Working in the UK
Two streams exist for coming to work in the UK as a physiotherapist: one for those whose nationality falls within the European Economic Area (EEA) and another for those outside the EEA.
EEA nationals
The EEA includes all the countries of the EU (see the map on the europa website: http://europa.eu) plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Registration is governed by Directive 2005/36/EEC on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
The Health Professions Council (HPC) is the Competent Authority responsible for processing your application for UK registration. If you are an EU national and want to work in the UK on a temporary or occasional basis, new registration rules apply so contact the HPC.
If the HPC identifies any significant differences between your qualifying education and UK requirements, they will offer you a period of adaptation or a test of competence. For more information, please see our information paper: Undertaking Periods of Adaptation Prescribed by the HPC: Advice for Non-UK Trained Physiotherapists.
If you are from outside the EU the registration process is slightly different but you can still make good any identified shortfalls.
Non-EEA nationals
Entry for non-EEA nationals is governed by a new points based system. See the UK Border and Immigration Authority website for more information.
Whatever your nationality, once you are registered you will want to know about finding a job and working in the UK: see our information paper: Working in the United Kingdom.
Membership of the Society can help you find out more about UK practice and offer you access to a wide range of information and communication tools to enhance your professional development. The electronic network iCSP, is a means of linking CSP members. You can even invite any CSP members from your country working in the UK to get in touch with you.
