France has a real need for nurses, but it strictly regulates foreign nursing qualifications. Nursing is regulated, and how you qualify depends heavily on where you trained.

In short: if you trained in the EU or EEA, your qualification is recognised, and you register with the Ordre National des Infirmiers, with authorisation from the regional health agency (ARS); if you trained outside the EU, your diploma is generally not recognised directly, so you usually have to requalify for the French State Diploma in Nursing (DEI) before you can practise.

EU and EEA-Trained Nurses

If you trained in the EU or the EEA, your qualification is automatically recognised under Directive 2005/36/EC. You then register with the Ordre National des Infirmiers, obtain authorisation from the regional health agency (ARS), demonstrate French proficiency (around B2), and can take up a post once registered.

Non-EU-Trained Nurses

Nursing diplomas from outside the EU are not directly recognised in France. In practice, you must obtain the French State Diploma in Nursing (DEI), sometimes with exemptions for subjects you have already studied. A 2026 reform has signalled a possible accelerated pathway for non-EU nurses, which may take effect in later intakes, so check the current rules before you plan. A French level of around B2 is generally required.

The Work Route

Once you can practise, the usual immigration route is a VLS-TS work visa, with the employer securing work authorisation. Many non-EU nurses start by working as a nursing assistant or in training while they complete the French diploma.

Avoiding Scams

Use official channels only. Legitimate employers and agencies never charge a nurse upfront placement fees; if anyone asks you to pay to be placed, treat it as a likely scam and verify the route and the Ordre National des Infirmiers, with authorisation from the regional health agency (ARS) through official channels.

Official Sources

Confirm the current rules with the Ordre National des Infirmiers, with authorisation from the regional health agency (ARS)nd the French immigration authorities, as the recognition rules for non-EU nurses are changing.