Register as a Pharmacist in Denmark

Lægemiddelstyrelsen or Danish Medicine Agency

The Danish Medicines Agency plays a pivotal role in assessing and approving foreign qualified pharmacists seeking registration to practice in Denmark's healthcare system. However, it's important to note that individuals aiming to work in the pharmaceutical industry may not require registration with the agency, as certain roles may not involve direct patient care. Nevertheless, adherence to professional standards and regulations remains essential for all pharmaceutical professionals operating within Denmark's healthcare landscape.

Application Instruction

Choose the appropriate application pathway below based on whether you intend to seek authorization to practice as a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician.

Pharmacists in Denmark undergo a comprehensive five-year university program leading to a Master's degree in Pharmacy.

For pharmacy technicians in Denmark, the educational path entails a three-year vocational program. If your education duration is less than five years, we advise applying for authorization as a pharmacy technician.

Upon submission of your application, you will receive an email confirming its completeness or notifying you of any missing information hindering the processing.

If your application is deemed complete and processing commences, the email will include a case number essential for future inquiries with the Danish Medicines Agency regarding your case status.

In the event of an incomplete application, please ensure the following:

- Have all necessary documents been included?

- Have relevant documents been duly certified?

- Have mandatory documents been translated into Danish or English?

Once you've gathered the required documents, translated and certified them, submit them using the provided application form to proceed with your application.

Application Processing and Review time

Once a complete application is received, processing typically takes between two to three months, inclusive of assessment by either the Danish College of Pharmacy Technicians or the University of Copenhagen/the University of Southern Denmark. Subsequently, you will receive notification of our decision.

The evaluation of your education is conducted by the Danish Medicines Agency, relying on input from the Danish College of Pharmacy Technicians (for pharmacy technicians) or the University of Copenhagen/University of Southern Denmark (for pharmacists).

The Danish Medicines Agency may stipulate additional requirements before permitting work in a Danish pharmacy. This could occur if your training substantially differs from the programs for pharmacy technicians or pharmacists in Denmark.

For pharmacy technicians, additional requirements might entail completing an internship at a pharmacy and passing an aptitude test in medicines and pharmacy law administered by the Danish College of Pharmacy Technicians.

For pharmacists, additional requirements could include completing the Pharmacy Internship course or specific components of the master’s program.

Fee involved in the process

To offset the costs associated with regulatory duties outlined in section 2 of the Danish act on pharmacy practice:

- DKK 14,742

For the Danish Medicines Agency's evaluation of applications concerning private hospital pharmacies or branches, as per section 3:

- DKK 14,742

To fund oversight activities conducted by the Danish Medicines Agency, as per section 3(2):

- DKK 14,742

Language Requirements

For foreign pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to practice at community or hospital pharmacies in Denmark, proficiency in Danish is essential.

Given the responsibilities of pharmacy staff in filling and verifying prescriptions, dispensing medication, and providing information, fluency in Danish is necessary for safe and effective communication with customers, healthcare professionals, and regulatory bodies.

The Danish Medicines Agency mandates that foreign pharmacists/pharmacy technicians from non-EU/EEA countries attain a minimum of Danish 3, FVU (adult preparatory education) 4 or higher proficiency before commencing work at Danish pharmacies.

Moreover, to enroll in Danish universities where instruction is solely in Danish, passing the ‘Studieprøven i dansk’ (a nationally approved test for foreign language speakers) is a prerequisite.

Documents Required

When applying for permission to work as a pharmacist at a Danish community or hospital pharmacy, the following documents must be submitted with the application. Please note that several documents must be provided as certified copies:

1. Certified copy of evidence of nationality in the original language (e.g., relevant pages of your passport, residence permit card if applicable). The information must be legible for the authorities.

2. If your name has changed due to marriage, include a certified copy of the marriage certificate.

3. Curriculum Vitae (CV).

4. Certified copy of the original pharmacy degree certificate.

5. Certified copy of a certificate from relevant authorities in your home country, confirming your right to practice pharmacy. The certificate should not be older than three months.

6. Transcript from your university listing the courses completed during your education, including the number of lessons for each course.

7. Study program syllabus detailing the topics covered in each course (attached as a PDF).

8. Certified copy of diploma demonstrating completion of Danish 3/FVU (adult preparatory education) 4, or alternative evidence indicating enrollment in Danish 3.

All documents must be submitted collectively. Processing of your application will commence only upon receipt of all the aforementioned documents.

Certified true copies entail each copy of the original document being certified by an embassy/consulate, the police, a relevant authority (e.g., job center), notary public, or the issuing authority. This certification involves the addition of a stamp and signature on each copy, verifying it as a true replica of the original document. Private individuals are not authorized to certify copies.

Using and Agent or Assistant

When it comes to applications with the Danish Medicines Agency, applicants will directly communicate with the agency. However, applicants have the option to designate an agent or assistant to represent them in the application process. In such instances, the agent or assistant must provide a power of attorney confirming their authorization to act on behalf of the applicant. This power of attorney can be conveyed through either an email or a physical document sent by the applicant, clearly stating the individual's authorization to act on their behalf in the application process. Notably, attorneys-at-law and public legal aid attorneys are exempt from presenting this document unless specifically requested to do so.

If you require assistance with your application to the Danish Medicines Agency, our services are available to you. We're here to support you at every stage of the process. You can reach us via phone (WhatsApp) at +358 46 9406962 or email us at contact.european.pharmacist@gmail.com.

Official website

To access the official online portal for submitting applications and accessing important resources, please visit the following link: Lægemiddelstyrelsen

We encourage applicants to utilize this online resource for a streamlined and up-to-date information.

Trained in EU/EEA?

This information is intended solely for pharmacists trained outside the EU/EEA. Pharmacists trained within the EU/EEA are directed to follow the provided link https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/professional-qualifications/european-professional-card/index_en.htm for relevant guidance and procedures.