Register as a Pharmacist in Iceland

Directorate of Health

The Directorate of Health in Iceland issues licenses for pharmacists, enabling them to use their professional title and practice. Accuracy in completing license applications and submission of all necessary documents are crucial. Applicants should thoroughly understand the regulations pertaining to pharmacy practice and carefully follow instructions regarding document submission.

The Directorate aims to initiate the processing of license applications within six weeks of receipt, ensuring timely consideration. Priority processing requests are not accommodated.

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. Fill in the prescribed application form

2. Submit the required documents

3. Submit the fee for evaluation

4. Receive the educational evaluation

5. Submit the fee for certificate/license

The ability to work as a pharmacist in Iceland is outlined in the regulation governing pharmacist education, rights, obligations, and the criteria for obtaining licenses and specialist licenses. This regulation is established under the Healthcare Practitioners Act.

Application Processing time

The DOH strive to process all applications promptly. The Directorate of Health endeavors to commence processing applications within six weeks of their receipt.

Fees invovled in the process

A fee is required for obtaining a license to practice, a specialist license, and certificates.

The fee for obtaining both a license to practice and a specialist license is ISK 12,000.

For a certificate related to a license to practice, the fee is ISK 2,700.

Langugae Requirements

Proficiency in the Icelandic language and familiarity with Icelandic healthcare laws, along with other relevant legislation and governmental guidelines, may be mandated for pharmacists. This is particularly vital for ensuring patient safety and effective communication with patients.

Required Documents

• When applying for a licence to practice as a licensed health care professional or specialist, an application form must be filled out, printed and signed. The appropriate application form can be found within the list of health professions.

• All documents must be mailed to the Directorate of Health or delivered to reception. Applications or required documents sent by e-mail will not be accepted.

• All documents must be submitted in Icelandic or English. However, licences and certificates can be submitted in Danish, Swedish, or Norwegian. Documents in other languages must be translated by a certified translator. Both the translation and the translated document must be submitted.

• It is important to consider which documents are required, taking into account both citizenship and country of study. Note that in some cases, additional documents may be requested.

• Copy of passport.

• Work- and residence permit in Iceland or employment contract within the Icelandic Health Service.

• Icelandic ID number (kennitala).

• Certified copies of diplomas

• Certified copy of the licence to practice

• Certified copy of Letter of Good Standing from a competent authority confirming that your licence to practice has not been suspended or revoked and that the licence is valid and unrestricted. The Letter of Good Standing has to have been issued less than three months before being received by The Directorate of Health.

• Information about your studies. Diploma supplement and detailed description of your studies; list of all your courses, time length, credits, and description (often called Course Syllabus/Transcript)

• Information about your work experience. This is not mandatory but can be helpful.

Using an agent or assistant

Regarding applications to the Directorate of Health of Iceland, direct communication will be conducted between the Directorate and the applicants. However, applicants have the option to designate an authorized representative, such as an agent or assistant, to act on their behalf during the application process. In such instances, the agent or assistant must provide a power of attorney confirming their authorization, which can be in the form of an email or a physical document sent by the applicant. This document should explicitly state the individual's authority to act on behalf of the applicant in the application process. Notably, attorneys-at-law and public legal aid attorneys are exempt from providing this document unless specifically requested.

If you require assistance with your application to the Directorate of Health, our services are available to support you throughout the process. Feel free to 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 from the Directorate of Health of Iceland, please visit the link to the Directorate of health of Iceland.

We encourage applicants to utilize this online resource for 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.