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You might be wondering: “How to work in Norway as a pharmacist?” Norway attracts skilled professionals such as pharmacists due to its high quality of life and advanced healthcare system. This article will explore the comprehensive pathway to immigrate to Norway as a pharmacist, from obtaining qualification recognition to securing necessary authorizations.

Can Foreign Pharmacists Work in Norway?

The Norwegian Directorate of Health allows foreign pharmacists to work in the country, but only after they have verified their credentials, met language requirements, and been granted permission.

Are Pharmacists in Demand in Norway?

The need for pharmacists in Norway is unpredictable, but good openings are always available, especially in community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, the pharmaceutical industry, and academic research.

How to Immigrate to Norway as a Pharmacist?

If you plan to immigrate to Norway as a pharmacist, you must go through several steps and gather certain requirements. An overview is provided below:

Step 1. Recognize Your Qualification

Required Educational Qualification

A pharmacy degree recognized as equivalent to the Norwegian pharmacy degree is typically required. This usually requires a four-year degree or higher in the field of pharmacy.

Norway Pharmacist Registration

  • Application to NOKUT. As a first step, most international students submit an application to the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) for general recognition of their higher education credentials. They look at your transcripts and grades to see if they are comparable to Norwegian universities.
  • Detailed Documentation. Your degree certificate, transcripts, and course descriptions will be required. The English versions of these documents may need to be translated.
  • Assessment of Professional Qualifications. After NOKUT’s broad recognition, you may still need to undergo a pharmacy-specific evaluation of your credentials. This is managed by the Norwegian Directorate of Health (Helsedirektoratet).
  • Supplementary Education or Training. If you don’t quite meet Norwegian requirements, you may have to return to school or get some on-the-job training.
  • Norway pharmacist registration fee is approximately NOK 1,665. The fee can be paid online, typically using a VISA or MasterCard credit card.

Application Process

The Norwegian Directorate of Health’s website is where most applicants for professional recognition submit their applications. The time it takes to process an application and any associated fees can vary widely. You should submit your application several months before relocating to Norway.

Norway Pharmacist Exam

To immigrate to Norway as a pharmacist and register and work in Norway, many foreign-trained pharmacists, especially those from outside the EU/EEA, must first pass an examination. This test ensures that your knowledge and abilities are up to par with those in Norway. You should check the Norwegian Directorate of Health for the most up-to-date information on format, content, and scheduling.

Step 2. Authorization or License

A permit or approval from the Norwegian Directorate of Health is required. Exams testing your command of the Norwegian language and familiarity with standard pharmaceutical procedures may be a part of this procedure.

  • Once your education is recognized, you must apply to the Norway Pharmacy Council (Helsedirektoratet).
  • In most cases, you’ll need to provide your diploma, transcripts, ID, recognized qualifications, and letters of recommendation. Translate your documents if they’re not in Norwegian or English.
  • If you got your pharmacy degree in a foreign country, you might have to pass an exam to prove your skills and knowledge. It’s to make sure you’re up to Norwegian pharmacist standards.
  • It might be necessary for you to do supervised practical training in Norway if your education differs significantly from the Norwegian system.
  • There’s an authorization fee, and processing times vary.
  • Your license may be subject to continuous professional development once you get it.
  • You may have to show evidence of continued education or practice to renew your license or authorization.

Step 3. Learn the Language

A high level of Norwegian language proficiency is required for pharmacists seeking licensure in Norway, usually at the B2 level or higher on CEFR. The Bergenstesten (Test in Norwegian – Advanced Level) and Norskprven (Norwegian Language Test) are the most widely accepted tests. The passing score of Bergenstesten is 450 or higher (indicating a B2 level). The passing score for Norskprven is B2 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Note: In some cases, less common options, such as attendance at a Norwegian-language school or employment in a Norwegian-speaking environment, may be considered.

Step 4. Job Search

If you were thinking: “How to apply for a job as a pharmacist in Norway?” let us answer the question for you.

Online job boards and recruitment agencies are popular resources for pharmacists looking for pharmacist jobs in Norway. Websites like NAV.no, which is the official portal for the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration, and Finn.no, a popular classifieds and job listing site, are frequently used by job seekers. In addition, you can use Jobbnorge.no, which focuses solely on academic and professional openings.

Adecco Norway and Manpower are two recruitment agencies that focus on specialized fields like healthcare and can help pharmacists find jobs in their fields. You can learn about job openings and trends in the Norwegian pharmacy industry by networking through professional organizations like the Norwegian Pharmaceutical Society.

Step 5. Visa and Work Permit

The requirements for obtaining a visa, work permit, and residence permit in Norway vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and the nature of the position being sought:

Visa Requirements

Per your nationality, you may require a visa to enter Norway. Visa-free travel is the norm for citizens of EU and EEA member states. If you plan to stay and work, non-EU/EEA nationals might need a visa.

Residence Permit for Work

The residence permit is the most important document for long-term stay and working in Norway. Most non-EU/EEA citizens need this permit with their job offer.

Application Process

  1. Collect the necessary paperwork. You must gather all documentation required by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), such as a job offer and proof of qualifications.
  2. Send in your resume. Most applications are submitted through the UDI portal. A trip to the Norwegian embassy or consulate may also be required.
  3. There is a fee associated with processing your application for a residence permit.
  4. Obtain a work visa. The right to work in Norway is built into the residence permit. The residence permit also serves as a work permit once it is issued.
  5. Citizens of the EU and the EEA have it easier. Norway doesn’t require a visa to enter; they can live and work there. But if they stay longer than three months, they must register with the police.
  6. The duration of a residence permit is usually between one and three years, and it can be renewed after that time. The duration might depend on the length of your employment contract.

Step 6. Adaptation and Integration

It will be crucial to learn about Norwegian culture and to make an effort to blend in once you get there. Knowing the Norwegian healthcare system, pharmacy procedures, and mandatory continuing education hours is essential.

Here are some tips for you:

  • Take part in classes to learn about Norwegian culture.
  • Join organizations for professionals like the Norwegian Pharmaceutical Society to help you along your career path.
  • Get familiar with the Norwegian healthcare system so you can do your job there.
  • Keep working to become a more fluent Norwegian speaker.
  • Participate in community activities to make friends and learn about the culture.

Step 7. Continuing Education

Keeping abreast of the most recent pharmaceutical practices and regulations in Norway can be crucial to your career success.

Here are some tips for you:

  • Maintain a regular study schedule of relevant pharmacy-related journals and online resources.
  • Enhance your career prospects through continuing education opportunities like workshops and seminars.
  • Maintain your certification status by completing CPD hours.
  • Participate in discussions with coworkers to learn new information and share what you already know.
  • Pursuing further education and/or certification in a pharmacy-related specialty may be worthwhile.

Infographic How to Immigrate to Norway as a Pharmacist

How to Become a Pharmacist in Norway?

We have a whole different process to immigrate to Norway as a pharmacist for international students. Several key steps are involved in becoming a pharmacist at a Norwegian university:

  1. Selecting a University and Pharmacy Program. Find out more about pharmacy degree programs in Norway. Universities like those in Oslo and Troms are famous ones. If Norwegian is not your strong suit, research what courses are available in English.
  2. Admission Requirements. Take a look at the pharmacy school’s specific entry criteria. Typical examples of these are required levels of education, language ability, and possible entrance exams. Collect all required materials, such as transcripts, recommendations, and personal statements.
  3. Language Proficiency. Your Norwegian language skills will be tested if the course is taught in that language. Scores on an English proficiency exam, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, may be required for admission to programs taught in English.
  4. Application Process. Use the university’s official application website to submit your application. Submitting your transcripts and other necessary paperwork is a common first step. The Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS) is one example of a centralized application process that some universities may require.
  5. Securing Admission. The university will send your acceptance letter once you have been accepted. This is crucial for your student visa application.
  6. Student Visa Application. Submit a student visa application to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) for a student visa/residence permit. As part of the registration process, you must provide your acceptance letter, proof of financial means to support your stay, and proof of health insurance. There is an application form, a fee, and possibly an interview at the Norwegian embassy or consulate.
  7. Arrival in Norway. You’ll be able to visit Norway once you’ve gotten your visa. Getting there early is best to get settled in and get used to your new surroundings.
  8. Get yourself registered with the local authorities and take care of any other paperwork that needs doing.
  9. Studying and Practical Training. Complete the academic and hands-on requirements of a pharmacy degree program. Participate in any internships or part-time jobs that are directly related to pharmacy that you can.
  10. After Graduation – License to Practice. To work as a pharmacist in Norway after earning your degree, you must first become licensed. To do so, one must apply to the Norwegian Directorate of Health and pass any tests or language proficiency requirements that may be necessary.

Pharmacist Jobs in Norway for Foreigners

Pharmacy jobs in Norway can differ based on the field, including:

  • Community Pharmacist
  • Hospital Pharmacist
  • Clinical Pharmacist
  • Pharmaceutical Industry Roles
  • Academic and Research Positions
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist
  • Pharmacy Manager
  • Public Health Pharmacist
  • Consultant Pharmacist
  • Quality Control Analyst
  • Medical Information Specialist
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

How Much are Pharmacists Paid in Norway?

Salary ranges for pharmacists in Norway can change depending on many factors, including work history, geographic location, and employer type. However, The average salary of a pharmacist in Norway is:

  • Entry-Level. At the entry-level, pharmacists can expect to earn approximately 500,000 to 600,000 Norwegian Kroner (NOK).
  • Experienced Pharmacists. Norway pharmacist salaries for seasoned pharmacists typically range from $600,000 to $800,000 annually in Norway. Pay outside this range is possible, especially in highly specialized fields or for those with extensive experience.

Immigrate to Norway as a Pharmacist: Let’s Recap

To immigrate to Norway as a pharmacist, the Directorate of Health must authorize you to meet academic and professional standards. EU nationals must register, while non-EU nationals need a residence permit. Norwegian proficiency, usually B2, is required. A work permit requires a job offer, and pharmacists must take courses on Norwegian health services and law to integrate into the healthcare system.

Leave a comment below if you have any further questions about pharmacist immigration to Norway.

FAQs

What is my first move to immigrate to Norway as a pharmacist?

You need to get the Formal authorization first.

Do I have to be fluent in Norwegian to immigrate to Norway as a pharmacist?

English is spoken, but yes, you need to be fluent in Norwegian.

Do I have to have a job offer to immigrate to Norway as a pharmacist?

When you get the Formal authorization, you must get a job offer.

Do you need IELTS to immigrate to Norway as a pharmacist?

English is common in Norway, but it is unlikely that you need an IELTS certificate to immigrate to Norway as a pharmacist.

How to immigrate to Norway as a pharmacist from Turkey?

Ensure the Norwegian Directorate of Health recognizes your Turkish pharmacy degree, demonstrates Norwegian language proficiency, and gets a job offer.

How to immigrate to Norway as a pharmacist from the USA?

The Norwegian Directorate of Health must recognize your American pharmacy qualifications, you have to meet the Norwegian language requirement, and you have to get a work visa/residence permit.

How to Immigrate to Norway as a pharmacist from the UK?

In the UK, the process is similar to other non-EU countries: you have to prove your qualifications, demonstrate language proficiency, get approval from the Norwegian Directorate of Health, and get a work visa/residence permit.

How to immigrate to Norway as a pharmacist from India?

Make sure your Indian pharmacy degree gets recognized, you pass a Norwegian test, apply for authorization from the Norwegian Directorate of Health, and get a job offer that gets you a work visa.

Is Norway good for pharmacists?

Despite strict language and licensing requirements, Norway offers a good quality of life and a robust healthcare system.

What language do people speak in Norway?

Norwegian is Norway’s main language. Norwegian has two written forms: BokmÃ¥l and Nynorsk.

How to apply for Norway as a pharmacist?

Your pharmacy degree needs to be recognized, you need to fulfill language requirements, you need to get authorization from the Norwegian Directorate of Health, and then you need to apply for a work visa/residence permit.

What are pharmacist jobs in Norway for Pakistanis?

Providing they meet the qualifications, recognition, language, and authorization requirements, Pakistani pharmacists in Norway can find jobs in community pharmacies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and research.

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14 Comments

  1. Ansar says:

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    • Oliver says:

      We do not provide visa services now. All you need to know is in the article and ask your questions in the comment section.

  2. Madare says:

    I want to go to Norway legally, and live there legally with job and citizenship rights. Thank you.

  3. Raghu says:

    Hi, I am little confused about the process.
    After authorisation and approval need to have job offer and get visa so on.
    When pharmacists are expected to clear Norwegian language and health course exam. Is there any time limit ?
    At present I am in UAE.

    • Max says:

      In Norway, prospective pharmacists have no deadline to pass the required exams in Norwegian language and health courses. To advance in your profession and keep your license up-to-date however, you must pass these tests within a reasonable time frame. It’s a good idea to double-check with your potential employer to see if they have any specific deadlines in place.

  4. Nomiii says:

    Is there any medical test requirement for candidate to apply in Norway

    • Max says:

      The Norwegian Directorate of Health is the agency you’ll need approval from before you can settle there as a pharmacist. While some healthcare professions may have more stringent health screening requirements than others, all applicants should be in good enough health to do their jobs. Medical examinations and/or declarations of good health may be necessary, depending on the specifics of each case and the rules in effect at the time in Norway.

  5. Nomiii says:

    Is there any medical for candidate who apply for pharmacist in Norway

    • Max says:

      To my knowledge, there is no specific mention of a mandatory medical test for pharmacists applying to work in Norway. However, as part of the visa process, a health check or medical certificate may be required. For the most up-to-date and detailed information on what is needed for pharmacists to immigrate to Norway, it is best to contact the Norwegian Directorate of Health or the Norwegian embassy directly.

  6. Antora Ghosh says:

    I am a pharmacists and now i am living in Bangladesh. I completed B.pharm and M.pharm. I have 2.5 years work experience in Bangladeshi pharmaceutical industry. Now I’m interested to work in norway. Please help me

    • Max says:

      If you are a pharmacist in Bangladesh and would like to immigrate to Norway, you must first obtain approval from the Norwegian Directorate of Health. This will confirm that your educational credentials are recognized in Norway. In addition, if you are not a citizen of an EU country, you will need a work visa to be able to legally work in the country. The ability to communicate effectively in Norwegian is essential and must be at least at the B2 level. It’s also important to find a Norwegian company willing to hire you. In order to fully participate in the Norwegian healthcare system, you may be required to take specialized courses once you arrive in Norway. Get in touch with the relevant Norwegian authorities or the Norwegian embassy in Bangladesh to get up-to-date information on the current rules and regulations.

  7. Antora Ghosh says:

    I am a pharmacists and now i am living in Bangladesh. I completed B.pharm and M.pharm. I have 2.5 years work experience in Bangladeshi pharmaceutical industry. Now I’m interested to work in norway. Please help me

    • Max says:

      If you’re a pharmacist in Bangladesh and want to move to Norway, you’ll need to get approval from the Norwegian Directorate of Health to practice there. As a non-EU citizen, you will also need a work visa to legally live and work in the country. The ability to speak Norwegian at a minimum of the B2 level is required. Also required is an offer of employment from a Norwegian firm. You will need to take courses in Norwegian health service and health legislation once you arrive in Norway if you intend to work in that country’s healthcare system. The Norwegian government or the Norwegian embassy in Bangladesh should be consulted for up-to-date information on necessary steps to take.