Service Details

for candidates

Physicians (Ärzte)

To become an accredited doctor in Germany, foreign-trained physicians must follow several key steps to meet the country’s medical standards. Here’s an outline of the process:

  1. German Language Proficiency
  2. Language Level: You must demonstrate proficiency in the German language. Typically, B2-level German is required for general communication, and C1-level medical German for professional practice.
  3.  Certificates: Obtain language certification from recognized institutions (e.g., Goethe Institute, Telc).
  4.  
  1. Recognition of Foreign Medical Degree (Approbation)
  2. Application for Approbation: The Approbation is the full medical license allowing you to work as a doctor. To apply, you need to submit documentation proving the equivalence of your medical degree.
  3. Equivalency Check: German authorities will assess if your medical degree is equivalent to German standards. You may need to provide:
    • Medical degree certificate
    • Academic transcripts
    • Proof of clinical experience
    • Curriculum vitae (CV)
    • Passport or national ID
    • Proof of good conduct (police clearance)
    • Health certificate
  4. Authority: The specific Approbation office for the region in Germany where you plan to work will handle the application.
  5.  
  1. Knowledge Examination (Kenntnisprüfung)
  2. If your degree is not fully equivalent, you may need to pass the Kenntnisprüfung (Knowledge Examination). This covers practical and theoretical knowledge, especially in internal medicine, surgery, and clinical practice.
  3. Preparation: Attending courses designed to prepare you for this exam may be beneficial.
  4.  
  1. Temporary Medical License (Berufserlaubnis)
  2. While waiting for your full Approbation, you can apply for a temporary medical license (Berufserlaubnis). This allows you to work under supervision in a hospital, usually for up to two years.
  3. It’s an opportunity to improve your language skills and gain familiarity with the German medical system.
  4.  
  1. Additional Requirements
  2. Medical Fitness: A certificate from a German doctor confirming that you are physically and mentally fit to practice medicine.
  3. Proof of Good Conduct: A criminal record check from your home country and Germany.
  4.  
  1. Further Training (Facharztweiterbildung)
  2. If you wish to specialize (e.g., cardiology, surgery), you need to complete a specialization training (Facharztweiterbildung) in Germany.
  3. This training typically lasts 4-6 years, depending on the specialty, and is supervised by the Medical Council (Ärztekammer).
  4.  
  1. Register with the Medical Council (Ärztekammer)
  2. After obtaining Approbation, you must register with the regional Ärztekammer. They regulate medical practice and offer support for ongoing professional development.
  3.  
  1. Work Visa and Residency
  2. Visa: For non-EU citizens, you will need to apply for a work visa before moving to Germany. Once in Germany, apply for a residence permit based on employment.
  3. EU Citizens: If you’re from an EU country, this step is simplified.