How to Register as a GP in Ireland? Process Explained

To practise medicine in Ireland you must be registered with the IMC (Irish Medical Council). The registration process varies according to your qualifications and experience and changes depending on whether you are an EU or non-EU doctor.

We recommend beginning with the IMC eligibility chart to determine the appropriate division of the register for which you are eligible. Access the chart here: Irish Medical Council Eligibility Chart

Here are the most common pathways for both EU and Non-EU doctors seeking registration with the IMC:

Qualified doctor in an EU member state

1. Create an online account at the IMC. Link: https://www.medicalcouncil.ie/
2. Submit an application form.
3. Gather the necessary documentation for specialist registration:
   • Copy of your passport certified by a notary.
   • Certificate of your Basic Medical Degree certified before a notary and translated into English.
   • Specialist diploma from an EU country, notarised and translated into English.
   • A Certificate of Conformity from the competent authority confirming that the Specialty was granted in accordance with the provisions of EU Directive 2005/36/EC. Translated into English.
   • Original Certificate of Good Standing and Current Professional Status, dated within the last 3 months, to be sent directly to the Medical Council of each registration body with which you have been registered within the last five years.
   • The documents must be sealed by a notary public, a justice of the peace, a commissioner of oaths or if in Ireland by a member of the An Garda Siochana.
   • The documents need to be sent by post.
   • The rates for application are: 
     General application €410, Specialist €640.  
     To work as a GP in Ireland specialist registration is required.
     
4. After assessing and verifying your documentation, about two to three months, the Medical Council will proceed to register you.

If successful, the registration fee is an additional 560 euros, both for the General and Specialist division. An annual Retention Fee of €560 to €605 also applies.

Qualified medical practitioner from a non-EU member state

1. Create an online account at the IMC. Link: https://www.medicalcouncil.ie/
2. Submit an application form.
3. Gather the necessary documentation.

   If you are applying as a Specialist:

   • Copy of passport certified by a notary.
   • Notarised copy of your Basic Medical Degree. English translation of your Basic Medical Degree.
   • Official English translation of the certificate accompanying the qualification if it is not in English.
   • IELST certificate dated within the last two years with an overall score of 7.0 and a minimum of 6.5 in each module.
   • The fees are: General application 410 euros, Specialist 640 euros.
4. Ask the competent authorities to provide the IMC with your current Certificate of Professional Status. You should provide details of your qualifications and verify that you have not been subject to disciplinary proceedings in any country in which you have previously practised.
5. Apply for a Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES). This is a test of knowledge and clinical disciplines in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Surgery and General Medicine/Practice. Exceptionally, doctors who have obtained a Certificate of Experience in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, Sudan, Malaysia, United Kingdom or Malta are exempt from taking the PRES examination.
6. After assessing and verifying your documentation, about two to three months, the Medical Council will proceed to register you. The registration fee is an additional 560 euros, both General and Specialist. An annual retention fee of 560 to 605 euros will be applied.