Service Details

To work as a Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) in Germany, foreign-trained professionals need to have their qualifications recognized and meet specific regulatory standards. The process for obtaining accreditation involves multiple steps to ensure that your education and experience meet German requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. German Language Proficiency

• B2-Level German: You need to prove B2-level proficiency in the German language. This certification is typically obtained from recognized institutions like Goethe Institute or Telc.
• Medical professionals, including MLTs, may also need to pass a medical language exam (Fachsprachprüfung) in some federal states to demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology.
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2. Recognition of Foreign Medical Laboratory Technologist Qualification

• Application to the Recognition Authority: Submit an application to the relevant authority in the state where you wish to work. This is typically the state’s health ministry or Anerkennungsstelle (recognition office).
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• Required Documents:
  • MLT Degree/Certificate: Proof of your formal qualification as a medical laboratory technologist.
  • Academic Transcripts: A detailed transcript of your studies, including subjects studied and practical experience.
  • Proof of Work Experience: If applicable, documentation of any professional experience in the field.
  • Proof of Identity: Passport or national ID.
  • CV (Curriculum Vitae): A detailed CV that includes your education and work history.
  • Health Certificate: A document from a German doctor verifying that you are physically and mentally fit for the role.
  • Proof of Good Conduct: A criminal record clearance certificate from your home country and/or Germany.
• Certified Translations: Documents not in German must be translated by a certified translator. Some may also require official certification.
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3. Equivalency Check (Defizitbescheid)

• The authorities will evaluate your qualifications and compare them with German standards for MLTs.
• Outcomes:
  • Full Recognition: If your degree and training match German standards, your qualification will be fully recognized.
  • Partial Recognition: If there are deficiencies in your training or education, you may need to take further steps, such as completing additional training or passing exams.
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4. Additional Training or Adaptation Period
5. If your qualification is not fully recognized, you may be required to:
   • Complete a compensatory course (Anpassungslehrgang).
   • Pass a knowledge exam (Kenntnisprüfung), which tests your practical and theoretical knowledge in line with German standards for MLTs.
6. Work While Training: In some cases, you may be able to work under supervision with a temporary permit while you complete these additional steps.

5. Temporary License (Berufserlaubnis)

• If your degree is not immediately recognized or while you complete additional requirements, you may be able to work with a temporary license (Berufserlaubnis), allowing you to work under supervision for a limited period (usually up to two years).

6. Final Recognition and License to Practice

• After completing the required training or passing the exam, you will receive full recognition of your qualification and a license to practice as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in Germany.
• For non-EU citizens, this allows you to apply for a work visa and residency permit to live and work in Germany.

7. Registration with Relevant Professional Bodies

• Once you have your qualifications recognized, you may need to register with the appropriate regional health authorities or professional organizations for laboratory technologists. This ensures that you are compliant with professional standards and regulations.

8. Work Visa and Residence Permit (For Non-EU Citizens)

• If you are from a non-EU country, you need to apply for a work visa based on your recognition as an MLT. After arriving in Germany, you will apply for a residence permit to legally work and reside in the country.