Healthcare for Doctors in Germany

Minimum Required Level: B2 (general German) and C1 Medizin (medical German)

Why: You must communicate fluently with patients, colleagues, and authorities.

Tip: Study at Goethe-Institut or any recognized language school.

Translate and authenticate (if required):

• Passport
• Medical degree and transcript
• Internship or practical year proof (if applicable)
• Certificate of good standing / license to practice in your home country
• CV (Lebenslauf) in German
• Birth certificate
• Proof of German language proficiency
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical certificate (fit to practice)

The Approbation is the full medical license to practice in Germany.

• Apply to the Landesprüfungsamt (State Medical Board) in your chosen federal state
• Outcomes:
  • Fully equivalent: You receive Approbation directly
  • Not equivalent: Take the Knowledge Test (Kenntnisprüfung)

• Valid up to 2 years
• Allows supervised work, usually in hospitals
• Useful while preparing for the Knowledge Test

• Tests clinical knowledge in internal medicine and surgery
• Conducted in German language
• After passing, you'll get Approbation
• Preparation courses available across Germany

Positions include:

• Residency (Facharztausbildung)
• Hospital doctor
• Research roles
• Private practice opportunities

For non-EU citizens:

• Apply for a Visa for Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
• Or a Work Visa for Doctors
• Convert to residence permit once in Germany

• Residency program: 5-6 years
• Final exam: Facharztprüfung (Specialist Exam)
• Become a fully qualified specialist (Facharzt)