France has one of the largest healthcare systems in Europe – and one of the most in-demand. With a growing shortage of doctors across the country, international medical professionals are increasingly welcome, and the conditions on offer are genuinely competitive.
But like any move to a new country, working as a doctor in France requires navigating an official process before you can start seeing patients. This guide gives you an honest overview of what’s involved – so you can decide whether it’s the right move for you.
Can foreign doctors work in France?
Yes – both EU and non-EU doctors can work in France, though the recognition process differs depending on where you qualified.
EU/EEA doctors benefit from mutual recognition of professional qualifications under the European Directive, which makes the path to practice more straightforward.
Non-EU doctors need to go through additional steps to have their diploma assessed and their right to practise formally granted. The process takes longer, but France actively recruits internationally trained doctors and the pathway is well established.
Not sure how your situation fits? Our team can walk you through what applies to you.
Step 1: Get your diploma recognised
Before you can practise, your medical degree needs to be formally recognised by French authorities. For EU doctors, this follows the European Directive on professional qualifications. For non-EU doctors, it involves an equivalence assessment to confirm your degree meets French standards.
The exact requirements depend on your country of training, your specialisation, and how long you’ve been practising. Getting the application right from the start is important – incomplete or incorrectly prepared dossiers are one of the most common reasons for delays.
Step 2: Register with the Ordre des Médecins
All doctors practising in France – including foreign doctors – must be registered with the Ordre des Médecins (the French Medical Council). This is the professional body that authorises you to practise and issues your registration number.
Registration requires proof of your qualifications, identity documents, and evidence of your right to reside and work in France. The Ordre also verifies your professional conduct record.
This step often comes with questions, especially around documentation and language requirements. Moving People supports you through this process from start to finish.
Step 3: French language requirements
To practise medicine in France, you need to demonstrate a strong command of French. The level required is B2, both written and spoken.
This is a meaningful requirement, and it’s worth being realistic about. Medicine in France means communicating with patients, colleagues, and administrative teams entirely in French so reaching the right level before you start is genuinely important, both professionally and for your own confidence.
Moving People offers online French classes designed specifically for healthcare professionals, so you can start building your language skills before you even make the move.
Find out more about our French classes – it’s one of the best investments you can make before arriving.
Step 4: Obtain your RPPS number
The RPPS number (Répertoire Partagé des Professionnels de Santé) is your official professional identifier in France – the equivalent of the INAMI number in Belgium. It’s issued once your diploma is recognised and your Ordre registration is complete, and it’s what allows you to formally practise and prescribe.
Your employer or hospital will typically guide you through this final administrative step once you’re in place.
How long does it take?
As a general guide, the full process – from starting your dossier to being cleared to practise – takes approximately one year for doctors. This covers diploma recognition, Ordre registration, language certification, and any additional administrative steps.
Starting early and having a job offer in place can make a significant difference to how smoothly things move.
Want a clearer picture of the timeline for your specific situation? Talk to our team — we’ll give you an honest assessment.
What about working conditions?
France offers a strong framework for employed doctors: with structured contracts, solid social benefits, and a healthcare system that values its professionals. Demand for doctors is high, and international candidates are genuinely sought after.
The specifics (salary, working hours, specialisation opportunities) depend on your contract and where you’ll be based. These are conversations worth having properly before you commit.
Get in touch with Moving People — we’ll help you understand what a move to France actually looks like for someone with your profile.
Ready to explore the opportunity?
Moving to France as a doctor is a significant step, but it’s one that thousands of international medical professionals have made successfully and the support structures are there to help you do it right.
At Moving People, we specialise in helping healthcare professionals relocate to France and French-speaking Belgium. We’re with you from the first conversation to your first day at work and beyond.
Start the conversation today — we’d love to help you get there.
Last updated: 2026. Requirements may change — always verify current details with your Moving People consultant or the relevant French authorities.
