Are you an occupational therapist (OT) qualified in an EU country and considering working in France? Unlike nurses or midwives — who benefit from automatic recognition — occupational therapists must follow the general recognition system under EU Directive 2005/36/EC. In France, the competent authority is the DREETS (the regional directorate for economic affairs, employment, labour and social policy). This guide walks you through every step of the process, from gathering your documents to starting your first day of practice in France.
1. EU occupational therapists in France: which recognition pathway?
EU Directive 2005/36/EC organises the recognition of professional qualifications across EU member states through two main systems:
- Automatic recognition: reserved for seven harmonised professions — doctors, nurses responsible for general care, dentists, veterinary surgeons, midwives, pharmacists and architects. For these professions, no review of training content is required.
- General recognition system: applies to all other regulated professions, including occupational therapists. The DREETS reviews the level, content and duration of your training before granting authorisation to practise.
In practice, the DREETS does not simply verify that you hold a nationally recognised diploma. It compares your training with the French occupational therapy curriculum and may impose a compensatory measure — either an aptitude test or an adaptation period (supervised practice in France) — if it identifies substantial differences.
Important: there is no professional Order for occupational therapists in France. The ANFE (Association Nationale Française des Ergothérapeutes) is a professional association, not a regulatory body. The DREETS is your sole point of contact for recognition of your qualification.
2. The DREETS procedure — step by step
Step 1 — Identify the competent DREETS
The competent DREETS is the one covering the department or region where you intend to work. If you already have a prospective employer, contact the DREETS covering their location. Contact details for each DREETS are available on service-public.fr.
Step 2 — Compile your application file
A complete application from the outset is essential — missing documents generate requests for additional information that significantly extend processing times. All translations must be carried out by a certified translator (traducteur assermenté) recognised in France or in your home country.
Step 3 — Submit your application and await the decision
Send your complete application to the DREETS, preferably by recorded delivery. Keep a full copy of all submitted documents. The DREETS has a legal maximum of 4 months from receipt of your complete application to issue a decision. If this period passes without a response, your application is automatically approved (implicit acceptance).
Step 4 — Compensatory measure (if required)
If the DREETS identifies substantial differences between your training and the French OT curriculum, it may impose a compensatory measure. You choose between:
- Aptitude test: written and/or practical examination covering the areas where gaps were identified.
- Adaptation period: supervised professional practice in a recognised French healthcare facility, typically lasting 3 to 6 months.
Step 5 — Obtain authorisation and start practising
Once a positive decision is received — or upon successful completion of a compensatory measure — you are authorised to practise as an occupational therapist throughout France. No registration with a professional Order is required.
3. Required documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Occupational therapy diploma (or equivalent) | Original + certified French translation |
| European conformity attestation | Issued by the competent authority in your home country, confirming the diploma is recognised for professional practice there |
| Transcripts / training programme | With breakdown of subjects and teaching hours — originals + certified translations |
| Professional CV | OT experience, placements, previous positions held |
| Valid EU identity document | National identity card or EU passport |
| Proof of address | Dated within the last 3 months |
| French language certificate | Recommended (B2 CEFR level) — some DREETS offices require it explicitly |
| Criminal record certificate | From your home country (equivalent to the French bulletin n°3) |
4. Estimated timelines
| Phase | Estimated duration |
|---|---|
| Compiling a complete application file | 2 to 6 weeks (obtaining attestations, certified translations) |
| DREETS review | 1 to 4 months (legal maximum: 4 months) |
| Compensatory measure (if required) | 3 to 6 additional months (adaptation period) or a few weeks (aptitude test) |
| Total without compensatory measure | Approximately 2 to 5 months |
| Total with compensatory measure | Approximately 6 to 12 months |
Would you like support throughout this process? Suxens guides EU-qualified healthcare professionals through every step of setting up in France — from compiling documents to tracking deadlines and connecting with partner employers. Join the waiting list →