Medical professionals with basic medical training obtained in an EU/EEA member state, who have not completed a period of supervised practice

Following an amendment to the Act on Health Care Professionals, the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) may grant, on the basis of a written application, the right to practice medicine in Finland for a fixed-term period under the supervision and guidance of another named doctor licensed to practice medicine independently. Applicants who have completed their basic medical training in an EU/EEA member state, where a period of supervised practice is required following the completion of training are eligible for this type of licensing.

The aim is to ensure that eligible medical professionals are able to complete their post-qualification professional training in Finland, provided that this is approved by their country of origin. The country of origin is defined as the country in which the basic medical qualification was obtained.

The right to practice medicine is issued for a fixed-term period of three years. This period may be extended on reasonable grounds. Reasonable grounds include a period of parental leave, ill health and compulsory military service.

During the licensing period, you may undertake other medical duties on a temporary basis, provided that these duties are undertaken under the supervision and guidance of another medical professional licensed to practice independently in the same role.

All healthcare professionals must have the language skills necessary for their professional role. Employers are responsible for ensuring that all healthcare professionals in their employment have the necessary professional language skills.

Application process

To apply for fixed-term licensing, please submit a written application to Valvira, using this form (available only in Finnish or Swedish)

Please include:

1. copy of a document confirming your identity and nationality, and

2. Your degree certificate and transcript

• Please note on the application form that you are applying for fixed-term licensing to complete a post-qualification professional training

Valvira may request further explanations as necessary. Please note that Valvira will not return any documents submitted, and Valvira will not make copies of any documents.

You can submit uncertified copies of your attachment documents when you file your application. However, Valvira may later require you to submit officially certified copies of those attachment documents.

If Valvira does require officially certified copies, you can obtain those from a notary public in Finland or in another EU or EEA Member State, or from a Finnish mission in other countries. You may also submit copies issued by a foreign authority and verified using the Apostille or Grand Legalisation procedure. Send to Valvira the copies that bear the original stamp and signature of the notary public or Finnish mission.

Professional training

During the licensing period, you may undertake professional training in line with the guidance provided by your country of origin. This training can take place in Finland in part or in full. Prior to submitting an application for a fixed-term right to practice medicine in Finland, please contact the competent authority in your country of origin to confirm that the work carried out during your placement in Finland meets the criteria for professional post-qualification training. Having completed your professional training under a fixed-term license in Finland, you will be required to apply to the relevant authority in your country of origin for the period of training to be officially recognised. Once you have obtained recognition from your country of origin, you will be able to seek permanent licensing in Finland using the system of automatic recognition under the Professional Qualifications Directive.

Under all circumstances, applicants are responsible for ascertaining whether their country of origin recognises professional training undertaken abroad. Valvira assumes no responsibility for the applicant’s failure to clarify matters if the country of origin refuses to recognise training undertaken in Finland.

Duties of the named supervisor

Doctors granted a limited right to practice medicine in Finland must be offered guidance and supervision by a named medical professional licensed to practice independently. The doctor in question must be based at the same unit or other healthcare structure and take an active role in monitoring, guiding and supervising your work. However, it is not necessary for the supervision and guidance to be offered directly, and the supervisor is not required to be present at all times.

Studies commenced prior to 1 January 2012

If you commenced your medical studies prior to 1 January 2012, you can apply to complete specific training in general medical practice (YEK) over three years. Having completed this training, you will be awarded a certificate of completion. Once you have obtained your certificate, you are eligible for licensing to practice medicine independently in Finland, issued by Valvira.

Please note that basic medical training, comprising a medical qualification completed in one country and a three-year period of supervised practice completed in another country, which fails to meet the requirements on supervised practice set out by your country of origin, may not be recognised later in another EU/EEA member state.