Practising abroad with a French nursing qualification: Europe, Switzerland, Quebec

Working in Belgium, Switzerland or Quebec, or spending a few years in another European country: the French State nursing qualification travels well, but not everywhere in the same way. This guide explains automatic recognition in the European Union, the European professional card, Swiss and Quebec procedures, and then the steps to anticipate for any other country.

Is your French nursing qualification recognised abroad?

There is no worldwide recognition. Three situations apply:

• European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland: the qualification benefits from automatic recognition provided for by Directive 2005/36/EC, as amended by Directive 2013/55/EU.
• Quebec: a mutual recognition arrangement facilitates access to the profession.
• Other countries: each State applies its own rules, often involving file examination, examinations and language requirements.

In all cases, nursing is a regulated profession: you cannot practise without the approval of the competent authority of the host country.

How do I get my qualification recognised in a European Union country?

The general care nurse is one of the professions with automatic recognition in the European Union, alongside the doctor, midwife, dentist, pharmacist, architect and veterinarian. The competent authority of the host country does not re-examine the content of your training: it verifies your documents.

1. Identify the competent authority of the host country, for example via the national contact point for professional qualifications.
2. Submit your file: identity document, qualification, certificates requested by the country.
3. Await the acknowledgement of receipt: the authority must issue it within one month.
4. Receive the decision, no later than three months after receipt of the complete file.

The host country may require a language test and your registration with its professional body before you begin to practise. Automatic recognition applies to the qualification, not to language: a good level in the country's language remains essential to be recruited and to practise safely with patients.

What is the European professional card?

The European professional card (EPC) is an electronic recognition procedure. It currently concerns five professions, including nurses responsible for general care.

Its advantages

• The authorities of your country of origin help you prepare the application and transmit it.
• You do not have to provide your documents again for a subsequent application.
• For establishment, the certificate has unlimited validity.

How do I apply for it?

1. Create an EU Login account and log in to the European professional card platform.
2. Complete your profile and upload scanned copies of your supporting documents.
3. Submit the file to the authority of your country of origin, which has one month to examine it and forward it.
4. Await the decision of the host country: two months maximum for establishment when recognition is automatic.

Examination fees may be requested by both the country of origin and the host country.

Good to know: the European professional card is not a physical card. It is an electronic certificate in PDF format, with a reference number: your future employer can verify its authenticity online.

Can I practise temporarily in another European country?

Yes. For temporary and occasional provision of services, without establishment, you send a prior written declaration to the host country. The European professional card can also be used in this context: its validity is then limited in time, and the processing times are shorter, sometimes three weeks on the country of origin's side.

How do I work as a nurse in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, the competent authority for recognising foreign nursing qualifications is the Swiss Red Cross (SRC). Thanks to agreements between Switzerland and the European Union, a qualification listed in Annex V of Directive 2005/36/EC can benefit from automatic recognition.

Steps with the Swiss Red Cross

1. Complete the PreCheck, which is mandatory and free, processed within four weeks at most.
2. Submit the recognition request with all supporting documents.
3. Receive the decision within four months at most from the complete file.
4. Register with the national register of health professions, then request authorisation to practise from the canton.

Key documents

• a certificate of current professional status no more than three months old at the time of application;
• a language certificate at B2 level in German, French or Italian;
• your training documents, translated if necessary.

Fees, which vary depending on whether compensation measures are required, are published on the Swiss Red Cross website.

How to practise as a nurse in Québec?

Since 7 July 2011, a mutual recognition agreement has linked France and Québec for the nursing profession. The Québec authority is the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ). According to the French Ministry of Health, the agreement applies to nurses holding a diploma issued by a recognised authority, legally qualified to practise and with at least 500 hours of practice in the previous four years.

1. Submit an application for admission by equivalence to the OIIQ.
2. Demonstrate your proficiency in French, which is required to practise in Québec.
3. Complete the adaptation placement in a clinical setting as set by the OIIQ for nurses qualified in France covered by the agreement.
4. Register each year on the OIIQ register: a permit alone is not sufficient to use the title and practise.

Documents written in a language other than French must be officially translated.

What about other countries?

Outside Europe and Québec, there is no automatic recognition. Elsewhere in Canada, each province has its own regulatory body. However, the steps are often similar:

• assessment of your diploma and training content;
• proof of your right to practise in your country of origin;
• language test;
• sometimes an aptitude examination or adaptation placement;
• immigration and work permit procedures, separate from professional recognition.

Important note: professional recognition and the right of residence are two separate procedures. Authorisation to practise does not constitute a work visa, and vice versa.

What steps should you prepare before leaving?

1. Check the competent authority in the country you are targeting and its requirements on its official website.
2. Assess your language level and take a recognised test if necessary.
3. Gather your documents: State diploma, training records, employment certificates, recent proof of your professional status.
4. Have your documents translated by a translator recognised by the host country.
5. Allow for processing times, which are measured in months.

Your registration on the nursing register in France attests to your right to practise: for your certificates, contact your departmental council. See our guide registration with the nursing order.

And to return to practise in France?

Your State diploma remains valid. Remember to notify any change in your situation to the Order through your member account, and to check your continuing education obligations: see our guide periodic certification and CPD. To understand the role of European and international nursing organisations, consult our guide ICN, EFN and WHO.

Official sources

• Europe is yours: recognition of professional qualifications, European professional card
• Swiss Red Cross: recognition of nursing qualifications
• Government of Quebec: France-Quebec agreement, nursing
• National Assembly: question no. 5458 on the France-Quebec arrangement
• CISSS des Laurentides: having your qualifications and diploma recognised
• Conseil national de l'Ordre infirmier: registering with the Order