Recognition of foreign doctors in Germany
Information from a specialist lawyer on the recognition of medical qualifications and obtaining a license to practice medicine.
Here you learn ...
when foreign doctors must have their qualifications recognized
how the recognition process for doctors works
what requirements apply for approval in Germany
how to apply for a license to practice medicine in Germany
Table of Content
1. Recognition of approval
2. Doctors from other EU countries
3. Recognition of doctors from third countries
3.1 Requirements for recognition of doctors from third countries
3.2 Step-by-step instructions for a doctor's license
4. Approval of foreign doctors in Berlin
5. Conclusion Recognition of foreign doctors
1. Recognition of approval
The medical profession is regulated in Germany. Recognition of a license to practice medicine in Germany is therefore a crucial step for foreign doctors who wish to work as doctors in Germany. Because the German healthcare system relies on highly qualified specialists, there are clear legal requirements for professional recognition . This guide provides you with everything you need to know about the recognition process, the required documents, and the opportunities for non-EU and EU doctors.
A medical license provides unrestricted authorization to practice medicine in Germany. Without this license, foreign physicians can only work in general nursing professions . Doctors from abroad who completed their medical training outside of Germany must have their professional qualifications recognized before they can practice as specialists, assistant physicians, or practicing physicians.
2. Doctors from other EU countries
When it comes to the recognition of medical qualifications, a fundamental distinction must be made between those from other EU countries and those from third-country nationals. Doctors from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland can apply for a license to practice medicine in Germany relatively easily. Since EU citizens automatically have a work and residence permit, there is no need for a separate visa or residence permit to practice their profession.
Recognition of a medical license in Germany is granted by the responsible state or district government . The most important requirements are proof of equivalence of the medical training and the medical language examination at level C1. Since medical training is generally harmonized within the EU, the equivalence examination is usually confirmed without any problems.
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3. Recognition of doctors from third countries
Doctors from third countries must apply for a license to practice medicine in Germany. This is a comprehensive process that includes certain language certificates (B2 and C1 Medical), an equivalence assessment of medical training , and, if necessary, a knowledge test . This guide will guide you step by step through how to obtain your license to practice medicine in Germany.
3.1 Requirements for recognition of doctors from third countries
If you want to work as a foreign doctor in Germany, you need:
A completed medical degree in your home country
A residence permit and work permit
German language skills at B2 level (CEFR)
A C1 specialist language certificate (through the specialist language examination in medicine)
Certified and translated documents
While doctors from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland can often have their license to practice recognized without additional examinations, doctors from third countries usually have to take a knowledge test to prove their medical qualifications.
3.2 Step-by-step instructions for a doctor's license
To obtain a license to practice medicine as a foreign doctor, you must follow the steps listed below . Once you have met all requirements and passed all exams, your license certificate will be mailed to you. From this point on, you can officially call yourself a "doctor" and practice medicine in Germany.
The necessary steps for recognition as a foreign doctor are the following:
Obtain a German B2 certificate : To obtain your license to practice in Germany, you need a B2 language certificate.
Choose the appropriate federal state : The formal requirements for the licensure of foreign doctors vary depending on the federal state.
Translate documents : Your medical documents must be translated into German by a sworn translator and then certified.
Create a German-language CV : A German-language CV is mandatory for the application.
Obtain a medical certificate : The license requires a health certificate to prove medical suitability (see § 3 BÄO ).
Proof of intended activity : Depending on the federal state, you must prove your intention to work by means of a letter of intent or employment offer.
Submitting an application for approval : Once all documents are available, you must submit the complete application to the responsible state authority.
Review of documents : After submission, the authorities will review whether your training is equivalent to the German training. If deficiencies are identified, you will be required to take a knowledge test.
Pass the specialist language test : In the specialist medical language test, you must prove that you can conduct medical discussions, document findings and correctly inform patients.
Take a knowledge test : If your medical training is not considered equivalent, you will be required to take a knowledge test.
4. Approval of foreign doctors in Berlin
Foreign physicians wishing to practice in Berlin must apply for a license to practice medicine. The Berlin State Office for Health and Social Affairs (LAGeSo) is responsible for issuing the license. To apply for the license, physicians must submit their documents in German. In some cases, the application can be submitted in advance by email in Berlin – it is recommended to inquire with the LAGeSo clerk beforehand.
After receiving the application, the authority will confirm receipt within one month. The LAGeSo then examines whether the foreign medical training is equivalent to the German qualification, whether the applicant has sufficient German language skills, and whether the applicant is personally and medically suitable for the medical profession in Germany. Processing takes a maximum of four months . Applicants will then receive a notification with the results of the examination.
The costs for obtaining a license to practice as a foreign specialist in Germany can vary depending on the federal state. In Berlin, the fees for obtaining the license range from €100 to €430. A key component of the process is the equivalence assessment, which is conducted by the Expert Office for Health Professions (GfG) and costs €1,773. In addition, the specialist language test, which serves to verify job-related language skills, is subject to a fee of €420. Additional costs may also arise, such as for translations, certifications, or necessary compensatory measures, which are individually prescribed by the responsible authorities.
Summary of this Page
The recognition of a medical license for foreign doctors in Germany is a complex but essential process for professional integration into the German healthcare system. While EU doctors can usually have their qualifications recognized easily, doctors from third countries must overcome additional hurdles such as the equivalence assessment and the medical language exam (C1). In Berlin in particular, the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (LAGeSo) is responsible and sometimes charges high fees. Foreign doctors wishing to work in Germany should inform themselves early on about German language skills, costs, and procedural steps in order to successfully apply for a medical license and pave the way into the German job market.
