Code provides for an automatic recognition system when your qualification meets the prescribed conditions.

However, there are steps you need to take.

To practice permanently in France, you must apply for registration with the Order corresponding to your profession.

The Order verifies your diplomas, degrees, certificates, and attestations. If the conditions are met,
It grants automatic recognition of your qualification and decides on your registration on the Order's roll.

The required documents vary depending on the profession and your situation. They include, in particular, your diploma and, where necessary, certificates or attestations issued by the authorities of the country where you obtained your qualification.

The relevant professional body will verify whether your diploma is eligible for automatic recognition.

In certain specific cases of older diplomas, certain courses started before specific dates or certain diplomas issued in States that have undergone border or status changes, recognition may not be automatic and you will then be directed to apply for authorization to practice (see step 2).

You must apply for authorization to practice in France from the Centre national de gestion (National Management Centre (CNG)).

Your file should allow for an examination of your entire career path, including:

• your degree obtained outside the EU;
• the decision or certificate of recognition obtained in the EU or EEA state;
• documents proving your right to practice in that state;
• your professional experience;
• your additional training.

In practice:

• Go to the CNG website and search for your profession: "doctor", "midwife"...
• In the "Obtaining authorization to practice" section, choose the Hocsman procedure that corresponds to your situation and click on "Hocsman".
• Download and complete the required form;
• Prepare supporting documents for your diploma, its recognition, and your professional background.
• Send your application to the CNG according to the procedures indicated.

Your application is then reviewed to determine whether you can be granted authorization to practice.

If you have a European diploma that does not meet the conditions for automatic recognition, you may be eligible for the Dreessen procedure.

You must also apply for authorization to practice from the CNG. The process is the same and you must choose the Dreesen procedure.

The official list of professions concerned and the conditions of the procedure are indicated on the Ministry of Health's page.

You must apply for authorization to practice in France.

Your file allows the competent authority to examine:

• your diploma or qualification;
• your training;
• your professional experience;
• your continuing education;
• if necessary, the recognition decision obtained in another EU or EEA state.

The process is done online.

All the required documents are listed. Once the application is submitted, your file will be reviewed by the relevant authority within 4 months.

What decision can you expect to receive?

The competent authority compares your qualifications with those required to practice the profession in France.

• If your qualifications are deemed sufficient, you will receive authorization to practice.
• If significant differences exist, a compensatory measure may be requested, for example an adaptation period or an aptitude test.

The authorization to practice then allows you to practice in France under the same conditions as holders of the corresponding French diploma.

If your qualification has been automatically recognized or if you have obtained authorization to practice, you can practice your profession in France.

For paramedical professi, check if your profession also requires:

• registration with a professional body;
• registration with the competent authority;
• another mandatory formality before starting to practice.

To look for a job

You can view the offers on the France Travail website.
Search for your profession name and enter your city or region.

You can also consult the websites directly:

• hospitals and healthcare facilities ;
• clinics and care centers;
• medical and social care establishments ;
• firms and structures corresponding to your profession.

You can also send your CV and cover letter directly to employers.

To set up as a freelancer

Depending on your profession, you can also practice as a freelancer.

Before you move in, check the requirements you must meet:

• registration with the professional body when it is mandatory;
• registration or the administrative procedures necessary to practice;
• the formalities for setting up your business;
• professional liability insurance.

Here you can find useful information and advice for starting your business.

For certain healthcare professions, you must also take specific steps with the Health Insurance in order to practice independently and be contracted.