Medical, pharmaceutical qualifications got in EU to be able to be recognized in Moldova; parliament adopts draft law

Chisinau, September 24, 2026 – Professional qualifications got by doctors and pharmacists in the European Union will be able to be recognized in Moldova. A draft law providing for this was passed by the parliament in its second reading.

The document was drafted by the Health Ministry, in the context of the commitments undertaken by Moldova through the Association Agreement with the European Union, which provide for the gradual alignment of national legislation with the acquis communautaire, including in the area of professional regulation and labor mobility.

Thus, a clear and transparent legal framework will be established for the recognition of professional qualifications got in the member states of the European Union, the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation. The draft provides both for the automatic recognition procedure for harmonized professions (doctor, dentist, pharmacist, general care nurse, and midwife) and for the application of the general recognition regime, which includes compensatory measures, such as an aptitude test.

The draft law also establishes the national professional card, a document that will confirm the holder’s right to practice the profession and replace the authorization documents currently issued. The card will be valid for five years and will be recorded in the Unified Register of Certified Medical and Pharmaceutical Professionals. In addition, the European Professional Card was introduced to facilitate the cross-border mobility of professionals within the European Union.

The National Council for Health Evaluation and Accreditation (CNEAS) will be the competent authority responsible for the recognition and certification of qualifications.

For the second reading, the draft law was supplemented with an amendment registered by Adrian Belii, chair of the commission for social protection, health, and family. The proposal specifies the conditions for practicing as a doctor, in strict accordance with the European directives.

The new provisions will enter into force on January 1, 2027, with certain exceptions that will become applicable after Moldova joins the European Union.

Directorate for Communication and Public Relations of Moldova’s Parliament