Ukrainian doctors can work temporarily in Italy

The temporary practice of healthcare professions is permitted pursuant to Article 34 of Decree-Law No. 21 of 21 March 2022 (converted, with amendments, by Law No. 51 of 20 May 2022), as amended by Law No. 18 of 23 February 2024 (Article 4(6-ter)), on the “Derogation from the rules on the recognition of healthcare professional qualifications for Ukrainian doctors” (for example doctors, nurses and so on), as is work as a social and healthcare assistant (operatore socio-sanitario), for Ukrainian citizens who were living in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 and hold a professional qualification obtained abroad and governed by specific European Union directives.

Public and private healthcare and social-care facilities may temporarily engage these professionals until 31 December 2027 (under the latest amendment, made by Law No. 15 of 21 February 2025), provided the following requirements are met:

1. Ukrainian citizenship and residence in Ukraine before 24.02.2022;
2. Sufficient knowledge of Italian or English;
3. A professional qualification obtained abroad and governed by specific EU directives;
4. A European Qualifications Passport for Refugees or a document certifying professional practice in the country of origin.

Note:

registration with the Ordine (the Italian professional board) is not compulsory,

but registration with ENPAM (Ente Nazionale di Previdenza ed Assistenza dei Medici e degli Odontoiatri, i.e. the National Pension and Welfare Fund for doctors and dentists in Italy) is compulsory.

If you are a doctor or healthcare worker who arrived in Italy after 24 February 2022 and you have documents proving your professional qualification and your right to practise in Ukraine today, you too have a chance of working legally in Italy.

From September, the StepMed project is starting a series of online meetings for Ukrainian healthcare workers.

To receive all the latest information and updates, register for StepMed HERE — all we need is your email address so we can send you useful material.

The National Congress of Ukrainian Associations in Italy (CNAUI) provides all this information free of charge:

– Legislation
– Notices and instructions
– Material to help you find your way around the system