Register as a Pharmacist in Latvia

Latvijas Farmaceitu biedrība or Latvian Pharmacist Society

Pharmacists and pharmacist assistants employed at a pharmacy are required to enroll with the Latvian Pharmacist Society. This association is responsible for registering both pharmacists and pharmacist assistants, as well as overseeing the issuance of registration certificates and certificate-brooches to those who are registered.

Application Instruction

The Association of Latvian Pharmacists issues certificates for recognizing professional qualifications in the fields of pharmacy and pharmaceutical assistance, both of which are regulated professions in the Republic of Latvia.

To have professional qualifications obtained abroad recognized in Latvia, individuals need to initiate the process by contacting the Academic Information Center (referred to as AIC).
The Academic Information Center (AIC) conducts a thorough assessment where the educational and professional qualification documents provided by the individual, along with the duration of practical training, are compared against the established requirements in the Republic of Latvia for obtaining a professional qualification in the relevant regulated profession.

Following this assessment, the AIC issues a statement regarding the alignment of the applicant's education and professional qualifications with the Republic of Latvia's requirements. The applicant's application, along with the attached documents, is then forwarded to the Association of Latvian Pharmacists for review and decision-making regarding the recognition of professional qualifications.

If the applicant's professional qualification meets the standards set in Latvia, a professional qualification recognition certificate is granted. This enables the individual to enroll in the Latvian Register of Pharmacists and Pharmacist Assistants. However, if the professional qualification is not recognized, the LFB (Latvian Pharmacist Association) notifies both the applicant and the AIC, outlining the additional training requirements in terms of duration, content, and the educational institution where such training can be acquired. The applicant retains the right to undergo an eligibility test immediately.

To ensure that applicants seeking recognition of their professional qualifications are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities, an updated handbook titled "Comprehensive Guide to Professional Qualification Recognition" is accessible to users of Directive 2005/36/EC. This handbook elucidates the directives' requirements and their practical implementation.

Translations of the user manual are provided in all official EU languages and can be accessed at this link.

Specific deadlines must be adhered to for the completion of registration and the acquisition of pharmacist certification. Further information regarding these deadlines can be found here.

Application Processing and Review time

The duration for registering as a non-EU/EEA qualified pharmacist in Latvia can vary depending on several factors such as the completeness of the application, the efficiency of processing by the relevant authorities, and any additional requirements that may need to be fulfilled. Typically, the process may take several months to complete. It's advisable to consult with the Latvian Pharmacist Association or relevant regulatory bodies for more precise information regarding the current processing times and requirements.

Fee involved in the process

The costs associated with professional qualification recognition, verification for short-term service provision, application processing for a European professional card, and issuance of such a card in regulated professions in the Republic of Latvia are outlined below:

- Professional qualification recognition: 240 euros.

Language Requirements

To register as a non-EEA/EU qualified pharmacist in Latvia, proficiency in the Latvian language is typically required. Since pharmacy involves direct interaction with patients and healthcare professionals, a strong command of the local language is essential for effective communication and ensuring the safety of patients. Additionally, some documentation and exams related to the registration process may be conducted in Latvian. It's advisable to check with the Latvian Pharmacist Association or relevant regulatory authorities for specific language requirements and any potential exemptions that may apply.

Documents Required

For individuals seeking recognition of professional qualifications for independent and permanent professional practice in Latvia, the following documents must be submitted to the designated information institution, typically the AIC (Academic Information Center):

1. Completed submission form (available here) (Appendix 1 to the 2016 regulations of the MK No. 827).

2. Copy of identity document.

3. Documentation verifying education and professional qualifications (including diplomas and transcripts).

4. Documentation from the country of origin confirming the right to work in the specific profession (e.g., certificates, licenses, registrations).

5. Certificate of work experience abroad (if applicable).

6. For certain professions like doctors, veterinarians, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, dentists, and architects, a certificate of good reputation and absence of disciplinary violations from the country of origin is required.

(Additional information for medical practitioners from Ukraine is available here.)

All documents must be translated into Latvian; notary confirmation of the translator's signature is not necessary.

Documents issued outside the EU (except Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Moldova, Ukraine, Uzbekistan) must be legalized in Latvia.

The fee for professional qualification recognition is 240 EUR.

Payment is typically made to the account of the information institution, unless recognition is sought through the European Professional Card platform, in which case payment is directed to the issuing institution. Additional expenses related to qualification compliance checks, adaptation periods, or the acquisition and evaluation of additional information may apply, and applicants will be informed accordingly by the institution issuing the recognition certificate.

Using and Agent or Assistant

When dealing with applications submitted to the Latvian Academic Information Center (AIC), applicants will directly engage with the institution. However, applicants have the option to appoint an agent or representative to act on their behalf during the application process. In such cases, the appointed agent or representative must furnish a power of attorney document confirming their authorization to act on behalf of the applicant. This document can be conveyed via email or sent physically by the applicant, clearly stating the individual's authorization to act on their behalf in the application process. It's worth noting that attorneys-at-law and public legal aid attorneys are exempt from providing this document unless explicitly requested.

If you require assistance with your application to the Latvian AIC, our services are at your disposal. We are here to assist you at 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 of AIC and LFB

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.