CONSULTANCY CENTRE
of Med-Integro project
GENERAL INFORMATION
ON RECOGNITION OF DIPLOMAS OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
IN LATVIA
A health professional in Latvia is a regulated profession, i.e. it requires the availability and confirmation of specialized knowledge (fulfilment of qualification requirements stated in the country's legislation).
The procedure for the recognition of diplomas of foreign doctors in Latvia is established by DIRECTIVE 2005/36/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 7 September 2006 on the recognition of professional qualifications. You can read this law in detail at the following link.
WHAT IS NECESSARY
FOR EMPLOYMENT OF A FOREIGN MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
IN LATVIA
FOR EMPLOYMENT OF A FOREIGN MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
IN LATVIA
DIPLOMA RECOGNITION
The Health Inspectorate shall issue certificates of recognition of professional qualifications in the regulated profession of nurses (nurse), doctor's assistant, nursing assistant, dentist assistant.
LATVIAN LANGUAGE LEARNING
DETAILS EMPLOYMENT FOR REFUGEES
The possibility of employment for foreign medical professionals with the status of "temporary protection" on the territory of Latvia.
REQUESTING QUALIFICATION RECOGNITION
In order to recognise professional qualifications acquired abroad in Latvia, the person should initially refer to the information institution - the Academic Information Centre (www.aic.lv)
RECEIVING RECOGNITION OF QUALIFICATION
If the professional qualification is recognised as conforming in the Republic of Latvia, the Health Inspectorate shall issue a certificate of recognition of professional qualifications.
RESIDENCE PERMIT
A residence permit is necessary if you are willing to reside in the Republic of Latvia for a period of time exceeding 90 days within half a year counting from the first day of entrance.
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DIPLOMA RECOGNITION
The Health Inspectorate shall issue certificates of recognition of professional qualifications in the regulated profession of nurses (nurse), doctor's assistant, nursing assistant, dentist assistant. In order to recognise professional qualifications acquired abroad in Latvia, the person should initially refer to the information institution - the Academic Information Centre (www.aic.lv) (hereinafter - AIC). The AIC compares the educational and professional qualification documents submitted by a person and the duration of practical training with the requirements specified in the Republic of Latvia for obtaining professional qualifications in the relevant regulated profession. The AIC shall prepare a statement regarding the conformity of the educational and professional qualifications of the applicant with the requirements specified in the Republic of Latvia and shall forward the submission of the applicant with the documents attached thereto to the Health Inspectorate for examination and for taking of a decision regarding the recognition of professional qualifications. Documents for the recognition of professional qualifications acquired in the EU in the nursing profession may also be submitted electronically using the European Professional Card platform.MORE DETAILS
Execution deadline in working days: 132 days
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LATVIAN LANGUAGE LEARNING
To take the exam and work in the future, it is necessary to have a quite good level of proficiency in the Latvian language.LIST OF COURSES
You can start learning it by yourself using the free portal: https://maciunmacies.valoda.lv/ (general Latvian language) or specialized online Latvian lessons and courses for medical professionals on our platform.
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EMPLOYMENT FOR REFUGEES
The Ministry of Health has prepared amendments to the regulatory framework so that Ukrainian civilians, who are currently in Latvia due to the hostilities carried out by Russia, could continue to work in the field of health care. They envisage extending the time to two years for short-term professional activity for Ukrainian civilians who want to work in the acquired profession in medicine and pharmaceutical care.MORE DETAILS
In case of a decision to stay in Latvia and work in the profession after the expiry of the temporary professional services permit, it will be possible to apply for the recognition of the professional qualification obtained abroad in Latvia
In case of further questions, the Health Inspectorate will be able to advise: +371 67501589 vi@vi.gov.lv
State Employment Agency toll-free number: +371 80200206
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REQUESTING RECOGNITION OF QUALIFICATION
1.1. The AIC must provide the necessary documents:MORE DETAILS
1) the submission (Annex 1 to the provisions of Regulation No 827 for the year 2016 of the BOM);
2) a copy of the personal identification document;
3) documents certifying education and professional qualifications (diplomas and annexes thereof (extracts of performance);
4) documents from the country of origin regarding the right to work in a particular country (certificates, licences, registration, etc. if any);
5) a statement regarding work experience in foreign states (if any);
6) a statement from the country of origin regarding good repute and the absence of disciplinary violations.
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RECEIVING RECOGNITION OF QUALIFICATION
The Health Inspectorate, after taking a decision regarding the recognition of professional qualifications in the Republic of Latvia, shall inform the applicant:
1) electronically, to the electronic mail address indicated in the application;
2) by post to the address indicated in the application;
3) on-site - in the Health Inspectorate, during the specified working time;
4) in the nursing profession, a statement in the profile established on the EPC platform.
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EMPLOYMENT
The Ministry of Health states that Latvia's health care system has been facing insufficient provision of human resources for a long time. In addition, uneven regional distribution of doctors is also characteristic of Latvia. Sisters have a particularly difficult situation. The shortage of healthcare workers is becoming more acute as the demand for healthcare services increases, while the healthcare workforce shrinks and many workers reach retirement age.JOB OFFERS
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RESIDENCE PERMIT
A residence permit is a document providing a foreigner the rights to reside in the Republic of Latvia for a definite period of time (a temporary residence permit) or permanently (a permanent residence permit).MORE DETAILS
A residence permit is necessary if you are willing to reside in the Republic of Latvia for a period of time exceeding 90 days within half a year counting from the first day of entrance.
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REGISTER OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS AND MEDICAL TREATMENT SUPPORT PERSONS
Registration of Medical Practitioners and Medical Support Staff is carried out by the Health Inspectorate of Latvia.More details
INITIAL REGISTRATION
In order to carry out initial registration, Medical Practitioners and Medical Support Staff must submit the following:
1) identity document;
2) education diploma;
3) registration card of the Register of Medical Practitioners and Medical Support Staff (available electronically or to be filled in on the spot);
4) for persons who have earned their diploma of medical education more than five years ago – an additional document must be submitted verifying that the person has successfully passed examination of professional conformity.
The initial registration period in the register is five years.
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ESTIMATED EXPENSES
The fee for the recognition of professional qualifications shall be EUR 240
• payment must be made in the AIC account;
• payment must be made in the Health Inspectorate account, where the application is submitted using the European Professional Card platform.
More about other fees, reach out to the main contacts in the process:
Latvian Medical Association (LMA) migration@arstubiedriba.lv
+371 20276668
Academic Information Centre (AIC)
prof@aic.lv
+371 67225155
Project implementers
