Register as a Pharmacist in Estonia

Terviseamet (Health Board), Republic of Estonia

Registering as a pharmacist in Estonia marks the commencement of a professional journey defined by expertise, dedication, and commitment to public health. Aspiring pharmacists navigating the process find themselves immersed in a meticulously structured framework designed to ensure the highest standards of pharmaceutical care. Estonia, known for its advanced healthcare system and stringent regulatory measures, requires prospective pharmacists to undergo rigorous training, fulfill specific educational prerequisites, and demonstrate proficiency in various pharmaceutical domains. Embracing this regulatory pathway signifies a profound responsibility to uphold ethical standards, safeguard patient well-being, and contribute to the advancement of pharmaceutical practice within the Baltic nation.

In Estonia, healthcare professionals, including doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and assistant pharmacists, must be registered with the National Register of Healthcare Professionals. The registration process is overseen by the Health Board (Terviseamet), in accordance with the Health Services Organisation Act. For pharmacists and assistant pharmacists, additional regulations under the Medicinal Products Act also apply. If you are seeking registration, the following information is relevant to you.

Steps in application process for Pharmacist trained outside EU/EEA

Followings are the steps involved in the application process for recognition of qualification for the pharmacist trained outside EU/EEA

1. Applying for the evaluation of your education

2. Send the application and required document (see "Required documents" below) to health board

3. Pay the fee (see "Fee" below)

4. Wait for processing

The Health Board of Estonia will assess the equivalence of your training with the relevant Estonian standards for the respective profession. Factors such as work experience, additional professional training, and ongoing education may be taken into account during the comparison process, potentially offsetting any disparities in training between countries. Should disparities be identified, the Health Board of Estonia reserves the right to issue a decision requiring you to undertake supplementary studies. If necessary, the Health Board may also seek an expert opinion on your professional qualifications, with associated fees applicable to this process.

Application Processing time

Typically, the processing period for pharmacist licensure applications through Terviseamet spans approximately of three to four months. This timeline commences upon Terviseamet's receipt of all requisite documents. However, should Terviseamet necessitate additional information or undertake qualification verification, the processing duration may extend considerably.

Fees invovled in the process

Terviseamet imposes fees of €195 before submitting your application. The recipient is the Ministry of Finance (Rahandusministeerium). Don't forget to include the reference number: 2900082333, and provide your name as an explanation. Here are the bank account details for different banks

SEB Pank

Account Number: EE891010220034796011

SWIFT: EEUHEE2X

Swedbank

Account Number: EE932200221023778606

SWIFT: HABAEE2X

LHV Pank

Account Number: EE777700771003813400

BIC/SWIFT: LHVBEE22

Luminor Bank

Account Number: EE701700017001577198

SWIFT: NDEAEE2X

Required Documents

1. Filled and signed application form

2. Evaluation of education credential done by Terviseamet (Education and Youth Board), to be sent to liina.saar@terviseamet.ee

3. Copy of identification document (passport, residency permit)

4. Document as a proof of name change (if you changed your name)

5. Copy of diploma or diploma supplement

6. Experience letter

   1. For Pharmacist: Obtain a signed verification letter from your current or former employer(s), detailing your position, the start and end dates of your employment, or confirmation of ongoing employment. You must demonstrate three consecutive years of work experience in the relevant profession within the past

   2. For Assistant pharmacist: If you obtained your education less than three years ago, there is no requirement to provide proof of work experience.

      If you completed your education at least three years ago, you are required to provide a signed verification letter from your current or former employer(s) detailing your position, the duration of your employment, and whether it was continuous. Additionally, you must demonstrate three consecutive years of work experience in the relevant profession within the past five years.

7. Receipt of payment of fee €195 in any of the bank mentioned earlier

If your documents are in English, ensure that the copies are notarized.

For documents in any other language, they must be translated into Estonian or English by a professional translator. Additionally, copies of the translated documents need to be notarized, with the Notary Public verifying that they were copied from the originals.

Alternatively, you can utilize the services of a sworn translator who is authorized to translate your documents and verify the copied originals.

You can find the list and contacts of Estonian sworn translators on the Ministry of Justice’s website.

Using an agent or assistant

When it comes to applications, Terviseamet will communicate directly with the applicants. However, applicants have the option to authorize an agent or assistant to represent them in their application process. In such cases, 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 either an email or a physical document sent by the applicant, explicitly stating that the individual is authorized 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 asked to do so.

If you require support with your application to Terviseamat, our services are at your disposal. We're here to assist you every step of the way. You can contact 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

https://www.terviseamet.ee/en/healthcare/registration-of-health-care-professionals

Trained in EU/EEA

The information on these pages 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.