EU citizens trained in the EU

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) who is a national of a EU country and received her/his diploma in an EU/EEA country can usually work automatically in all EU member states including Finland. In some cases there are major differences between the applicant's education and Finnish nursing education so Valvira may request a Finnish institution training LPNs to evalute the applicant's qualification. Following that evaluation the applicant may need to take part in compensation measures.


The measures include an aptitude test and an adaptation period. The aptitude test measures general nursing skills and the adaptation period means working under supervision for a maximum of three years.

When you have sent your application to Valvira, you will receive a conditional recognition of your qualification. In that letter you will be given more information on main contents of a possible aptitude test or main tasks and length of a possible adaptation period. You can decide yourself whether you wish to take the test or work the adaptation period. If you wish to work, you need to find a suitable workplace for the adaptation period yourself, Valvira does not have information on job openings.

 

Language skills

All LPNs working Finland must have good enough skills in one (1) of Finland’s two (2) official languages. Most Finns speak Finnish as their mother tongue and about 5% speak Swedish. You are responsible for finding language courses and such.

How to apply

  • Please use a freely worded application form or use the application form below
  • Fill the application manually or electronically but print and mail the application to the address in the form
  • Write the application in Finnish, Swedish or English
  • Remember to date and sign the application

Professional Practice Rights application (pdf)

Note: if you do not send the documents below, then processing your application will take more time. Please send all the documents below.

  • Officially certified copy of your passport or another officially certified document that states your citizenship;
  • Officially certified copy of your original LPN diploma and study records;
  • Translations of your LPN diploma and study records. The documents need to be translated into Finnish, Swedish or English by an authorised translator.
  • Officially certified copy of original good standing certificate. The certificate shows that you are allowed to work legally in your profession and are not disqualified from practicing.
  • Translation of the good standing certificate. The certificate needs to be translated into Finnish, Swedish or English by an authorised translator.
  • Officially certified copies of employment certificates after graduation if you have any
  • Translations of the employment certificates. The documents need to be translated into Finnish, Swedish or English by an authorised translator.

 

All copies and copies of translations must be certified. All translations must be authorised.