Registration with the Order of Physicians is a mandatory step for any European doctor wishing to practice in France in 2026. After obtaining a practice authorization issued by the DREETS, the Order assigns the RPPS number, checks professional compliance, and ensures adherence to ethical rules.
1. Why is the Order of Physicians essential in 2026?
No doctor can practice in France without being registered with the National Council of the Order of Physicians (CNOM). Registration allows:
- đ obtaining an RPPS number essential for prescribing,
- đŒ legally practicing in an institution or privately,
- âïž being subject to French medical ethics,
- đ ensuring the compliance of the professional path.
Official CNOM website: www.conseil-national.medecin.fr
2. Step 1: obtain the authorization to practice from DREETS
Registration with the Order is only possible after validation by the DREETS, which analyzes your European diploma and official documents.
Typical dossier:
- đ EU medical degree,
- đ compliance certificate (directive 2005/36/CE),
- đ certificates of professional conduct,
- đ identity document.
DREETS: dreets.gouv.fr
đĄ Important: Without DREETS practice authorization, the Order cannot register you.3. Step 2: prepare your dossier for the Order of Physicians
Once the authorization is obtained, you can submit your dossier to the Order of the department where you will practice.
The documents usually required:
- đ Authorization to practice issued by DREETS
- đȘȘ Valid identity document
- đ Detailed CV
- đ Proofs of professional experience
- đ§Ÿ Criminal record / European equivalent
- đ· Identity photo
Each department may add additional documents.
4. Step 3: interview and validation by the Departmental Council
The Order organizes an interview (often via videoconference) to:
- đ€ verify your understanding of ethical rules,
- đŹ assess your level of medical French,
- đ confirm your identity and path.
After validation, the Order proceeds with the official registration and assigns you your RPPS number.
đ Once registered: you are authorized to practice in France, prescribe, and sign medical documents.5. Role of ARS in your placement
The ARS do not participate in the registration with the Order but intervene in your job placement:
- đ integration into regional health structures,
- đ organization of the health care offer,
- đ validation of certain hospital positions.
6. 2026 Deadlines: how long to plan for?
Times vary by region, but on average:
- â DREETS: 2 to 4 months
- â Order of Physicians: 4 to 8 weeks
The more complete the file, the faster the process.
7. Tips for successfully registering in 2026
- â Prepare your documents well in advance
- â Have items translated if necessary
- â Improve your medical French
- â Start job searching in parallel
Medical French courses: see schools
â FAQ â Order of Physicians 2026
Do I need to be registered with the Order to work?
Yes. Registration is mandatory to legally practice in France.
What happens if I change regions?
Your file is automatically transferred to the new department's Order.
Is a B2 level of French mandatory?
A solid level is recommended, especially for clinical positions. Resource: medical French courses
Can I register if I do not yet have a job?
Yes. Registration often precedes taking up a position.
đ Ready to start your process in France?
Euromotion Medical supports European practitioners at every step: DREETS, Order of Physicians, housing, and employment.
- đ Doctor job offers: see positions
- đ Practical guides: consult the guides
- đŒ Find a job via: Mediirect
- đ© Direct contact: nicetomeetyou@euromotion.care
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