Recognition of foreign psychology and psychotherapy qualifications in Switzerland

Relevant legal framework

Recognition of foreign psychology qualifications

• PsyG (SR 935.81), Art. 3 — recognition of foreign university degrees in psychology.
• PsyG, Art. 9 — recognition and legal effect of foreign postgraduate qualifications in the regulated psychology fields.
• PsyV (SR 935.811) — implementing rules, including protected designations linked to federal postgraduate titles.
• Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (FZA), Annex III and Directive 2005/36/EC — recognition framework for EU/EFTA qualifications within the scope of the PsyG.

Professional practice in Switzerland

• PsyG, Art. 22 — cantonal authorisation for psychotherapy practised under one's own professional responsibility.
• PsyG, Art. 24 — statutory requirements for that professional-practice authorisation.
• PsyG, Art. 27 — professional duties of authorised psychological psychotherapists.
• PsyG, Arts. 38 ff. and Register Ordinance PsyG (SR 935.816.3) — Psychology Professions Register (PsyReg).
• Cantonal law — professional-practice requirements outside the federal psychotherapist-authorisation regime and additional cantonal health-law rules.

Competent bodies

• Psychology Professions Commission (PsyKo) — recognition of foreign university degrees in psychology and foreign postgraduate titles within the PsyG.
• Federal Office of Public Health / PsyReg — federal psychology-professions register and register administration.
• Cantonal health authority — authorisation and supervision for psychotherapy under one's own professional responsibility.
• SBFI declaration centre — entry point for qualifying temporary EU/EFTA service provision, including the 90-day procedure where applicable.