Register as a Pharmacist in Finland

National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira)

In Finland, the pivotal authority tasked with granting licenses for pharmacists to practice is the Finnish National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health, commonly referred to as Valvira. Esteemed for its commitment to upholding healthcare standards, Valvira meticulously evaluates the qualifications, expertise, and suitability of aspiring pharmacists. Through a comprehensive assessment process, Valvira ensures that only individuals meeting stringent criteria are granted licensure. Beyond its regulatory role, Valvira serves as a beacon for excellence in pharmaceutical practice, setting forth guidelines and standards that prioritize public health and the delivery of exceptional pharmaceutical care. With a focus on safeguarding the well-being of the populace, Valvira's oversight underscores the significance of adherence to established protocols and regulations by aspiring pharmacists seeking licensure in Finland.

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 right to practise

2. Request for further information if necessary

3. Request for expert opinion if necessary

4. Hearing if necessary

5. Decision on supplementary studies

6. Decision on the right to practise

Valvira will investigate whether your training qualifies for the same profession as the relevant Finnish training. Work experience, supplementary professional training and continuing education may be considered in the comparison and may compensate any differences in the training between countries. If differences are found between the applicant’s training and the current Finnish training, Valvira may issue a decision that mandates you to complete additional studies. Valvira can request an expert opinion on your professional qualifications; if so, you will be charged a fee for this.

Application Processing time

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

Fees invovled in the process

Valvira imposes fees for various decisions regarding professional licensure applications, including denials and withdrawals, with the processing fee halved in case of withdrawal. These fees cover different aspects of the application process:

1. Expert Opinion Fee: Ranging from EUR 200 to EUR 600.

2. Decision Requiring Supplementary Studies Fee: EUR 520.

3. Legalization Fee after Completing Supplementary Studies: EUR 870.

4. Legalization Fee without Requiring Supplementary Studies Decision: EUR 1390.

Upon the issuance of a decision on professional licensure, typically in Finnish or Swedish, an invoice for the applicable fee will be sent separately via post. If Valvira has requested an expert opinion, the invoice for the statement fee will be dispatched after Valvira receives the said statement.

Langugae Requirements

Language proficiency can be demonstrated through various means, including:

1. The Civil Service Language Certificate or the National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI). The Civil Service Language Proficiency Certificate requires 'Satisfactory skills' in all areas, while the National Certificate of Language Proficiency necessitates at least an intermediate level test (levels 3–4) with a score of at least 3 in all areas.

2. A leaving certificate from a Finnish comprehensive school, upper secondary school, or matriculation examination, indicating a passing grade in Finnish or Swedish as a mother tongue or second language.

3. Completion of the upper secondary school syllabus or a vocational qualification in Finnish or Swedish.

4. Completion of studies in Finnish or Swedish for civil servants at an academic university or university of applied sciences.

5. Passing a maturity test in Finnish or Swedish for a degree or qualification attained at an academic university or university of applied sciences.

Alternatively, language proficiency can be verified through an employer statement, including details such as place and dates of employment, job responsibilities, and an evaluation of language skills by someone who has observed the individual's proficiency in practice. Valvira evaluates such statements on a case-by-case basis.

Required Documents

To apply for licensure as a pharmacist in Finland, you'll need to provide several documents:

1. Proof of identity and nationality, such as a passport or identity card.

2. Your degree certificate from your educational institution, along with their official email and mailing address.

3. If needed, Valvira may verify your degree directly with your educational institution, which could delay processing. Otherwise, you'll need to submit an officially certified copy of your degree, verified by Apostille or Grand Legalisation.

4. Your degree certificate appendix, such as a transcript of records.

5. A certificate confirming that your right to practice has not been restricted or revoked, dated within three months of submission.

6. Translations of all documents into Finnish, Swedish, or English, done by an authorized translator in Finland or another EU/EEA Member State.

7. A statement allowing Valvira to submit your application documents to a Finnish educational institution for expert opinion if necessary.

8. Proof of sufficient language proficiency.

9. Additional documents may be recommended, such as a report from your educational institution detailing your training and employment certificates demonstrating work experience.

10. Valvira may request further clarification if needed. Once documents are submitted, they cannot be returned, so any replacements must meet formal requirements, which could slow down processing.

Using an agent or assistant

When it comes to applications, VALVIRA 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 Valvira, 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 official online portal for submitting applications and accessing important resources, please visit the following link: https://valvira.fi/etusivu

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.