Are you a pharmacist with a foreign degree and want to work in France? This guide is designed to inform you about the key steps and important questions to ask yourself. France, with its efficient healthcare system and high demand for healthcare professionals, is an attractive country to work as a pharmacist in a stable and rewarding environment.
However, becoming a pharmacist in France is not something you can improvise: from diploma recognition, administrative procedures, expatriation, language requirements to choosing the region—many questions arise. Our goal is to help you achieve successful professional integration and confidently apply for any pharmacist position in France.
You will also discover how our HCP eXchange program allows you to explore different regions before committing long-term. Whether you’re planning a short-term stay or a long-term life project, this guide is your starting point.
Why choose France to work as a pharmacist?
Working as a pharmacist in France offers many advantages for professionals with foreign qualifications. The country has a healthcare system renowned for its quality, accessibility, and patient safety. As a pharmacist, you play a vital role in this system, with a recognized and valued position in pharmacies and in patient relationships.
The demand for pharmacists is high, especially in mid-sized towns and rural areas, where many positions remain unfilled. This creates real opportunities for stable employment, with smoother integration for motivated candidates.
Beyond professional benefits, living in France offers a globally recognized quality of life: access to a strong education system, healthcare coverage, cultural diversity, gastronomy, varied landscapes, and historical heritage. For families, it also provides a safe environment with a well-developed social infrastructure.
Choosing France means combining professional opportunities with an attractive living environment — the perfect balance for a successful relocation.
Who can work as a pharmacist in France?
To work as a pharmacist in France, two main profiles are eligible:
1. Graduates from the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA)
If you hold a pharmacy degree from an EU or EEA country and are a citizen of one of those states, you may work in France under the following conditions:
- Automatic diploma recognition: Your degree is automatically recognized if your training meets EU standards. No specific authorization to practice is required.
- Registration with the French Order of Pharmacists (CNOP): You must register with the departmental council of the French Order of Pharmacists. This registration requires proof of French language proficiency at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
2. Graduates from outside the European Union: first steps to becoming a pharmacist in France
If you hold a pharmacy degree from a non-EU/EEA country, the process is more complex:
- Application for authorization to practice: You must request an authorization to practice from the National Management Center (CNG). Your application will be reviewed by a committee that assesses the equivalence of your training.
- Compensatory measures: Depending on any gaps identified, you may be required to complete compensatory measures such as an adaptation period or an aptitude test.
- French language level: A French proficiency level of B2 or C1 is generally required for professional practice, depending on the specific requirements of the relevant authorities.
- Registration with the French Order of Pharmacists (CNOP): Once your authorization to practice is granted, you must register with the departmental council of the French Order of Pharmacists to work legally.
3. Special Case: France-Québec Agreement
A mutual recognition agreement (MRA) was signed on November 27, 2009, between France and QuĂ©bec, facilitating the recognition of pharmacists’ professional qualifications between the two jurisdictions. This agreement allows pharmacists qualified in France or QuĂ©bec to benefit from a simplified procedure for practicing in the other territory.
- For Québec pharmacists wishing to practice in France: They must submit a request for professional qualifications recognition to the French National Order of Pharmacists (CNOP). After reviewing the application, the CNOP issues an opinion and sends the complete file to the Minister of Health, who decides on the application for the authorization to practice.
- For French pharmacists wishing to practice in Québec: They must undergo an equivalency recognition process supervised by the Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec. This process includes completing supplementary training required by the Order (courses, internships, or exams), passing exams from the Bureau des examinateurs en pharmacie du Canada, demonstrating appropriate knowledge of the French language, and applying for a practice permit.
What are the requirements to practice as a pharmacist in France?
Working as a pharmacist in France involves meeting several administrative and professional requirements. These requirements vary depending on the origin of your diploma (EU/EEA or non-EU), but some steps are common for all.
1. Recognition of the Diploma
First and foremost, your pharmacy degree must be recognized by the French authorities:
- EU/EEA/Switzerland: Automatic recognition if the degree meets European standards. Generally, you only need to provide a certificate of conformity of your education.
- Non-EU: Application for authorization to practice with the National Management Centre (CNG). The file includes:
- A certified translation of the diploma,
- A CV detailing your professional experience,
- Official supporting documents,
- A French language test at B2 to C1 level (to validate your training before any authorization),
- Possible completion of a competency test or an adaptation internship.
2. French Language Proficiency
Proficiency in French is essential to practice safely:
- EU Pharmacists: A minimum of B1 level required at the time of registration with the CNOP (Pharmacy Order).
- Non-EU Pharmacists: A B2 or C1 level is required at the time of submitting the application for diploma recognition.
⚠️ An official test or certification (DELF, TCF…) will be required.
Customized Language Support with HCP eXchange
At HCP eXchange, we understand that mastering French is crucial for working in a pharmacy. That’s why we’ve partnered with a trusted provider offering personalized and flexible language support to help you reach the required level (B1 or B2/C1 depending on your situation).
Our support also includes an exclusive proprietary module focused on pharmacy-specific vocabulary. The goal: to facilitate your professional integration and daily interactions with patients, prescribers, and pharmacy teams. This practical and targeted approach will prepare you for the real-world experience of working in France.
3. Authorization to Practice
After your diploma and language proficiency are validated, you must obtain:
- An authorization to practice if you are non-EU,
- Or proceed directly to registration with the Pharmacy Order if you are from the EU/EEA.
Registration with the CNOP is mandatory for everyone, regardless of nationality.
What Administrative Procedures Are Required to Practice as a Pharmacist in France?
Once your diploma is recognized and language proficiency is validated, several administrative procedures are necessary to legally work as a pharmacist in France. These steps may differ depending on your nationality, but some are essential for all.
1. Registration with the French Pharmacy Order (CNOP)
Registration with the National Pharmacy Order is mandatory for all professionals wishing to work in a pharmacy, hospital, or pharmaceutical industry.
Documents required for CNOP registration:
- A copy of your diploma and, if necessary, a certificate of conformity (EU),
- An authorization to practice (non-EU),
- ID card,
- Proof of address,
- Proof of B1 level in French for EU nationals.
- A copy of the criminal record;
- A sworn declaration;
- A curriculum vitae
The CNOP verifies your qualifications, professional integrity, and fitness to practice. Without this registration, you cannot be employed as a pharmacist.
2. Residence Permit and Work Authorization
If you are a non-EU national, you must have the proper documents to stay and work in France:
- Long-stay visa equivalent to residence permit (VLS-TS) or a “medical profession” residence card,
- Work authorization, if applicable.
Some prefectures require a prior employment contract or a job offer to issue a professional permit. The “talent – health profession” visa may be an option in some cases.
3. Social Security, Taxation, and Other Formalities
- Social Security Registration: necessary to access healthcare in France and be covered in case of illness.
- Opening a French bank account: often required by employers to avoid certain fees, it will be useful in your daily life.
- Tax Number and Income Declaration: as a resident, you will be subject to taxes in France. Once settled, it will be essential to regularize your administrative and financial situation.
Choosing the Region to Practice as a Pharmacist in France
Choosing the region to practice as a pharmacist is a decisive step to succeed in settling in France. Each region offers specific advantages, whether in terms of professional opportunities or quality of life.
1. Major Cities: Paris, Lyon, Marseille, etc.
The major cities of France, such as Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, offer a high concentration of pharmacies and a constant demand for pharmacists. However, the competition can be intense, and working conditions can vary. Working in a large city can offer advantages such as easy access to services, a dynamic cultural life, as well as career opportunities in diverse environments.
But beware: the cost of living, particularly in Paris, is relatively high, and the saturation of certain areas may make it more difficult to access interesting positions.
2. Secondary Cities and Rural Areas
Outside major metropolitan areas, some secondary cities and rural areas have a strong need for healthcare professionals, including pharmacists. These regions often offer interesting opportunities and more pleasant working conditions. Working in less populated areas can allow you to access more interesting positions, sometimes in independent pharmacies or pharmacy groups.
One of the advantages of these regions is a quieter living environment, often less stressful than that of large cities. Additionally, some rural areas offer incentive programs to attract healthcare professionals, such as financial aid or tax benefits.
Thanks to our HCP eXchange program, you can explore several regions before making your final decision. This approach allows you to discover the job market in different cities, as well as test the living environment and better understand the demand for pharmacists in each region.
Tips for Successfully Integrating Professionally as a Pharmacist in France
Integrating into a new country, and particularly into a new professional environment, can be a challenge. As a foreign pharmacist, several key factors can help you successfully integrate into France, whether culturally, linguistically, or professionally.
1. Adapting Your Practice to French Culture
France has a specific professional culture and expectations regarding relationships with patients and managing a pharmacy. It is essential to familiarize yourself with French professional practices, particularly:
- Patient-pharmacist relationship: Communication with patients is essential. You will be required to not only explain the use of medications but also to answer questions about public health. It is crucial to understand the importance of active listening and pedagogy in this context.
- Regulatory expectations: You will need to familiarize yourself with French legislation regarding medications, prescription renewals, as well as the rules for prescribing and selling in pharmacies. These aspects are essential for practicing in France.
2. Developing Your Linguistic Skills
Even if you already have a B1 level of French (for EU nationals) or B2/C1 level (for non-EU nationals), it is important to continue refining your professional vocabulary and improving your understanding of technical terms in pharmacy. This will help you not only feel more comfortable in your interactions with patients but also avoid communication errors that could have consequences for patient safety.
3. Getting Involved in the Professional Community
The pharmacy profession in France relies on a strong network of collaborations and partnerships. Joining local associations or pharmacist unions can be an excellent way to integrate into the professional community, develop valuable contacts, and stay informed about legislative changes and new practices.
Active professional networking will allow you to better understand the challenges of the profession and identify collaboration or job opportunities. Furthermore, it may give you privileged access to training resources and professional events, allowing you to stay updated on the latest trends and innovations.
On our part, at HCP eXchange, we offer you the opportunity to be part of a community of expatriate healthcare professionals through our social networks and blog. We actively encourage the creation of quality content and the sharing of information. Our goal is to promote knowledge exchange and support our members in their professional journey.
How much does a pharmacist earn in France?
A pharmacist’s salary in France is regulated by the collective agreement for community pharmacists, which ensures a minimum wage depending on experience and seniority.
Salary Scale and 13th Month
The salary scale applies to all pharmacy staff, including assistant pharmacists. It is regularly reviewed during negotiations between employer unions, employee unions, and the Ministry of Labor. This allows for an automatic salary progression over the years through a system of grades, points, and coefficients.
The 13th month, as stipulated by the collective agreement, is mandatory for all employees, including pharmacists. It is paid in a lump sum or monthly over the year and represents one additional month of gross salary. This system is an essential part of the annual compensation.
In practice, the gross annual salary for a recent graduate starts around €45,000 and can quickly improve.
Mandatory Health Insurance
Employed pharmacists also benefit from mandatory health insurance provided by their employer. This health coverage is intended to cover the medical expenses not covered by social security, such as consultation fee overruns, dental care, or glasses.
Other Benefits
In addition to the salary, pharmacists in France can also enjoy various benefits, such as paid vacation, specific bonuses (such as performance bonuses), or professional training funded by the employer. However, it is important to note that these benefits may vary from one pharmacy to another depending on the employer’s policy.
Living as a Pharmacist in France
Working in France as a pharmacist is a great opportunity for foreign professionals, and the country is actively seeking to attract qualified pharmacists. Whether you are a graduate from the EU or outside the EU, you will need to follow a few key steps to practice legally: diploma recognition, registration with the Order of Pharmacists, and mastering the French language.
Once these procedures are completed, France offers excellent quality of life, numerous career opportunities, and a healthcare system recognized internationally.
Rest assured, foreign pharmacists are welcome in France, and the country is always looking for skilled professionals to join its ranks.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about professional life in France, feel free to check out our other articles on the blog. We’ll be happy to support you in your project!
đź’Ľ What You Need to Know: Pharmacy Groups in France
Unlike other countries, pharmacy chains are not allowed in France. However, many pharmacy owners choose to join pharmacy groups, such as Giphar, Lafayette, Pharmavie, or Wellpharma. These groups allow for pooling certain services (purchasing, logistics, communication, IT tools…) while maintaining legal and financial independence.
Each group offers different benefits and operates under its own conditions. For pharmacists already established or those planning to be, choosing a group is a strategic decision that should not be taken lightly.
At HCP eXchange, we aim to go further by offering our members the creation of a pharmacy group observatory. The goal: to provide a clear and objective view of the benefits, constraints, satisfaction levels of owners, and key points to be aware of.
📊 This project aims to help current and future pharmacy owners make an informed choice through feedback from our community members. Interested in contributing? Join our network, and let’s build this tool together.
đź“š Useful Resources and Official Links
To properly prepare for your arrival and professional establishment in France, here are some essential links and resources:
1. The Order of Pharmacists Website
The National Order of Pharmacists is the official body regulating the profession in France. It provides all the necessary information for registration, recognition of foreign diplomas, and legal practice in France. You can consult their website at:
www.ordre.pharmacien.fr
2. Regional Health Agencies (ARS)
The ARS are responsible for public health in each region of France. They manage diploma recognition for non-European pharmacists. Check the ARS website for your region for information on the procedure to follow:
www.ars.sante.fr
3. French Public Service (Visa, Residency)
For all administrative procedures related to immigration, the official website of the French Public Service provides necessary information on visas, residence permits, and work authorizations.
www.service-public.fr