The Norwegian Association of Pharmacists is both a trade union and a professional association for pharmacists working in Norway.

Our main goal is to secure the members’ financial, social, and professional interests. We strive to promote a high standard of professional skills and ethics among our members. The association takes an active part in developing the profession and addressing health policy issues.

Membership

  • Anyone holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Pharmacy, equal to Norwegian standards, can be accepted as a member. 
  • Foreign students who study pharmacy in Norway can apply for student membership.
  • You can apply for membership as soon as you have received your Norwegian authorisation.

We are not able to assist in the application process for authorisation and residence permit. However, employers are usually helpful in this process if you already have a job offer.

 

To work as a pharmacist in Norway you need:

Authorisation

A Norwegian authorisation or license is required to work as a pharmacist (or prescribtionist) in Norway. This is to confirm that you meet the formal and academic requirements for the professional title concerned, i.e., pharmacist.

You must apply for authorisation from the Norwegian Directorate of Health.

The Norwegian Directorate of Health: information about the authorisation process and how to apply.  
Questions can be directed to the Authorisation office by email or phone +47 21 52 97 00.

 

Work and residence permit

As a main rule you need a residence permit. 

EU/EEA/EFTA citizens: 
Nationals of EU/EEA/EFTA countries do not need to apply for a residence permit but must register with the police. 

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration: Information about registration and residence permit

 

Language skills and National courses

If you are planning on working in Norway it is adviceable to start learning the language as soon as possible. A satisfactory level of the Norwegian language is usually required to work in pharmacies in Norway.

The Norwegian Directorate of Health: Information about language requirements

Pharmacists with education from a country outside of the EU/EEC: 
For pharmacists with education from countries outside of the EU/EEC-area, completion of courses and passing a test in national courses («Kurs i nasjonale fag») are required to achieve a Norwegian authorisation. 

Folkeuniversitetet organises the courses on behalf of The Norwegian Directorate of Health every spring and fall semester. 

Folkeuniversitetet: Information about the national course, registration and costs.