German hospitals and practices face a serious shortage of medical staff. Doctors with a foreign degree can have their training recognised and obtain a licence to practise medicine (Approbation) through a clearly structured procedure.

Checking equivalence of the degree

The responsible licensing authority of the federal state compares your foreign medical studies with German medical training. If there are substantial differences, you can make up for them with professional experience or take the knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung).

The medical language exam (Fachsprachprüfung)

Before working as a doctor, in most federal states you take a C1-level medical language exam at the state medical association (Landesärztekammer). It simulates clinical practice: taking a patient history, writing a doctor's letter and discussing a case with colleagues.

Temporary licence under Section 10 BÄO

After passing the language exam, you can receive a temporary licence to practise (Berufserlaubnis) for up to two years. It allows you to work as an assistant doctor (Assistenzarzt) in a hospital under supervision and on a regular salary.

The knowledge test and full licence

During the temporary licence, you take the oral and practical knowledge test, focusing mainly on internal medicine and surgery. Passing it gives you the permanent Approbation and the right to practise medicine independently; additional authorisations are needed to treat statutory health insurance patients in your own practice.

What to check

  • Prepare a detailed transcript of your medical studies with an apostille and translation.
  • Reach general German at B2 level before applying.
  • Take a preparation course for the medical association's language exam.
  • Obtain a letter of employment (Einstellungszusage) from a German hospital.

Example situation

An internist passes the language exam at the Bavarian medical association, starts as an assistant doctor at a district hospital on €5,200 gross and passes the knowledge test a year later.

Next step

Becoming a doctor in Germany requires serious language preparation; high demand often makes it possible to get a job straight after the language exam.

Official information on this topic

Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.

This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.