Are you a qualified midwife from an EU country and want to practice in France? Like nurses, midwives benefit from automatic recognition of their qualifications under EU Directive 2005/36/EC. No DREETS procedure, no compensatory measures, no ARS involvement. The process goes directly through the French National Order of Midwives (Ordre des Sages-Femmes) — a body entirely separate from the nursing order. This guide walks you through every step.
1. EU midwives in France: automatic recognition under Directive 2005/36/EC
EU Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications establishes two distinct systems:
- Automatic recognition (Annex V): for professions with harmonised training across the EU — doctors, nurses responsible for general care, dentists, veterinary surgeons, midwives, pharmacists and architects.
- The general recognition system: for all other regulated professions, including physiotherapists, care assistants and occupational therapists.
Midwives are listed in Annex V, point 5.2.1 of the Directive. An EU midwifery diploma is recognised directly — without examination of training content, without compensatory measures, without aptitude tests.
2. The competent authority: the Ordre des Sages-Femmes, not the DREETS
A common mistake for EU midwives arriving in France is contacting the DREETS or the regional health agency (ARS) — these bodies are not responsible for automatic recognition. The process goes exclusively through the Departmental Council of the National Order of Midwives (Ordre des Sages-Femmes) in the département where you want to practice. Find your local Council at ordre-sages-femmes.fr.
Important: do not confuse the Order of Midwives with the Order of Nurses — they are two separate and independent professional bodies. A midwife registers exclusively with the Ordre des Sages-Femmes.
Suxens supports EU midwives through every step of their move to France — from file preparation to connecting with healthcare employers. Join the waiting list →
3. Step-by-step procedure
Step 1 — Identify the right Departmental Council
Your file goes to the Departmental Council of the Ordre des Sages-Femmes in the département where you intend to practice. Directory available at ordre-sages-femmes.fr.
Step 2 — Gather documents from your home country
Two key documents must be obtained before submitting your French application:
- European conformity certificate: official document from the competent authority in your home country (national midwifery order or health ministry), confirming your midwifery diploma meets the minimum requirements of Annex V, point 5.2.1 of Directive 2005/36/EC.
- Good standing certificate: professional status certificate from your national competent authority, confirming the absence of disciplinary sanctions. Valid for 3 months — do not request it too early.
Step 3 — Compile and submit your file
All foreign documents must be accompanied by a sworn translation in French by a court-certified translator. Online or informal translations are not accepted.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid EU identity document | National ID card or passport |
| Midwifery diploma | Original or certified copy + sworn translation |
| European conformity certificate | Issued by the competent authority in your home country |
| Good standing certificate | Issued by the national professional order — valid 3 months |
| French language B2 evidence | DELF B2, TCF, degree in French, or Order interview |
| Professional CV | As required by the Departmental Council |
Step 4 — Review and decision
The Departmental Council has one month to acknowledge receipt of a complete file. Once complete, the decision is typically issued within 2 to 4 months.
Step 5 — Registration and RPPS number
Once registered, you receive your RPPS number (national health professional identifier) — essential to practise legally in France. Your Professional Health Card (CPS) follows within a few weeks. Both are required to bill reimbursable procedures through the French health insurance system.
4. How long does the process take?
| Phase | Estimated duration |
|---|---|
| Gathering documents in your home country | 2–6 weeks |
| Sworn translations | 1–3 weeks |
| Review by Departmental Council | 2–4 months |
| Receiving RPPS number and CPS card | 2–4 additional weeks |
For a complete EU file, expect 3 to 6 months in total. Start the process as soon as you decide to move to France — do not wait until you have a signed contract.
5. French language requirement: B2 level mandatory
All regulated health professions in France require proof of sufficient French to practice safely. The Ordre des Sages-Femmes verifies this at registration. B2 level on the CEFR is the expected standard. Accepted forms of proof:
- DELF B2 or DALF diploma (France Éducation International)
- TCF test with a result corresponding to at least B2 level
- Degree or studies completed entirely in French
- Language interview organised by the Departmental Council (where available)
6. Temporary practice before registration: the LPS framework
EU Directive 2005/36/EC provides a mechanism allowing EU midwives to practice temporarily and occasionally in France without prior registration: the Freedom to Provide Services (LPS). Conditions: usual practice in another EU Member State, temporary and occasional nature of the service provision, prior declaration to the National Council of the Ordre des Sages-Femmes. For any permanent or regular practice, Order registration is mandatory.