Pharmacists – Qualifications – Recognition

table of content

General information

Pharmacists having acquired their pharmacist’s qualification in a Member State of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland can apply for recognition of their professional qualification at the Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists. Furthermore they have to apply for the general professional authorization which is obligatory for working in community or hospital pharmacy in Austria. Reliability and knowledge of the German language as necessary for practising the pharmacist’s profession are further requirements to be fulfilled.

Requirements

Evidence of pharmacist’s qualifications issued by an EU or EEA Member State or Switzerland and nationality of an EU or EEA Member State or Switzerland

Competent authority

Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists
Spitalgasse 31
1090 Vienna
E-Mail: recht@apothekerkammer.at

Procedure

Application: in person, by post or by electronic means

Preliminary proceedings:

  • formal examination of qualification in case of non-automatic recognition detailed examination of training contents
  • if necessary the applicant has to undergo one year or practical training in a community or hospital pharmacy in Austria as a compensation measure

Length of Proceedings: up to three months; in case of non-automatic recognition up to four months

Legal Remedy: An appeal against a decision may be filed within four weeks from the delivery of the decision. The appeal has to be submitted to the Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists, 1090 Vienna, Spitalgasse 31, in writing, by fax (+43 1 408 84 40) or by e-mail (recht@apothekerkammer.at) in PDF or another format compatible with Microsoft Office.

Required documents

For the recognition of qualifications:

  • Evidence of nationality
  • In case the applicant’s name differs from the name shown on the diploma or on the certificate, a wedding or divorce certificate or any other official document proving the change of names
  • Birth certificate
  • Evidence of professional qualifications issued by an EU or EEA Member State or Switzerland
  • If necessary a certificate issued by the competent authority of the home Member State stating that this evidence of formal qualifications is covered by Directive 2005/36/EC
  • If the professional qualification does not fully comply with Article 44 of the Directive 2005/36/EC a certificate issued by the competent authority of the home Member State that proves the applicant’s lawful and effective full time employment in a community or hospital pharmacy for at least three consecutive years during the last five years preceding the application
  • Proof of authorization to practice in the home Member State and if necessary proof of professional experience

For the award of the general professional authorization:

  • In case the professional qualification has already been recognized by the Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists a copy of the notification; it is sufficient to quote the reference number
  • Certificate of Criminal Records issued by the Member State or Member States of origin within the last three months
  • Attestation issued by the competent authority of the Member State or Member States of origin confirming the absence of temporary or final suspensions from exercising the profession (certificate of good standing)
  • If necessary a proof of sufficient knowledge of the German language (section 1a paragraph 4 of the Pharmazeutische Fachkräfteverordnung)

All documents and certificates must be submitted in German or English, either as an original or as a copy authenticated by a court or a notary public. Only translations by a certified court translator are accepted.

Non-authenticated copies or untranslated documents are not accepted as evidence. After processing, all original documents will be returned immediately.

Costs and fees

none

Legal bases

Link to form

Last update: 1 June 2023

Responsible for the content: Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists