Third Country Route of Registration
You can apply to the PSI to have your qualification recognised in Ireland using the Third Country Qualification Recognition process if you are a pharmacist who qualified in a Non-EU/EEA country, regardless of your nationality. This route of registration is a two-step process. The first step is an application for recognition of your qualification. The second step is an application for registration.
“Third Country” means all countries other than countries in the European Union/European Economic Area. From 1 January 2021, following Brexit, applicants with pharmacist qualifications from the United Kingdom (UK) are assessed for registration under the Third Country route. Details specific to those applicants can be found in this section.
Qualification Recognition
An applicant’s qualification must be recognised as “appropriate for practice” in accordance with Section 16 of the Pharmacy Act 2007. This Act regulates the practice and profession of pharmacy in Ireland.
1. Applicants holding a qualification gained in the UK
Applicants holding a qualification gained in the UK, which would have been automatically recognised under the Professional Qualifications Directive before 31 December 2020, with training that commenced before 31 December 2020, may be able to proceed to recognition in a one-step process under Rule 18(1). To apply under this route, please return the application form along with supporting documents to the Registrant and Customer Relations Team, Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, PSI House, 15-19 Fenian Street, Dublin 2, D02 TD72.
2. Applicants holding a qualification from a third country other than the UK
All other Third Country Route applicants must first apply for qualification recognition. Qualification recognition assessment is made under Rule 18(2) in order that the PSI can determine whether an applicant’s Third Country qualification is a qualification appropriate for practice in Ireland. This may involve a four-stage process, and may involve a number of different people, institutions and regulatory authorities and for that reason it may take a significant amount of time to complete. Further information on how to apply for qualification recognition is available on this website.
This supporting documentation will give you an overview of the process involved in the Third Country Qualification Recognition procedure. Please read this in full if you intend to apply for qualification recognition.
Registration
You can apply to register as a pharmacist in the PSI online registration portal once you have received confirmation that your qualification has been recognised by the PSI. The registration portal contains instructions and information videos to assist with your application.
Language competence
Assessment of language competence is required to be submitted when making an application for registration. On submission of an application for registration, applicants must prove that they have achieved a standard of competence in the English language by complying with one of the three criteria recognised by the PSI Council as being satisfactory to assure language competence. It should be noted that provision of evidence of language competence is not required to be provided under the qualification recognition process.
Ukrainian pharmacists coming to Ireland
We encourage any Ukrainian pharmacists who want to register in Ireland to contact us directly so we can give advice and support. You can contact us by email to noneuroute@psi.ie or telephone +353 1 2184000. Information to support people coming to Ireland from Ukraine is available on this website.
Additional Information