Veterinary degree obtained abroad
Anyone who has obtained a veterinary degree outside Finland and wishes to practise as a veterinarian in Finland must apply to the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) for the right to practise the profession.
Anyone who has obtained a veterinary degree outside Finland and wishes to practise as a veterinarian in Finland must apply to the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) for the right to practise the profession. Following a conditional licensing decision issued by the Finnish Food Authority, applicants may be required to complete additional studies and practical training.
As a general rule, veterinary degrees obtained in a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) are automatically recognised.
Instructions for submitting a licensing application are available on the Finnish Food Authority website.
Requirements for Applicants
Citizens of EU and EEA Member States
- Veterinary degrees obtained in an EU or EEA member state are generally recognised automatically. However, if the degree programme was started before the country joined the EU or EEA, the Finnish Food Authority may require the applicant to complete compensatory measures before full licensing can be granted. Further information and instructions for submitting a licensing application are available on the Finnish Food Authority website.
- Citizens of EU/EEA countries other than Finland are not eligible to work as municipal veterinarians in Finland without obtaining an additional qualification. To gain this qualification, applicants must complete a separate course organised by the University of Eastern Finland. More information is available on the Finnish Food Authority’s website.
Applicants Who Are Not Citizens of an EU or EEA Member State
- Spouse or cohabiting partner of an EU or EEA citizen: Applicants in this category are treated as EU/EEA citizens and are not subject to additional requirements.
- Applicants with recognised refugee status: Applicants in this category are treated as EU/EEA citizens and are not subject to additional requirements.
- Veterinarians who are not EU/EEA citizens but hold a veterinary degree obtained in an EU/EEA country: These applicants must fulfil certain additional requirements. Further information is available on the Finnish Food Authority website.
- Other third-country nationals: Licensing based on a veterinary degree obtained in a non-EU/EEA country generally requires additional studies as well as sufficient proficiency in Finnish or Swedish. The additional studies include a licensing examination organised by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Helsinki. Further information about the examination is available on the University of Helsinki website.
