Complete Guide 2025: How to Obtain a Medical Practice License in France

Practicing as a doctor in France in 2025 is a unique opportunity for many European and international practitioners. But before treating your first patients, it is essential to obtain an official medical practice authorization. This comprehensive guide details the key steps, procedures to follow, and practical advice to successfully settle in and start your career legally.

Who needs to apply for a practice authorization?

The medical practice authorization concerns:

• Doctors with degrees from outside the European Union (PADHUE), subject to a specific evaluation and selection process.
• Doctors with European degrees in certain particular cases (incomplete degrees, specific specialties, files requiring additional validation).
• Doctors wishing to practice a regulated specialty with partial recognition of the degree.

For doctors from the European Union whose degree complies with European directives, a simple registration with the Medical Council is usually sufficient.

Step-by-step procedures

1. Preparation of the file Gather your degrees, internship certificates, professional conduct certificates, detailed CV, and identity documents.

2. Submission to the competent authority The file is sent either to the National Management Center (CNG) or to the DREETS, depending on your specialty and background.

3. Evaluation and decisions The file is examined by a national commission, which can grant the authorization, propose an adaptation internship, or request an additional exam.

4. Registration with the Medical Council Once the authorization is obtained, registration with the Medical Council is mandatory for legal practice.

Expected timelines

Processing of authorization requests can take several months. In 2025, the average observed timeline varies between 6 and 12 months, depending on the complexity of the file. It is therefore strongly advised to prepare your project well in advance and seek professional support to avoid delays.

Tips to speed up your application

• Check the compliance of all your documents before sending.
• Have your degrees and certificates translated by a sworn translator.
• Keep certified true copies of your original documents.
• Anticipate a plan B in case of a request for an adaptation internship or additional exam.

Assistance from a specialized agency like Euromotion Medical is often crucial to save time and secure your procedures.

Support from Euromotion Medical

At Euromotion Medical, we assist European and international doctors in building and optimizing their practice authorization files. From document translation to interview preparation, including registration with the Medical Council, our team guides you step by step. We also provide access to our network of partner employers to accelerate your professional integration.

Contact us to succeed in your authorization procedures

With Euromotion Medical, save time, secure your procedures, and start your career in France with confidence.

• 📩 Contact us directly by email at nicetomeetyou@euromotion.care
• 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @euromotion.mediirect
• 🔗 Find us on LinkedIn: Euromotion Medical

Turn your installation project into reality with the expert support of Euromotion Medical.