Your path to Medical Licensure 

Your professional recognition as a Doctor in Germany

Qualified foreign doctors with excellent German language skills at the C1 level are in high demand, especially given the shortage of medical professionals in Germany, particularly in rural areas. Whether you are a recent medical graduate or have been practicing as a doctor for some time, many international doctors find it desirable to work in Germany.

Doctors in training are particularly sought after in the fields of Internal Medicine, Surgery, Anaesthesiology, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Paediatrics, and Neurology. Experienced foreign specialists are also highly valued in areas such as Geriatrics, Psychiatry and Psychosomatics, ENT, Urology, and Radiology.

Requirements for obtaining Medical Licensure

1. Medical studies from an EU / EEA country or Switzerland

A medical degree obtained within the EU is automatically recognised in Germany upon application, provided that the qualification is listed in the European Professional Qualifications Directive (2005/36/EC, Annex V No. 5.1.1), the minimum criteria of the directive have been met, and the training started after the specified date. Since the EU has agreements with Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, medical qualifications obtained in these countries are considered equivalent to those from EU countries. If all other requirements (such as German language proficiency, health suitability, and a clean criminal record) are met, the applicant will be granted licensure.

2. Medical studies outside an EU / EEA country or Switzerland

A medical degree obtained outside the EEC and Switzerland must first undergo an equivalency assessment by the relevant licensing authority in Germany. If the authority determines that the foreign diploma is equivalent or that any differences in training can be compensated for by relevant professional experience or other recognised knowledge and skills, and all other requirements (such as German language proficiency, no criminal record, and health suitability) are met, the applicant will be granted licensure.

If the authority believes there are significant differences between the medical training in the country of origin and in Germany, it may require the applicant to pass a knowledge test, provided that the differences in training cannot be compensated for by relevant professional experience or other recognised knowledge and skills. The experience, knowledge, and skills may have been acquired worldwide.

In rare cases, the licensing authority may consider the medical training or degree as not equivalent and, due to significant discrepancies, may not offer a knowledge test to prove equivalent knowledge. In such cases (approximately 1% of applications), practising medicine in Germany will not be possible.

The equivalency assessment and evaluation of professional experience and other recognised knowledge and skills are carried out on a case-by-case basis by the competent authority. The statutory period for the equivalency assessment is a maximum of four months after receipt of all required documents by the licensing authority. Unfortunately, this deadline is often exceeded.

What language skills are required?

German language certificate B2 

In addition to a completed medical degree, a fundamental prerequisite is proof of adequate German language skills. Most federal states require at least a B2 language certificate, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), for applying for licensure or a professional permit. However, this is not sufficient to pass the C1 Medical Language Exam later on.

C1 Medical Language Exam. or proof of required German language skills

To actually obtain the professional permit or licensure, you must prove that you have the necessary German language skills for practicing medicine. This should not be a problem for doctors who have German as their native language or who have already gained professional experience in German-speaking countries (Austria or Switzerland) and have provided corresponding proof there. Doctors from non-German-speaking countries must take the C1 Medical Language Exam Registration for the C1 Medical Language Exam at medical chambers, licensing authorities, specific language schools, and universities is usually only possible after the licensure or professional permit has been applied for. The fees for the C1 Medical Language Exams vary between providers and currently range between €300 and €490.

Registration for the C1 Medical Language Exam

In some federal states, it is necessary to apply for the professional permit before registering for the C1 Medical Language Exam. This means you must at least have submitted the application for the professional permit to be eligible to take the exam. The professional permit allows you to work temporarily as a doctor in Germany, often with the requirement to pass the C1 Medical Language Exam.

In other federal states, it may be sufficient to apply directly for licensure, with the C1 Medical Language Exam considered part of the licensure process. In this case, proof of passing the C1 Medical Language Exam is a prerequisite for licensure.

FAQ´s about Medical Licensure

How to become a member of the MedicalTalentNetwork

Register for free in our MedicalTalentNetwork by clicking on "Apply Now." Based on the information you provide, we can better understand your expectations, wishes, and opportunities and discuss them with you personally.

As the requirements for the professional recognition of medical qualifications vary from one federal state to another, our recruitment team will be happy to support you throughout the entire process!

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