How can I move to Germany as a doctor from abroad?
Are you wondering how you can move to Germany from abroad and find a job as a doctor in a clinic or hospital?
As a doctor or other medical professional looking for a job, you have good chances of finding employment in Germany. The shortage of skilled workers in hospitals, as well as in medical practices in both urban and rural areas, makes it easier for qualified doctors to find work in Germany.
At MedicalTalentNetwork Recruiting (formerly MOG Ärztevermittlung), we support you in relocating to Germany and finding a suitable position. The medical profession in Germany is strictly regulated, and there are several requirements that you, as a doctor, must meet in order to work here. Our experienced recruitment team will assist you in obtaining the German equivalent of your medical licence and inform you about the process of gaining approval to practise medicine in Germany.
We support you as an international doctor in settling in Germany and connect you with a clinic that suits your profile.
Basic Information on the professional recognition process
If you completed your medical degree at a European university, your medical qualification will be recognised in Germany. In this case, you do not need a professional licence, and you can apply directly for the Approbation.
If you completed your medical degree in a non-European country, your German language skills should be at least at B2 level before applying for a visa to have your qualifications recognised. Enrolling for the C1 Medical Language Examination and securing an offer for a hospital internship in Germany will improve your chances of obtaining such a visa. Your chances of getting an internship will increase further if you have passed the C1 Medical Language Examination and at least applied for the professional licence. Most employers will be more willing to offer you an internship once these conditions are met.
If the internship is successful and you are granted a professional licence in the federal state where it takes place, you may be offered a permanent position or at least given the opportunity for one. If not, we can offer you new opportunities for the duration of your professional licence in the federal state where you applied.
Here is a summary of the steps required to obtain the Approbation, which allows you to work as a doctor in Germany without restrictions:
1. Language Certificate (B2 level): The first step is to provide proof of sufficient German language skills, usually through a certificate at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
2. C1 Medical Language Examination: After obtaining the general language certificate, the next step is the C1 Medical Language Examination, which tests your medical vocabulary and communication skills necessary for practising in Germany.
3. Professional Licence: Once you have passed the language exams, you can apply for a temporary professional licence, allowing you to work under supervision while preparing for further exams.
4. Knowledge Examination: If your foreign qualifications are not fully recognised, you will need to pass this exam, which assesses your medical knowledge. Passing this is required to obtain the Approbation.
5. Patient Communication Test: In some federal states, an additional test may be required to ensure that doctors can communicate effectively with patients in a clinical setting.
6. Approbation: Once all exams are successfully completed, you can apply for the Approbation. This grants you full permission to work as a doctor in Germany without restrictions.
Our services for you as a doctor:
- Up-to-date job offers from our network of clinics: Nationwide, in every region and federal state, across all positions and specialities
- Contact with experienced recruiters who will personally advise and support you
- As a doctor with a professional licence but without a German Approbation, you will receive targeted advice and support on your path to professional recognition
- Review and preparation of your application documents (Application Check)
- We present you directly to suitable employers, taking your preferences into account
- We arrange interviews right up to the successful conclusion of your employment contract
- Upon request, we also assist with any necessary relocation or move
Please contact us via the application form. Our recruitment team will contact you and discuss the next steps with you in an initial telephone conversation.
In some cases, our MedicalTalentPool service may be suitable for you. Find more information here:
MedicalTalentPool
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Success Stories
Read the success stories of some doctors who have come to Germany and are now working here with the help of MedicalTalentNetwork Recruiting (formerly MOG Ärztevermittlung).
Job overview
Have a look at the list of open positions by MedicalTalentNetwork Recruiting and find a job that suits you. Find more job opportunities on MedicalTopJobs®.
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