Process

Brexit, which became official at the end of 2020, gave some Europeans the false impression that going to work in the UK is fraught with many hurdles and bureaucracy. In practice, the only significant change in the context of employment in a pharmacy in the UK is the newly introduced visa. However, this is not an obstacle which significantly delays the relocation, particularly since the owners of the leading chain pharmacies are determined to recruit pharmacists to work and therefore help a candidate obtain a visa as quickly as possible.

In addition to the visa, the following requirements apply to the application process: It is necessary to provide the General Pharmaceutical Council with documents confirming the identity and qualifications of the candidate, provided in an appropriate form (notarized and translated) and a certificate confirming a pass in the IELTS test in English at a band 7 in each of its four parts (listening, reading, writing and speaking).

In March 2020 the General Pharmaceutical Council revised its guidance on evidence of English language skills to include the Pharmacy Occupational English Language Test (OET) as evidence of English language competence, which may be the preferred option for many applicants.