Visiting European veterinary surgeons

Provision of Services – EU Directive 2005/36/EC

This permits, subject to certain conditions, a community-rights-entitled veterinary surgeon who is lawfully established and registered in another member state to provide services on a temporary and occasional basis in another member state.

This provision exists to enable registered veterinary surgeons to occasionally cross borders to practice for short periods.

Provision of Services in the UK

Before providing services for the first time in the UK the following documents must be sent to the RCVS:

1. A declaration form (available from the Registration Department);

2. Proof of nationality or community rights entitlement;

3. Evidence of professional qualification (copy of qualifying degree certificate);

4. Certificate (Letter of Good Standing). issued by a competent authority in another member state confirming:-

a. that the practitioner is lawfully established as a veterinary surgeon in that state; and

b. that the practitioner is not prohibited (permanently or temporarily) from practising as a veterinary surgeon there.

Once received confirmation of the entry of the practitioners name on the List of Visiting European Veterinary Surgeons will be issued together with information as to the date this is effective from and other relevant information.

Renewal for further periods on the List are possible by submitting a renewal declaration form (available from the Registration Department) and any other relevant evidence of change documents which may be required.

Provision of Services in other EU Member States

If you are lawfully established as a veterinary surgeon in the UK, registered as a Home Practising member with the RCVS and are a community rights entitled person you may be entitled to provide services in other member states.

In this case, you will require a Provision of Services Certificate from the RCVS confirming your current status and good standing.

There is a charge of £3.53 for the issue of a Provision of Services Certificate and these should be requested and paid for well in advance of the date you intend to provide services in another state.

We cannot accept credit card payments for Provision of Services Certificates.

Contact Registration Department