Application Submission

The visa application must be submitted in person at the German embassy or consulate in your home country or the country where you are currently residing. The specific requirements vary depending on the country, but typically, you will need the following documents:

• Valid Passport
• Application for a National Visa
• Proof of professional qualification (e.g. university degree, diploma)
• Letter from the recognition authority (confirming that you are seeking recognition)
• Proof of financial means (e.g. declaration of commitment, blocked account)
• Health insurance for the duration of your stay
• Proof of residence (e.g. rental agreement in Germany)
• Proof of language certificate (B2 level)

What increases the chances of obtaining a visa for the recognition of professional qualifications? 

• Language Proficiency B2: The first step is to provide proof of sufficient German language skills. Generally, a language certificate at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
• Preliminary Decision: This letter from the relevant recognition authority is a crucial part of the visa application for the recognition of your medical qualification in Germany. It indicates that you intend to go through the recognition process in Germany and informs the German embassy that your documents have already been reviewed or that you need to complete specific adaptation measures (such as language courses, the medical language test, or the knowledge test).
• Offer of an Observership Placement: in a German hospital in the federal state of your choice.
• Registration for the C1 Medical Language Test: This not only improves your chances of obtaining the visa but also increases the likelihood of securing an observership placement.

Here you can have your intention to seek recognition confirmed: 

Purpose of the Exam
The purpose of the exam is to assess your language proficiency in the medical field at a C1 level (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). It is a prerequisite for obtaining a temporary medical licence (Berufserlaubnis) or full licensure (Approbation) to practise as a doctor in Germany. The exam ensures that you possess the necessary language skills to communicate effectively in everyday medical practice. The focus is particularly on medical terminology and your ability to interact efficiently with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.

Exam Requirements
To participate in the C1 Medical Language Test, you must provide a German language certificate at the B2 level (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – CEFR), prove that you have completed your medical studies, and submit the relevant certificates. These certificates must be certified and translated into German if they are not originally in the German language. Generally, you should already have applied for the recognition of your foreign medical qualifications with the relevant State Medical Association or health authority.

Exam Content
The C1 Medical Language Test consists of three main sections:

• Doctor-Patient Conversation: In this section, you will conduct a patient interview to take their medical history. The goal is to assess how well you can gather the patient’s history and understand their symptoms.
• Documentation: You will be required to document the doctor-patient conversation in writing, including the patient’s medical history and examination results. This mirrors the written reports you will be expected to produce regularly in clinical practice.
• Professional Discussion with Colleagues: In this part, you will engage in a professional conversation with a colleague. You will need to demonstrate your ability to explain medical matters clearly and accurately and to communicate information about a case effectively.

Preparation Recommendations:

• Take specialised language courses that focus on medical terminology and simulate the structure of the exam.
• Regularly practise conducting patient history interviews in German to become more confident in interacting with patients.
• Learn how to write medical reports and patient histories, as this is a key component of the exam.
• Practise discussions with colleagues to expand your medical vocabulary and improve your ability to express yourself clearly in professional settings.

The C1 Medical Language Test is an essential step on your path to recognition in Germany. With thorough preparation, you can ensure that you meet the language requirements of the German healthcare system. In some federal states, it is possible to obtain a temporary medical licence without passing the C1 Medical Language Test, but this is granted only on a provisional basis and is subject to certain conditions. During the period of the temporary licence, you will have the opportunity to complete the C1 Medical Language Test.

Exam Institutions and Costs
The C1 Medical Language Test is typically offered by the State Medical Associations (Landesärztekammern) or state health authorities. Additionally, institutions such as the Goethe-Institut or TELC also offer recognised C1 Medical Language Exams.
The exam fees vary depending on the location and federal state, generally ranging between 300 and 600 euros.

Here you can take the C1 Medical Language Test:

(Fees provided without guarantee)

Purpose of the Patient Communication Test

The test ensures that, as a doctor, you are capable of conveying medical information clearly, accurately, and in an understandable manner to patients, while also addressing their needs. In addition to medical expertise, the focus is on how well you explain medical issues and respond to patients' questions and concerns.

Where is the Test Required?

The Patient Communication Test is currently mandatory in Bavaria, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saxony. Other federal states have either integrated the test into the C1 Medical Language Test or do not require it separately.

Tests Content

• Doctor-Patient Conversation: In this part, you will simulate a conversation with a patient, where you take their medical history, explain examinations, and clearly communicate the diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Empathy: Your ability to respond to the patient's emotions and concerns, as well as how clearly you answer their questions, will be assessed.
• Explanation and Consultation: You will need to inform patients about medical procedures or treatment plans and ensure that they understand your explanations.

Costs

The exam fees vary depending on the federal state and the institution conducting the test, but they typically range between 150 and 500 euros.

Preparation 

• Regularly practise doctor-patient conversations, focusing especially on your ability to explain medical terminology in simple, understandable language.
• Work on your empathy skills to effectively address the emotional and practical needs of patients.

Purpose of the Observership

• Hands-on Experience: An observership allows foreign doctors to gain practical insights into the daily work routine of a German hospital or clinic. You will learn about workflows, medical procedures, and patient care in Germany.
• Recognition of Skills: Through the observership, employers can better assess your skills and knowledge, increasing your chances of securing a permanent position.
• Language and Integration: You can improve your German proficiency, particularly in medical terminology, and familiarise yourself with the demands of patient communication in Germany.

Duration of the Observership

Die Dauer einer Hospitation variiert je nach Arbeitgeber und Zweck. In der Regel beträgt sie ein bis zwei Wochen. Es können aber auch Hospitationen über mehrere Monate angeboten werden, besonders wenn sie Teil eines strukturierten Anerkennungsverfahrens sind.

Compensation

Since an observership is often considered a training or observational measure, it is generally unpaid. However, in some cases, you may receive a small stipend, or at least the costs for meals and accommodation may be covered. This depends largely on the employer and should be clarified in advance.

Accommodation

Accommodation is often arranged by the hospitals. For short-term observerships, some facilities offer rooms in staff residences or partner hotels. For longer stays, a room or apartment in a residence hall may sometimes be provided. It is important to discuss this with the clinic in advance to ensure you have suitable accommodation.

Additional Benefits

An observership can also help you establish valuable contacts and build a network within the German healthcare system. This can be beneficial not only for securing a permanent position but also for your long-term professional development in Germany.

Purpose of the Kenntnisprüfung

The purpose of the Knowledge Test is to ensure that foreign-trained doctors possess medical knowledge and skills equivalent to those of doctors trained in Germany. It evaluates whether the applicant can safely and effectively practise medicine according to German standards. Passing this exam is a key requirement for obtaining full licensure (Approbation) to work as a doctor in Germany.

Importance for Licensure (Approbation) 

Passing the Knowledge Test is often the final hurdle for obtaining the Approbation. Without the Approbation, you cannot work as a fully licensed doctor in Germany without restrictions.

Exam Requirements

To be eligible for the Knowledge Test, you must generally have already passed the C1 Medical Language Test and submitted an application for licensure (Approbation) or a temporary medical licence (Berufserlaubnis). You must also have provided all relevant documents, such as certificates and proof of training, to the appropriate authorities.

Content of the Knowledge Test

The exam consists of a written part and an oral-practical component.

• Specialisations: The exam typically covers Internal Medicine, Surgery, and sometimes other areas such as Anaesthesiology, Pediatrics, or Emergency Medicine.
• Practical Exam: You will often be required to diagnose and treat medical cases in a simulated or real-life situation. Both your theoretical knowledge and practical competence will be assessed.
• Doctor-Patient Communication: Your communication skills with patients will also be evaluated during the practical part of the exam.

Duration and Retakes

The Knowledge Test can be retaken if not passed on the first attempt, depending on the federal state and individual circumstances. However, the number of retakes is usually limited.

Preparation Recommendations

• Preparation Courses: Enrol in specialised preparation courses that help you prepare for both the theoretical and practical aspects of the Knowledge Test.
• Self-Study: In addition to courses, you should dedicate time to thoroughly studying the medical fields covered in the exam.

There are specialised preparation courses for the Knowledge Test that focus on the relevant medical fields. Independent preparation through studying medical literature and understanding German treatment standards is also essential. Here are some well-known providers that offer preparation courses for the medical Knowledge Test in Germany:

Here you can find preparation courses for the Knowledge Test:

• Freiburg International Academy gGmbH
  Courses on-site:
  Baden-Württemberg: Freiburg im Breisgau, Heidelberg
  Bayern: Landshut
  Hessen: Frankfurt am Main
  Niedersachsen: Hannover
  Nordrhein-Westfalen: Essen
  Courses online: yes

• Alpha Aktiv Private Bildungsinstitut
  Courses on-site:
  Baden-Württemberg: Heidelberg
  Courses online: yes

• Lingoda GmbH & AMBOSS GmbH
  Courses on-site:
  no
  Onlinekurse:
  yes, exclusively

• Thieme - via medici
  Courses on-site:
  no
  Courses online:
  yes, exclusively

• mibeg-Institute
  Courses on-site:
  Nordrhein-Westfalen: Köln
  Courses online:
  yes

• EZplus GmbH
  Courses on-site:
  Baden-Württemberg: Stuttgart
  Curses online:
  yes

Costs

The costs for the Knowledge Test vary depending on the federal state and typically range between 400 and 1,000 euros. (See table for details)

Here you can take the Knowledge Test:

(Fees provided without guarantee)

Duration and Scope
The temporary medical licence (Berufserlaubnis) for doctors in Germany is usually granted for a limited period and subject to specific conditions. The duration depends on the federal state and individual circumstances, but it is typically issued for a period of two years. The licence is often restricted to a particular hospital or institution where you are allowed to work as a doctor. It gives you the opportunity to practise medicine in Germany while you continue working towards meeting the necessary requirements for full licensure (Approbation). 

Under certain circumstances, such as delays in exams or in the recognition of foreign qualifications, the temporary medical licence (Berufserlaubnis) can be extended. The specific regulations vary by federal state. The relevant State Medical Association (Landesärztekammer) or the respective health authority provides detailed information on this matter.

Application Process
The application for a temporary medical licence (Berufserlaubnis) is submitted to the relevant state authority responsible for the location where you wish to work. The temporary medical licence for doctors in Germany is typically applied for through the respective state authorities, which are usually the Regional Government Offices (Regierungspräsidien) or State Health Offices (Landesgesundheitsämter).

Here you can apply for the temporary medical licence (Berufserlaubnis):

If you are not offered a position, we can provide you with new job opportunities for the duration of your temporary medical licence and within the federal state where it is valid. Apply Now

Documents
For the application for a temporary medical licence (Berufserlaubnis), you will generally need to submit the following documents:Proof of completion of medical studies

• Proof of language proficiency (at least B2, often C1 Medical)
• Identification document (passport)
• CV (curriculum vitae)
• Medical certificate of fitness
• Police clearance certificate (within Germany)
• Employment contract or a job offer (in some cases)

Changing Federal States During the Validity of the Temporary Medical Licence
If you plan to move to a new federal state, contact the health authority or medical association of the new state and apply for a new temporary medical licence. You will usually need to provide the same documents as for your previous licence application, such as degree certificates or language proficiency certificates. Complete the application with a statement from your new employer in the new federal state confirming their intention to hire you, along with a copy of your current temporary medical licence from the previous state.

During the transition to a new federal state, your existing temporary medical licence typically remains valid until its expiration date, but only within the state where it was issued. You are not permitted to work in the new state without obtaining a new temporary medical licence.

The requirements for the licence may vary slightly from state to state. You might need to meet additional requirements, such as language exams or adaptation courses, in the new state. Make sure to inform yourself early about the specific regulations in the state to which you are moving.

Application Process
The application for the Approbation is submitted to the relevant state authority responsible for the location where you intend to work. The licensing authorities are typically located within the Regional Government Offices (Regierungspräsidien), Health Offices (Gesundheitsämter), or State Medical Associations (Landesärztekammern). The specific authority in charge depends on the federal state in which you are applying.

Here you can submit your application for the Approbation:

(Fees provided without guarantee)

Documents
To apply for the Approbation, you will generally need to submit the following documents:

• Application form: The official application form provided by the relevant state authority.
• Degree certificates: A copy of your medical degree (with certified translations if necessary).
• Proof of eligibility for licensure: For EU doctors, proof of licensure in your home country. For doctors from third countries, a certificate confirming that your training qualifies you to practise medicine in your home country.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A tabular CV detailing your professional background.
• Language certificates: Proof of sufficient German language skills at the C1 level (general language exam) and a passed C1 Medical Language Test.
• Birth certificate or passport copy: For identification purposes.
• Police clearance certificate: A recent police clearance certificate, no older than 3 months.
• Medical certificate: A doctor's statement confirming that you are physically and mentally fit to practise medicine.
• Proof of work experience: If applicable, evidence of any previous professional experience in the medical field.
• Certified translations: All documents not issued in German must be submitted with certified translations.

The exact requirements may vary slightly from state to state. Therefore, you should check with the relevant authority to confirm if any additional documents are required.

Costs
The fees for the Approbation vary depending on the federal state, but generally range between 100 and 1,000 euros (see table). These fees cover the processing of the application and the issuance of the Approbation certificate. Additionally, there may be costs for translations, certifications, and possibly further examinations.

Timeframe for Issuing the Approbation
The processing time for the issuance of the Approbation depends on various factors, including the completeness of your documents and the workload of the responsible authority. Typically, the process takes between 2 and 6 months. However, it can take longer, especially if additional evidence or examinations are required. In some cases, you may be granted a temporary medical licence (Berufserlaubnis) while waiting for the Approbation, allowing you to work in a medical setting. It is advisable to start the process early, as the recognition of foreign qualifications can be time-consuming.