Lawyer specialized in SAFER law

Do you want to prove the validity of your professional qualification or obtain an equivalence to integrate the French healthcare system? These procedures require a thorough understanding of the applicable legal and administrative requirements. Fortunately, our lawyers specializing in recognition of qualifications or equivalence of medical degrees and diplomas are available to guide you and defend your rights throughout this process.

Between the requirements of the competent authorities and the diversity of applicable standards depending on the country of origin, many doctors face administrative obstacles. Specialized in health law, we accompany you at every stage, from the preparation of your file to its presentation before the competent authorities. Our intervention saves you valuable time and helps avoid errors that could delay your application.

SAFERs with Me Ahmed Ali Rashid Mandeville

What are the essential conditions for practicing as a foreign doctor in France?

France, renowned for its healthcare system, welcomes many foreign general practitioners or specialists wishing to practice in its territory, whether in urban or rural areas. However, the establishment of a foreign doctor in France is governed by precise rules aimed at ensuring the quality of care provided.

Before starting to practice, certain conditions must be met. These prerequisites include holding a medical degree recognized in your country of origin, proven professional experience, and a sufficient level of French language proficiency to communicate effectively with patients and medical teams.

Among the determining factors to consider are:

• the country where your diploma was obtained and your nationality;
• recognition of your medical doctor diploma;
• your qualifications in medical specialization.

The most common situations involve doctors who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) or hold a degree obtained in a member country. However, we are also consulted by doctors from countries outside the European Union, or those holding non-European degrees.

For these health professionals, specific procedures allow them to regularize their situation. However, for those who do not immediately meet the required conditions, the process may take longer. The use of our lawyers specializing in recognition of qualifications and equivalence of medical titles or diplomas is useful for effectively carrying out these administrative and legal procedures.

What are the steps to obtain authorization to practice as a foreign doctor in France?

Practicing the medical profession in France as a foreigner requires following a procedure regulated by the National Management Center (CNG). This process, essential to guarantee the quality of care, is based on a verification of your nationality, an assessment of your training, qualifications and professional experience.

Verification of preliminary conditions

The first step is to verify the prerequisites for your application. This involves holding a recognized medical degree, demonstrating sufficient professional experience, and mastering the French language to an acceptable level for interacting with patients and medical teams.

Submission of the application for authorization to practice

Next, the application for authorization to practice must be submitted to the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of the region where you wish to practice. This file includes essential documents such as a copy of your diploma, a detailed curriculum vitae outlining your background, as well as proof of your previous professional experience.

Skills assessment by the commission

Once the application is submitted, it will be examined by the CNG, which assesses your skills. Depending on the equivalence level of your training, compensatory measures may be imposed, such as an adaptation internship in a hospital setting or an aptitude test to confirm your medical knowledge.

Obtaining authorization to practice in France

If your file is deemed satisfactory and you pass any evaluations, you obtain the official authorization to practice medicine in France. These steps can be carried out effectively with the support of our lawyers in recognition of qualifications and equivalence of medical titles and diplomas, who are committed to simplifying each step and maximizing your chances of success.

Lawyer to request recognition of qualifications or equivalence of medical degrees and diplomas obtained abroad

To practice medicine in France, any foreign-trained doctor must have their diploma recognized.

Medical degree obtained in an EEA country

For professionals from the European Economic Area (EEA), the recognition of diplomas is greatly facilitated thanks to Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council. This directive establishes a harmonized framework allowing equivalence of medical training qualifications obtained in European Union or EEA member countries.

The EEA includes the Member States of the European Union as well as the signatory countries of the EEA Agreement, namely: Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. The EU countries are: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Czech Republic, and Croatia.

This means that medical graduates from these countries can apply without being subject to additional evaluations. Our lawyers specialized in recognition of qualifications and equivalence of medical titles and diplomas are at your disposal to assist you in these procedures and secure your rights.

Medical degree obtained outside the EU or EFTA

Foreign doctors holding a medical degree obtained outside the EU must follow a different procedure to obtain equivalence in France. Managed by the National Management Center (CNG), this process involves several essential steps.

The first step is to gather all the necessary documents. These documents include a certified copy of your medical degree, your detailed transcripts and proof of identity. The second step is the official submission of your equivalence application. This must be done via the CNG online portal. You will be asked to fill out a dedicated form and upload the required supporting documents.

Subsequently, the CNG analyzes your diploma and training. This phase generally includes Knowledge Verification Tests (EVC), which compare your medical training with French standards. The criteria assessed cover the content and duration of your curriculum, as well as the professional skills acquired.

Depending on the results of this assessment, you may be required to undergo additional training. This aims to fill any gaps identified in your initial training by providing you with specific or practical knowledge necessary for practicing medicine in France.

Once you have fulfilled all the equivalence conditions and completed any required additional training, the CNG will issue you a certificate recognizing the equivalence of your foreign medical degree. This document is essential to file a request for authorization to practice as a doctor in France.

Our lawyers specialized in recognition of qualifications and equivalence of medical degrees and diplomas can support you at each stage of this process.

Recourse to our lawyers for recognition of qualifications and equivalence of medical degrees to succeed in your establishment in France

To succeed in your installation as a foreign doctor in France, it is essential to benefit from personalized legal support. Contacting our team of lawyers specialized in health law is a wise solution to be guided at every step and maximize your chances of success.

Our lawyers specializing in recognition of qualifications and equivalence of medical titles or diplomas intervene on several aspects of the process. First, we provide valuable legal advice on the legal requirements and procedures to follow to obtain authorization to practice. Our expertise helps you understand and avoid the pitfalls of the French legal system.

Next, we assist you with administrative procedures by preparing and submitting your file for the recognition of your medical degree. This support helps meet the formal requirements and deadlines imposed by the competent authorities. Our lawyers can also represent your interests before bodies such as the Regional Health Agency (ARS) or the National Management Center (CNG).

In the event of a request for clarification or administrative obstacles, we act on your behalf to defend your file effectively. If you face a refusal or a dispute, our law firm becomes an indispensable ally. We assist you in managing appeals before administrative courts, developing solid arguments to protect your rights and obtain a favorable outcome.

Our support extends to the professional aspects of your practice. Our corporate lawyers in the healthcare field advise you on the creation of a legal structure (SELAS, SELARL, GCS, etc.) for your medical practice and the negotiation of contracts with healthcare establishments.