Workers – Physiotherapists – Iceland

Updated : 12/2012

Recognition of professional qualifications

Only if you want to work abroad, not for study purposes.

If you obtained your professional qualifications outside the EU, you must check with the relevant authority whether you can apply to have them recognised.

Permanent stay
Temporary stay

Documents you must provide [permanent stay]

If you wish to work as a physiotherapist in Iceland on a permanent basis, you must submit the following documents:

completed application form English (in Icelandic - click Umsókn um starfsleyfi in the right-hand column)
proof of your name, date of birth and nationality (e.g. certified copies of the relevant passport pages)
proof of any change of name
certified copy or original of qualification/certificate
detailed transcript of your study programme from the educational institution, with details of:
a. admission requirements
b. total length of programme
c. subjects taught and lecture hours for each
d. clinical education: departments (patient categories) and number
of weeks in each
certificate (no more than 3 months old) of current professional status/good standing, from the relevant health authorities in your most recent country of work and residence, confirming that you:
– are legally entitled to practice as a physiotherapist
– have not been suspended, disqualified or prohibited from practicing.

All documents - except ID card or passport - must be in Icelandic or English. You can submit documents in other languages, but each must be accompanied by a certified translation, provided by an officially recognised translator from any EU country - or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

If the documents you submit are copies, they must be certified – by the authority that issued the original document, any other relevant authority or a public notary from your home country.

You must send your application by post. We recommend you use registered post, to avoid any lost documents.

Responsible authority [permanent stay]

Landlæknisembættið
Directorate of Health
Barónstígur 47
101 Reykjavík

Tel.: +354 5101900
Iceland Directorate of Health English

E-mail: mottaka@landlaeknir.is
E-mail: lisa@landlaeknir.is

When can you expect an answer? [permanent stay]

Once you have sent your documents, the authorities have:

1 month – from the moment they receive your application – to acknowledge receipt and request any other documents they require
1-4 months to take a decision, once your application is complete.

Cost [permanent stay]

ISK 8,300 (about €53)

You must pay this in advance. The authority will give you the payment details during the recognition procedure.

Documents you must provide [temporary stay]

If you wish to work as a physiotherapist in Iceland on a temporary and occasional basis, you must submit the following documents:

written declaration, dated and signed, informing the responsible authority that you intend to practice in Iceland on a temporary and occasional basis. It must clearly state your occupation
The Icelandic authorities will check your professional qualifications before you can start practicing there. Your declaration is valid for 1 year only
proof of your name, date of birth and nationality (e.g. certified copies of the relevant passport pages)
proof of any change of name
certified copy or original of your qualification/certificate
detailed transcript of your study programme from the educational institution, with details of:
a. admission requirements
b. total length of programme
c. subjects taught and lecture hours for each
d. clinical education: departments (patient categories) and number
of weeks in each
certificate (no more than 3 months old) of current professional status/ good standing, from the relevant health authorities in your most recent country of work and residence, confirming that you:
– are legally entitled to practice as a physiotherapist
– have not been suspended, disqualified or prohibited from practicing
This certificate should be sent directly to the Directorate of Health by the relevant authority.

You only have to submit these documents once, with your first declaration. After that, you'll only have to renew your declaration every year (without re-submitting all the documents).

You must send your application by post. We recommend you use registered post, to avoid any lost documents.

Responsible authority [temporary stay]

Landlæknisembættið
Directorate of Health
Barónstígur 47
101 Reykjavík

Tel.: +354 5101900
Website English

E-mail: mottaka@landlaeknir.is
E-mail: lisa@landlaeknir.is

When can you expect an answer? [temporary stay]

Once you have sent your documents, the authorities have:

1 month – from the moment they receive your application – to acknowledge receipt and request any other documents they require
1-4 months to take a decision, once your application is complete.

Cost [temporary stay]

ISK 8,300 (about €53)

You must pay this in advance. The authority will give you the payment details during the recognition procedure.

Still need help?

Haven't found the information you need? Do you have a problem to solve?