Healthcare & care · Zahnarzt / Zahnärztin (Approbation)
Dentist
To practise as a dentist, you need an Approbation or an applicable temporary professional permit. The state authority checks your qualification and other licensing conditions. Confirm which professional-language evidence and, where needed, knowledge exam are required.
- Who recognises it
- The state licensing authority (Approbationsbehörde) — dentistry requires an Approbation.
- German level
- Usually B2 general German and C1 professional-language evidence. The state licensing authority specifies accepted proofs and exams.
- Typical salary
- €6,152 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Zahnarzt/-ärztin (angestellt); a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer.
- How long it takes
- Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure.
How recognition works
- 1Apply to the Approbationsbehörde for an equivalence assessment.
- 2Pass the medical-language exam (Fachsprachprüfung, C1).
- 3Pass the knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung) if required.
- 4Receive the Approbation (or a temporary Berufserlaubnis to start earlier).
Documents you'll need
- Dentistry degree + full transcript (certified translation)
- Certificate of good standing
- German certificates (B2 + medical C1)
- Passport, CV, health certificate
Costs & translations
Recognition fees are typically €100–600. Budget extra for certified German translations of your documents and, in some countries, an apostille/legalisation. Adaptation courses or exams can add further cost.
Come first, recognise here
For regulated jobs you can use a recognition partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft): enter Germany with a job offer and finish the recognition after you arrive, instead of waiting abroad.
Your visa routes
Last verified 2026-10-10. Recognition rules depend on the profession and the federal state, and they change. Confirm with the official authority linked above.