You are here: Valvira.fi / Licensing / Professional practice rights / EU/EEA Graduates / Guidance physician dentist

Guidance

Right of persons with qualifications obtained in an EU/EEA member state to practise as a physician or a dentist in Finland

Practising in Finland

Practicing medicine or dentistry in Finland is subject to a right to practise issued by the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira). Professionals may, upon application, be granted a licence to practise and be entered in the Central Register for Health Care Professionals (TERHIKKI).

Practising medicine or dentistry in Finland without a licence may result in a fine or imprisonment.

The licence application is to be made in writing using the prescribed application form and must specify to which profession it pertains. The application is to be dated and signed by the applicant and can be submitted in Finnish, Swedish or English.

Application form

The following documents must be included in the application:

Copy of passport or equivalent
Degree certificate or diploma inclusive of appendices (list of courses, grades etc.)
Certificate of registration/ valid right to practise in the home country within the EU
Certificate confirming that the applicant’s training complies with EU Directive requirements

Application document requirements

The appendices to the application must be officially certified copies of the original documents. Document certification is carried out by notary public and the police. In addition, Finnish, Swedish or English translations of all documents produced by an authorised translator must be provided. The certificate of compliance and the certificate of registration/ valid right to practise must be submitted in original and must not be more than three (3) months old.

The application documents will remain with Valvira.

No copies of the application documents will be made at Valvira.

The decision by the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health is subject to a charge

The decision by Valvira concerning the right to practise is issued in Finnish or Swedish. The decision is subject to a charge (336 euros) which is payable even if the application is denied.

The decision is sent COD (cash on delivery) within Finland. Applicants in other countries are sent an invoice with the number of the bank account into which the payment is to be remitted. If the invoice is paid in a currency other than the euro, the applicant will also be liable for currency exchange, bank transfer and other costs. The applicant is requested to advise Valvira of the payment, after which the decision on the right to practise will be sent to the applicant.

Physicians

The provisions of Directive 2005/36/EC apply to the licensing of physicians and specialised doctors.

After completion of the basic qualification, Valvira may grant the right to act as a licensed physician under the direction and supervision of another physician licensed for independent practice.
Valvira may grant a licensed physician the right to practise the profession of a general practitioner in Finland independently after the physician has completed specific training in general medical practice or corresponding training in Finland or another EU/EEA member state and has been issued a document in proof of the said qualification.
In addition, Valvira may grant the right to independent practise as a licensed specialised doctor to an applicant with training as provided in the said Directive.

Specialised doctors and general practitioners are asked to attach to the application a degree certificate or equivalent in proof of their qualification as well as a statement issued by the competent authority in their country of origin or in their country of training confirming its compliance with the Directive.

Dentists

The provisions of Directive 2005/36/EC apply to the licensing of dentists and specialised dental practitioners.

After completion of the basic qualification, Valvira may grant the right to act as a licensed dentist under the direction and supervision of another dentist licensed for independent practice.
Applicants who hold a certificate which confirms their qualifications and entitles them to practise dentistry independently in their country of origin, may be granted the right to independent practise as a licensed dentist by Valvira.

A dental practitioner licensed for independent practice must attach to the application a training certificate or other document issued in their country of origin or in their country of training as well as a statement by the competent authority confirming that the training is compliant with the above Directive.

In addition, Valvira may grant the right to independent practise as a licensed specialised dental practitioner to applicants who have undertaken appropriate training.

A specialised dental practitioner must attach to the application a degree certificate or other document stating the applicant’s qualifications as well as a statement by the competent authority confirming that the training is compliant with the Directive.

Identification code

Physicians and dentists must have an identification code, which is given by Valvira. The identification code must be written or stamped on prescriptions and other documents.

Aptitude test and adaptation period

If the applicant’s training does not meet the requirements imposed in Directive 2005/36/EC, the applicant can demonstrate his or her professional competence by completing an aptitude test or adaptation period. In respect of professions within the system of automatic recognition (physicians, dentists, nurses, midwives and pharmacists), Valvira determines whether an aptitude test or adaptation period is to be completed. In respect of professions within the general system of recognition, the applicant may choose between the aptitude test and the adaptation period.

Language skills

Health care professionals must possess the language skills adequate to the performance of their duties. Employers (e.g. a hospital or health centre) may require prospective employees to present a language certificate in proof of this. The official languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish.

Further information on language training is available at employment offices and educational institutions.