How To Apply For Pharmacist Jobs In France: 2026 Requirements
France is undergoing a revolution in the healthcare environment. Pharmacies are undergoing a redesign as a local health hub, which means that pharmacists perform not only dispensing drugs but also a variety of rapid diagnostics tests, teleconsultations, and immunisation campaigns.
This development has sparked a very high demand of international pharmaceutical talent. You have just graduated as a student or are already a professional in pharmacy, you want to know the process of pharmacy licensure in France in 2026, and this is the one that will put you in the right direction towards achieving a fulfilling career in the heart of Europe.
Eligibility: The Two Pathways to the License
The origin of your degree is an important determinant to your journey of practicing in France. The French regulatory regime is differentiating between European and non European qualifications.
EU/EEA Citizens (Automatic Recognition)
You can enjoy the Professional Qualifications Directive in case you are a pharmacy degree holder in an EU/EEA member state.
- Process: Due to the fact that your degree is already accepted, you need to enroll with the Ordre National des Pharmaciens.
- Language: B2/C1 level of English language proficiency needed to guarantee patient safety.
Pharmacists, Non-EU/International Pharmacist (PAE Route)
The procedure is called PAE (Procédure d’Autorisation d’Exercice) in case of a degree obtained in other countries, such as India, UK (after Brexit) or the USA.
- The EVC Exam: You have to pass the Épreuves de Vérification des Connaissances (EVC). This is the main entrance gate of foreign practitioners in 2026 through this competitive exam.
- Consolidation Period: Once you have passed the EVC you are required to undertake 2 years of supervised practice (as an Associé) in a French pharmacy or hospital.
- Final Authorization: When your performance is reviewed by a ministerial commission you are granted a full license.
Compulsory Professional Registration
In France, the Pharmacopharmaceutical system is regulated by the Ordre National des Pharmaciens. To be a lawyer, membership is compulsory.
- Function: The Ordre oversees the professional ethics, competence and the official registry of all pharmacists.
- Section Registration: You would be placed into a section according to your role:
- Part A: Pharmacy Proprietors (Titulaires).
- D: Assistant Pharmacists (Adadjusts).
- Subsection H.1: Hospital Pharmacists.
- The Dossier: To get registered, you are required to include a Demande d’inscription with a certified translation of your diploma, a clean criminal record and evidence of your level of language.
Roadmap of 2026 Application
Step 1: Learn the Language (TCF/DALF)
The greatest obstacle is language. To 2026, the health authorities in France have further strengthened the requirement that B2 level is the minimum, although C1 is strongly desired in clinical positions.
- Hint: Specialize in French to Medicine to deal with technical patient counseling.
Step 2: Degree Comparability (ENIC-NARIC)
A Certificate of Comparability is to be obtained in the ENIC-NARIC center before you apply to have your visa or exam done. This officially places your foreign degree in the French educational system.
step 3 The EVC Competitive Exam
The EVC is held annually. Applications to the 2026 cycle normally end in the end of March.
- 2026 Change: The internal track (those who are already in France and have a provisional license) consists of simplified MCQ format and the external track consists of tough written and practical tests.
Step 4: Observe visa of “Passeport Talent” Visa
France is also providing the Passeport Talent: Health and Social Professions to very qualified healthcare personnel.
- Advantage: This is a multi-year visa where you can bring your family and it is a rapid way of gaining residence.
- Requirement You must have a work contract in a French hospital or pharmacy and must have a minimum wage (gross) of about 42,000 or higher.
FAQs
Is NAPLEX/GPhC registered in France?
No. France has its own equivalency process (PAE/EVC) of all non-EU degrees, irrespective of board exams in the past.
Am I able to work in a pharmacy during the time I prepare the EVC exam?
Yes, but only with the approval of your employer as a Pharmacy Technician (Préparateur en Pharmacie), you are allowed to work in this area, but you are not allowed to sign off the prescription.
When will the PAE exam take place in 2026?
As a rule, the registration file should be provided to the Centre National de Gestion (CNG) until March 2026 to take examinations later in the year.
What are the most optimal work places in France?
Although Paris is popular, Paris has not succeeded in offering higher relocation bonuses, and easier job placement than medical deserts in such regions as Centre-Val de Loire and Normandy.
Are there career events of pharmacists in 2026?
Yes! PharmagoraPlus 2026 will be held in March 14-15, 2026, in Porte de Versailles, Paris. It is the major event of meeting recruiters and owners of pharmacies.
Final Thought
The French pharmacy system will be a tedious voyage in 2026, with a great degree of linguistic assimilation. Nonetheless, as the government streamlines the Passeport Talent and raises quotas of foreign professionals to fill rural shortages, this is the high time one can make an application. We require your expertise please–prepare your DAP (Request for Prior Admission) or your EVC today.
Disclaimer
This information is educational and informational only of the job. Before applying, please check information on the official employer or government site, e.g. sante.gouv.fr or ordre.pharmacien.fr.