EU/EEA or Swiss nationals

On this page we provide information for European Union/European Economic Area or Swiss nationals wishing to establish a practice in the UK.

Documents we will require

If you intend to set up your main osteopathic practice in the UK, we will ask for the following:

proof of nationality - passport or national identity card number;
proof of qualification - a certified copy of your professional osteopathic qualification;
a certified copy of your academic transcript, which outlines the results you achieved for each module studied. To assist with the assessment process it is helpful to submit a course guideline/handbook which outlines the modules studied, but this is optional;
if you are applying from Finland, France, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malta or Switzerland - evidence that you are registered with the regulatory body in that country. You should ask your regulatory body to provide a Certificate of Current Professional Status or equivalent. The certificate confirms that you are registered with the appropriate regulatory body, provides confirmation of your training standards and reports all relevant disciplinary actions that may have been taken against you;
if you are applying from any EU or EEA country not listed above - evidence that you have practised as an osteopath for at least two of the last 10 years.

Assessment of your qualification

Your qualification will be assessed and if it meets the standards required in the UK, then you may apply directly for registration. Application forms can be requested from the Registration Department at registration@osteopathy.org.uk.

If your qualification falls below the standard required by the GOsC you will need to provide further evidence of your level of practice. This may involve the submission of written information and/or the completion of a practical assessment. Please see the Assessment of clinical performance section on the page Qualified outside the UK for further information about the practical assessment.

Your application for registration

With your application form you also need to include:

a completed GOsC character reference form - this must be from a person in a professional occupation such as an accountant, teacher, dentist or similar, who has known you for at least four years;
a completed GOsC health reference form - this must be signed by a general practitioner who has known you for at least four years or examined your medical records for at least four years;
a Criminal Records Bureau or other police check; this will be valid for six months after issue;
your registration fee: £375 in your first year on the register, £500 in your second year and £675 per year in subsequent years. If you intend to practise outside the UK the fee is reduced in your second and subsequent years on the register;
a passport-sized photograph for an identity card;
proof of adequate professional indemnity insurance, for a minimum cover of £2.5 million. If you are insured with Balens, Towergate MIA or the British Osteopathic Association (BOA) they will confirm cover directly with us; if not, a copy of your insurance certificate should be sent to the Registration Department.

Timetable

The process of administering an application in this category can take up to four months to complete once all requested information is submitted to the GOsC. We will make a decision about registration and let you know within one month. At this stage you may be directed to either a further assessment of clinical performance or further training. The assessment element may take up to three months to process and arrange.