Register as a Pharmacist in Sweden

Socialstyrelsen or National Board of Health and Welfare

The National Board of Health and Welfare, operating under the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, is tasked with a broad spectrum of responsibilities spanning social services, health and medical services, patient safety, and epidemiology.

Its primary focus lies in supporting and influencing staff, managers, and decision-makers across these domains. This involves:

1. Gathering, analyzing, and disseminating information.

2. Establishing standards informed by legislation and gathered data.

3. Fulfilling official obligations such as maintaining health data registries and producing official statistics.

4. Additionally, the Board is responsible for granting licenses to pharmacists and other healthcare workers, ensuring that the required standards as outlined in the laws are rigorously maintained.

Central to its mission is ensuring the provision of comprehensive health and social care throughout individuals' lifespans. It advocates for the integration of health and medical services with social services, prioritizing the holistic needs, circumstances, and preferences of each individual. In instances of resource constraints, the Board advocates for the allocation of resources to those most in need.

Steps in the application process

To practice as a pharmacist in Sweden, one must possess a Swedish license or special authorization. The title "pharmacist" is legally protected, meaning it can only be used by those holding a valid license. Proficiency in Swedish is also a requirement for obtaining this license.

If your education took place outside the EU and EEA, you have two pathways to obtain a license in Sweden. Regardless of the option you select, the last step involves applying for a license through Socialstyrelsen or National Board of Health and Welfare.

Steps involved in Pathway 1: Apply license through Swedish National board of Health and Welfare

1. Have your education assessed

2. Take a proficiency test

3. Take a course in Swedish law and regulations

4. Undergo clinical training

5. Pay and send your application

Note: Individuals do not require proficiency in Swedish for the assessment of their education (step 1). However, fluency in Swedish is necessary to complete steps 2–5. A certificate of language skills must be submitted at the latest when applying for a license (step 5)

While awaiting the decision, individuals can engage in a healthcare profession that does not mandate a license, such as dental nursing or pharmaceutical technician.

The duration of the process to obtain a Swedish license can vary depending on individual circumstances. Typically, it spans 2–4 years.

Steps involved in Pathway 2: Apply license through additional training

Prior to reaching out to us, individuals have the option to pursue additional training at a college or university before seeking licensure. The specific requirements for attending the education are determined by the college or university.

Factors to consider for this pathway: 

1. The availability of spots for additional training is limited.

2. Several universities mandate proof from us confirming the equivalence of your education to Swedish standards.

3. Proficiency in Swedish is essential for obtaining your license.

4. For inquiries regarding additional training, please get in touch with the university.

5. When seeking a certificate after completing additional training, you must use the application form designated for individuals educated outside the EU and EEA. Applying via the e-service for those educated in Sweden is not applicable. Pay and send your application

Note: The duration to complete the steps leading to a Swedish license varies based on individual circumstances. Typically, it spans 1–3 years.

Application processing time

Pathway 1: Apply license through Swedish National board of Health and Welfare

The duration of the process to obtain a Swedish license can vary depending on individual circumstances. Typically, it spans 2–4 years.

Pathway 2: Apply license through additional training

The duration to complete the steps leading to a Swedish license varies based on individual circumstances. Typically, it spans 1–3 years.

Fee involved in the process

Please ensure payment of the application fee upon submission of your application. The fee for a license application is SEK 870. Deposit the fee into bank giro account 790-3750. Include your Swedish personal identity number (yyyymmddxxxx) in the message box without any hyphens or spaces.

Language Requirements

Fluency in Swedish is a requirement.

Proficiency in Swedish is not necessary for the assessment of your education in Step 1. However, to progress through steps 2–5, proficiency in Swedish is essential. You must provide a certificate of your language skills when applying for a license in step 5.

To demonstrate proficiency, you must possess an approved grade or certificate in one of the following:

1. - Swedish 3 or Swedish as a Second Language 3 from a municipal upper secondary adult education program (Komvux).

2. - Swedish at Level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

3. - A course or exam meeting the entry requirements for higher education studies, available on antagning.se.

4. - Equivalent proficiency in Norwegian or Danish.

Equivalent proficiency in Norwegian or Danish also fulfils Swedish requirements. You must provide certification of your language skills meeting the entry requirements at a Norwegian or Danish college or university.

Assessment by a healthcare provider

Alternatively, you can demonstrate language skills by allowing a healthcare provider to assess whether you possess the necessary language skills for your profession. The healthcare provider should complete the form and detail the assessment process.

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Documents Required

To apply for the assessment of your education abroad, please include the following documents:

1. Completed application form for education assessment.

2. Copy of the first page of your valid passport or a copy of your valid Swedish ID card.

Additionally, please provide copies of the following documents, both in their original language and translated into Swedish or English:

1. Certificate of completed education (e.g., diploma).

2. Certificate detailing the courses undertaken and the program duration.

3. Certificate reflecting any changes made to your first or last name after completing the program.

Upon receipt of your application, we will enter it into our system and send a confirmation to the email address you provided. Please note that confirmations are sent exclusively via email.

Using and Agent or Assistant

When it comes to applications, Socialstyrelsen 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 Socialstyrelsen, 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: Socialstyrelsen.se

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.