What is the difference between automatic recognition and the general system?

EU Directive 2005/36/EC establishes two regimes. Automatic recognition (Annex V) applies to general care nurses and midwives: their diploma is recognized directly by the Ordre, without assessment of training content. The general system (via DREETS) applies to physiotherapists, care assistants and occupational therapists, with a possible compensatory measure (placement or aptitude test).

How long does the recognition procedure take?

For nurses and midwives: 1 to 3 months via the Ordre. For physiotherapists, care assistants and occupational therapists: 4 to 6 months via DREETS.

Can I work in France while my application is being processed?

For nurses and midwives: temporary practice is possible under the LPS framework with prior declaration to the Ordre. For permanent practice, wait for final registration. For physiotherapists, care assistants and occupational therapists: no practice is allowed before DREETS authorization.

Is my professional experience in my home country taken into account?

Yes, particularly for physiotherapists, care assistants and occupational therapists. Significant experience can reduce or eliminate the compensatory measures required.

What costs should I expect for diploma recognition?

Administrative fees are free. Costs to anticipate: sworn translations (€50–150 per document), B2 French language proof if required (€100–200), and the professional Ordre membership fee.

Working in France with a European healthcare qualification: guide by profession (2025)

You are a healthcare professional qualified in a European Union country and want to work in France. As a European Union citizen, you have the right to have your professional qualifications recognised in France without repeating your training. However, the procedure is not the same for every profession.

Automatic recognition or general system?

EU Directive 2005/36/EC establishes two distinct regimes. Automatic recognition (Annex V): for nurses, midwives, doctors, pharmacists and dentists, diplomas that comply with the directive are automatically recognised across the EU. The procedure is simplified and goes directly through the relevant professional Order. General recognition system: for other paramedical professions (physiotherapists, nursing assistants, occupational therapists), there is no automatic recognition. The procedure goes through the regional DREETS and may include compensatory measures.

Nurses (IDE) — Automatic recognition

Any nursing diploma that complies with Directive 2005/36/EC benefits from automatic recognition. The procedure goes directly through the Departmental Council of the National Nursing Order (Ordre des Infirmiers) of the department where you wish to practise — NOT through the ARS. If your diploma was obtained in Romania, see also the CNRED procedure for Romanian graduates.

Verify that your diploma complies with the European directive (current EU nursing diplomas are generally compliant)
Obtain the European conformity attestation from the competent authority of your country of origin
Obtain a good standing certificate from the relevant professional body or competent authority of your country of origin
Prepare the file: identity document, diploma, conformity attestation, good standing certificate, certified French translations, proof of B2 French level
Submit the file to the Departmental Council of the Ordre des Infirmiers in your target department
Receive your RPPS number and Carte de Professionnel de Santé (CPS) — you may now practise legally throughout France

Estimated timeline: 1 to 4 months for a complete EU file.

Midwives (Sages-femmes) — Automatic recognition

Midwives also benefit from automatic recognition. The procedure goes through the Departmental Council of the Midwives' Order. Similar documents to nurses: conformity attestation issued by the competent authority of your country of origin, good standing, certified translations, B2 proof. Comparable timeline: 1–4 months.

Physiotherapists (Masseurs-kinésithérapeutes) — No automatic recognition

EU physiotherapy degrees do not benefit from automatic recognition. The procedure goes through the regional DREETS.

Submit the file to the DREETS of your target region (some regions have moved to online-only submission since 2025 — check local procedures)
File reviewed by the Regional Commission for Practice Authorisation (CRAE)
If significant differences with French training are identified: compensatory measures (supervised placement or aptitude test)
Register with the Physiotherapists' Order once authorisation is obtained

Estimated timeline: 3 to 12 months depending on region and whether compensatory measures are required. Note: DREETS offices are familiar with EU physiotherapy degree files.

Nursing assistants (Aides-soignants) — No automatic recognition

No automatic recognition. File to be submitted to the regional DREETS, which evaluates whether the EU qualification is comparable to the French Diplôme d'État d'Aide-Soignant. Supplementary training may be required if differences are significant. Contact the regional DREETS in advance to assess your specific situation. Timeline: variable, from 3 months to over a year.

Occupational therapists (Ergothérapeutes) — No automatic recognition

Same pathway as physiotherapists: DREETS file → evaluation committee → possible compensatory measures → professional registration. Estimated timeline: 3 to 12 months.

Summary by profession

Nurse (IDE): automatic recognition — Departmental Nursing Order — 1–4 months
Midwife: automatic recognition — Departmental Midwives' Order — 1–4 months
Physiotherapist: not automatic — DREETS → CRAE → Order — 3–12 months
Nursing assistant: not automatic — Regional DREETS — variable
Occupational therapist: not automatic — Regional DREETS — 3–12 months

B2 French level: required for all professions

For all professions, proof of sufficient French language skills for professional practice is mandatory. The B2 level of the CEFR is the standard expected. Accepted forms: DELF B2 diploma, TCF test at B2 minimum, degree obtained entirely in French, interview organised by the professional Order (for nurses and midwives). If you do not yet have a B2 certificate, you can prepare it in parallel with your recognition file.

Frequently asked questions

Is the procedure the same everywhere in France? The legal framework is national, but practical details (submission platform, commission dates, additional documents) vary by region and department. Always check the specific instructions of the DREETS or Order council in your target area.

Can I work in France while my file is being processed? For nurses and midwives: temporary practice is possible under the free provision of services (LPS) with a prior declaration to the Order. For permanent practice, you must wait for full registration. For physios, nursing assistants and OTs: no practice is permitted before DREETS authorisation.

How can Suxens help you?

Suxens identifies the right organisation for your profile, reviews your file before submission, connects you with French employers even before your authorisation is granted, and supports your relocation. Several healthcare workers we accompany found a position in France in under 3 months. Join the waiting list and we will send you a personalised roadmap.