Many doctors from abroad come to Germany – Iicluding countries outside the EU. If they want to work in Germany, they have to get their qualifications recognised and apply for a licence to practise. This article explains how to do this.
While the recognition of a medical degree from another EU country is automatic in Germany, getting a licence to practise medicine is a bit more complicated for people from so-called third countries. This is because it has to be checked on a case-by-case basis whether or not the university degree is comparable to a German medical degree. Significant differences in education can be compensated by relevant professional experience or other knowledge and skills. Nationality is irrelevant here. What matters is the university and country where the medical degree was obtained.
Recognition of licence to practise: How is the equivalence of a qualification checked?
How is the equivalence of a foreign medical qualification checked? One way is through a document check to verify if the foreign university's curriculum covers the same content as a German medical degree programme. However, the curriculum is often not available in German and requires translation. The doctor who submitted the application for recognition of the qualification bears the costs.
To determine the equivalence of the qualification, a knowledge test can be taken instead of a document examination. This option can be chosen to save the costs of a translator or if important documents are unavailable, for example, due to loss during fleeing from a crisis area. However, in addition to the document check, a knowledge check may also be necessary. This is particularly true if the study content in the country of origin differs significantly from that in Germany.
How does the knowledge test work?
The knowledge test is based on the oral-practical examination of the German state examination (M3). The test focuses on diagnosing and treating patients correctly. All contents of the state examination can be tested in the knowledge examination. The text focuses on internal medicine and surgery, as well as emergency medicine, clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapy, imaging procedures, radiation protection, and legal issues related to the practice of medicine. Passing this examination can demonstrate the equivalence of professional qualifications and enable obtaining a license to practice medicine in Germany, provided that all other requirements are met. The knowledge test can be retaken twice if necessary.
Fees for the test vary by federal state, ranging from €350 in Schleswig-Holstein to €1,100 in Hessen or Rheinland-Pfalz (as of December 2020). However, these fees are subject to change. To prepare for the test, one can work under the supervision of a licensed doctor with a two-year work permit. Additionally, various institutes throughout Germany offer preparatory courses.
Recognition of the licence to practise medicine: language and personal requirements
Foreign doctors must have good German language skills to practise medicine. They must pass a specialised language test at level C1 CEFR, in addition to demonstrating professional knowledge. The state medical associations usually organise this exam. To register for this 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 license; you can submit the certificates later.
Health and personal suitability are also important factors. For example, the authorities check for any relevant criminal record or health issues that may prevent the doctor from practicing medicine. If any of these issues arise, the application for a medical license may be rejected.
Frequently asked questions about recognising your licence to practise medicine and working as a doctor in Germany
- Do I need a visa to work as a doctor in Germany?
Doctors from third countries who wish to live and work in Germany must obtain a skilled worker visa. A concrete job offer and a licence to practise medicine are usually prerequisites. Additionally, individuals over the age of 45 who are coming to Germany to work for the first time must provide proof of a gross annual salary of at least 46,860 euros. The visa is valid for a maximum of four years. Afterwards, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. - Does everyone need a visa to enter Germany?
EU/EFTA citizens have the freedom of movement and can enter Germany without a visa. Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, the UK and the USA can also enter Germany without a visa. However, they must apply for a residence permit to work in Germany. To do so, they can contact the immigration office in their city. However, if you plan to work shortly after arriving in Germany, it is still necessary to apply for a visa before travelling. - Where can I get advice on questions about visas and residence permits?
If you have questions about visas, residence permits, or the EU Blue Card, you can find advice at www.make-it-in-germany.com, the German government's portal for skilled workers from abroad. Before travelling to Germany, you must apply for a visa at the German embassy in your home country. - 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
