Review of immigration Conditions for Doctors and Dentists to France
To work as a doctor in France, educational qualifications must be officially recognized through a process requiring the applicant’s presence in France. Applicants need to learn French and pass exams to gain work permission to be able to work in France. Malekpour Institute supports doctors and dentists with qualification recognition and visa assistance. This article, based on expert legal advice and updated French sources, aims to guide medical migration to France.
Contact Malekpour Institute for free consultation regarding immigration to France. In the comments section, you can also ask your questions and receive answers shortly.
Requirements for immigration of Doctors to France
In France, doctors must complete the PAE recognition process to work, which also applies to specialists, dentists, pharmacists, and midwives. Unlike other countries, specialists can directly recognize their specialty with one exam without prior general degree recognition.
Applicants should meet age requirements and avoid long educational gaps to ease visa approval. Strong French language skills (minimum C1) are mandatory for effective patient communication, with language courses required if needed. Internship completion is also essential. Malekpour Institute can guide you through these migration requirements to France.
Steps for the Recognition of Medical and Dental Qualifications in France
To have their qualifications recognized for doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and midwives in France, the following steps must be followed:
Learning the Language to C1 Level
Learning the language is one of the most important steps in the recognition of qualifications in France; the applicant must reach a C1 level in French. To achieve this, the individual can first acquire language certificates A2 or B2 in their home country and come to France to learn higher language levels and obtain their C1 language certificate there.
Achieving the Required Score in the EVC Exam
This exam is held only once a year and only in France; it usually takes place in the autumn, but registration for this exam is conducted in May. This exam actually challenges the medical knowledge of the applicant. Registration for the exam occurs in two phases: the first phase must be registered online, and in the second phase, the applicant must send their registration form along with their educational documents to the French health department. Upon approval, you can participate in the exam.
Completing the Internship Period
The next step after the exam is the internship period for the applicants. This period is at least three years for doctors and specialists and pharmacists. For dentists and midwives, this period lasts a minimum of one year. A major benefit of this internship period for applicants is that they also receive a salary while completing these internships.
Costs of Medical Qualification Recognition in France
As it is evident, completing the recognition courses in France incurs costs. The main part of the recognition costs consists of the language course fees. These language courses can cost the applicant between 7,000 to 8,000 euros annually.
Language courses in France, must be full-time and include at least 800 hours of training, to facilitate visa acquisition. Therefore, an appropriate language course for recognition must be accepted in France. Usually, there are 20 hours of language instruction per week for this language course to be considered full-time.
Other Required Documents for immigration of Doctors to France
The necessary documents for the recognition of medical qualifications in France are as follows:
- Completed exam application form
- Copy of birth certificate, passport, or residence permit if you have previously been in France
- Copy of medical qualification letter
- French language certificate
- Translation of educational documents
Doctors’ Income in France
The salary of doctors and other healthcare-related professions varies based on experience and educational qualifications. However, on average, a doctor residing in France earns about 116,000 euros annually. This implies that 50 percent earn less than this amount and the other 50 percent earn more.
The average salary of a pharmacist in France is approximately 63,000 euros annually. For dentists, the average annual income is around 117,000 euros. The income of midwives in France is also estimated to be about 46,000 euros annually. Specialist doctors in France earn around 130,000 euros annually. The income of healthcare workers increases with years of experience and working in France.
Dentists’ Earnings in France
When migrating dentists to France, these individuals should pay special attention to the salary and income in France. Dentists’ income in France depends on their type of specialty and skill level. Naturally, a dentist with more experience and professionalism will earn a higher income.
On average, dentists in France earn 76,000 euros. The highest income among dentists in France is for specialists in endodontics and prosthetics, earning around 142,000 euros annually, while the lowest income corresponds to laboratory technician and dental assistant roles, with an average of 30,000 euros annually.
Job Market for Medicine and Dentistry in France
The healthcare system in France is regularly recognized as one of the most efficient healthcare systems in the world, especially regarding income, equipment, and working conditions. Therefore, the demand for medical and dental jobs in this country is significantly notable.
There are many part-time and permanent jobs available in hospitals and clinics across France that qualified applicants familiar with the French language can apply for. Additionally, the job market for medicine and dentistry in France is thriving in private clinics and personal practices, and applicants can earn very good incomes by working in these places.
Obtaining a Dependent Visa through immigration of Doctors to France
One key benefit of medical recognition in France is the ability to bring dependents—spouses and children under 18. Children can access free education and all educational facilities in France. After obtaining a French visa, applicants can start family reunification through the immigration office. To get a dependent visa, proof of financial means to cover living expenses for at least one year is required.
High-Demand Medical Jobs in France
In the continuously evolving healthcare landscape, France is seen as a hub for diverse medical jobs. Therefore, the demand for skilled professionals in various medical sectors continues to rise, offering numerous opportunities for those seeking a significant and impactful career. Here, we introduce some high-demand medical jobs in France:
| Rehabilitation Therapist | Allergist | Behavioral Health Specialist |
| Chiropractor | Clinical Psychologist | Dermatologist |
| Urologist | Nutrition Specialist | Radiologist |
| General Practitioner | Physician Assistant | Emergency Physician |
| Nuclear Medicine Physician | Sports Physiologist | Internal Medicine Doctor |
| Forensic Pathologist | Infectious Disease Doctor | Genetic Counselor |
| Hematologist/Oncologist | Neurologist | Anesthesiologist |
| Cardiologist | Physiotherapist | Obstetrician & Gynecologist |
| Pediatrician | Ophthalmologist | Optometrist |
Benefits of Doctors Migration to France
In recent years, France has emerged as a promising destination for medical professionals seeking new horizons. The migration of doctors to France can provide multiple benefits, both personally and professionally. These benefits include:
- Quality of life
- Advanced healthcare system
- Career opportunities
- Multicultural environment
- Educational opportunities
- High income
Frequently Asked Questions on immigration of Doctors to France
- What is the name of the process for recognizing medical qualifications in France?
The stages of recognizing medical qualifications in France are called PAE.
- Which medical fields can have their qualifications recognized and work in France?
General practitioners, specialist doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and midwives are the only fields currently allowed to have their qualifications recognized in France.
- How much do recognition courses cost in France?
The annual recognition costs can range between 7,000 to 8,000 euros.
- Can doctors receive salaries during the recognition courses?
Doctors and the mentioned fields also receive a salary during their internships.
Conclusion:
France is an ideal destination for doctors and healthcare professionals to get their qualifications recognized and work legally. The country offers language courses, recognition exams, and pathways to permanent residency and citizenship. Applicants’ children can also benefit from free education. Malekpour Institute provides full support for recognition and residency in France. Contact us for free consultation on doctor and dentist migration to France. Leave your feedback and rate this article below.
