Working in Germany: Recognising the licence to practise medicine of doctors from EU countries

3 Juni, 2021 - 11:18
Stefanie Hanke
foreign male doctor working in germany

Studying in Romania, working in Germany: EU citizens can live and work in other EU countries thanks to freedom of movement. However, if you studied abroad and want to work as a doctor in Germany, you still need a medical license. This article explains how to obtain one.

If you have studied in the EU, Switzerland, or one of the EEA states (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), obtaining a German medical license is relatively straightforward. This is because there are uniform standards for professional qualifications in these countries, and degrees from these countries are automatically recognized as equivalent. However, those who wish to work in Germany must still apply for a license to practice.

Recognition of the licence to practise medicine: language and personal requirements

To work as a doctor in Germany, foreign doctors must meet additional requirements beyond the recognition of their medical studies in other European countries. This includes having good German language skills, which are necessary to obtain a licence to practise. Specifically, they must pass a specialised language test at level C1 CEFR. The relevant state medical association usually organises this exam. To register for the examination, you must have general German language skills at level B2 CEFR. However, you do not need to prove your language skills when applying for a German medical licence. You can submit the certificates at a later stage.

Health and personal suitability are important factors in determining whether a doctor is eligible to practice medicine. The licensing board checks for any relevant criminal records or health issues that may prevent the doctor from practicing. If such issues are found, the application for a medical license may be rejected.

Recognition of licence to practise in Germany: nationality is irrelevant

The nationality of the doctor is irrelevant for obtaining a medical licence. The only requirement is that the professional qualification was obtained in the country where the licence is being sought. For instance, German doctors who have studied abroad must apply to have their qualifications recognised. Language certificates are not necessary.

However, the start date of the degree programme may be relevant in some cases. Automatic recognition only applies if the university's country was an EU member state at the time of study. Bulgaria and Romania joined in January 2007, while Croatia joined in July 2013. Additional documents are required for those who started their studies before these dates. For example, you may need a certificate of conformity issued by the competent authority in your country of training. Alternatively, you can prove that you have worked as a doctor in an EU country for at least three years.

Recognition of licence to practise in Germany: What if I still live abroad?

If you want to work in Germany but currently live abroad, seek advice from the Central Service Centre for Professional Recognition (ZSBA) of the Federal Employment Agency. It is important to clarify where in Germany you want to work as soon as possible. This is because the responsible regional licensing authority (state examination office) depends on it. After counselling, the ZSBA can provide a 'location note' upon request. This note is accepted by most licensing authorities. The state examination office (Landesprüfungsamt) in the federal state where the doctor intends to work is responsible.

There are agencies in the countries of origin that support doctors in having their qualifications recognised in Germany. To practise your profession in Germany, you can contact your country's Chamber of Foreign Trade or certain agencies that can also help you find a job.

Frequently asked questions about recognising your licence to practise medicine and working as a doctor in Germany

  • I have German nationality but studied in another EU country. How do I get a licence to practise medicine?
    To obtain a licence to practise medicine, it is necessary to have your training recognised, regardless of your nationality. If you have studied in another EU country, your degree equivalence can be recognised automatically. The state examination offices of each federal state are responsible for this.
  • I am a citizen of an EU or EEA country. Do I need a visa to work in Germany?
    EU citizens have unrestricted access to the German labour market thanks to freedom of movement within the European Union. They do not require a visa or residence permit to work in Germany. This rule also applies to citizens of Switzerland and the EEA states of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
  • 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.

The website also provides details on regional advice centres that offer support to doctors with foreign qualifications during the application process for a licence to practise.

If you currently live abroad, you can also seek advice from the Central Service Centre for Professional Recognition (ZSBA) of the Federal Employment Agency. Visit www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/de/zentrale-servicestelle-berufsanerkennung.php for more information.

Übersetzt mit KI / DeepL Translate

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