
It is a dream for many foreign doctors to work in Germany. Due to the shortage of doctors, finding a job is not difficult. However, before starting work, new colleagues must obtain a German licence to practise. This article explains how to do so.
In 2019, 6,525 doctors who studied abroad applied for recognition of their foreign professional qualifications. According to official statistics on recognition, most applicants acquired their qualifications in Syria (10%), Romania (7%), Austria (5%), and Hungary (4%).
Regulations for medical studies completion vary depending on the country, with a distinction made between EU and non-EU countries. The applicant's nationality does not affect the equivalence of their qualification. Foreign doctors and German students studying medicine in other European countries are subject to the same rules.
Recognition of the licence to practise medicine for doctors from EU countries
Doctors who have studied in other EU countries, the European Economic Area EEA (Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) or Switzerland can have their foreign professional qualification recognised easily. This is because these countries have uniform standards for medical training, making the recognition of qualifications automatic. Doctors from these countries can generally practice their profession in Germany and other EU countries, if they have applied for recognition of their qualifications and meet the other requirements. The recognition of their qualifications is necessary, along with fulfilling other requirements, to practice their profession in Germany and other EU countries.
Recognition of the licence to practise medicine for doctors from third countries
Recognition of the licence to practise medicine for doctors from third countries is a more complex procedure. Doctors who have studied in other countries must have their qualifications recognised and submit an application. It is important to check whether their training is equivalent to German medical studies, which can be complicated in individual cases. The reason for this is that the university's curriculum needs to be compared with the German requirements for assessment. If the curriculum is only available in the national language, it must be translated beforehand. The doctor is responsible for covering the costs of the translation.
Additionally, the doctor can demonstrate their necessary skills through a knowledge test, which is based on the oral-practical examination of the German state examination (M3). The main focus is on diagnosing patients accurately and providing appropriate treatment. The knowledge examination may cover all topics from the state examination. The exam emphasises internal medicine and surgery, but also includes emergency medicine, clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapy, imaging procedures, radiation protection, and legal issues related to medical practice. It is possible to retake the knowledge test twice if necessary.
German language skills: What level is required for a licence to practise medicine to be recognised?
Foreign doctors must have a good knowledge of the German language to obtain a licence to practise. They must pass a specialised language test at level C1 CEFR, usually organised by the state medical associations. General German language skills at level B2 CEFR are also required to register for this examination. Language skills do not need to be proven when applying for a German medical license. Certificates can be submitted at a later time.
Health and personal suitability are also considered. The licensing board checks for any relevant criminal record or health issues that may prevent the doctor from practicing. Addictions or mental illnesses, such as dementia or schizophrenia, can prevent obtaining a licence to practise. These rules apply not only to foreign doctors but also to doctors from Germany who may lose their licence to practise under similar circumstances.
It can take a long time to have your licence to practise recognised
Doctors from abroad may have varying waiting times for their German medical license. Those who have completed their studies in the EU, EEA states or Switzerland generally have a shorter procedure due to automatic recognition. However, an application for recognition must still be submitted, and the maximum processing time by the competent authority is three months.
Doctors who have studied in a third country must undergo an equivalence check. Compiling all necessary documents can be time-consuming. The processing period is a maximum of four months once all documents are available. Additionally, proof of German language skills and personal and health suitability can also prolong the process. Therefore, it is challenging to make a general statement about the duration of the procedure.
Recognition as a medical specialist
Medical specialists who have completed additional training as medical specialists abroad can be recognised , as long as they already hold a licence to practise medicine. The relevant state medical association is responsible for recognising further specialist training. Doctors often need to be a member of the chamber in the federal state where they want to work.
Frequently asked questions about recognising your licence to practise medicine in Germany
- Can you work as a doctor without a licence to practise?
In Germany, a license to practice medicine is generally required to work as a doctor. However, there is an exception for foreign doctors who only plan to stay in Germany for a limited time or are already working in a hospital while preparing for the knowledge examination. They can apply for a professional license for a maximum of two years. The professional licence enables you to work under the supervision of a licensed practitioner. You must provide proof of completed medical training to obtain the professional licence.
- Which doctors are needed in Germany?
There is a shortage of general practitioners in rural areas of Germany, and many doctors are set to retire in the coming years. This creates a lack of young talents to fill these vacancies. Private practice doctors, in particular, struggle to find successors for their practices. Additionally, clinics are seeking specialists in fields such as internal medicine and surgery.
- What can doctors earn in Germany?
In Germany, hospital doctors are typically compensated based on collective agreements. Assistant doctors start at an average salary of around 4,700 euros, while specialists can earn around 6,100 euros. Starting salaries vary depending on the hospital's organization.
- Where can I get advice on recognition in Germany?
For more information on the recognition of foreign degrees, visit the official information portal of the Federal Government at www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de.
Information on regional advice centres that advise and support doctors with foreign qualifications in applying for a licence to practise can be found here.
If you are currently living abroad, you can also seek advice from the Central Service Centre for Professional Recognition (ZSBA) of the Federal Employment Agency at www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/de/zentrale-servicestelle-berufsanerkennung.php.
Übersetzt mit KI / DeepL Translate