Healthcare & care · Arzt / Ärztin (Approbation)
Doctor (physician)
To practise medicine in Germany you need the Approbation (full licence) or a temporary Berufserlaubnis, issued by the state licensing authority once it has checked your qualification and your German. The process is strict, but demand for doctors is high.
- Who recognises it
- The medical licensing authority (Approbationsbehörde) of the federal state where you'll work.
- German level
- Usually B2 general German and C1 professional-language evidence. The state licensing authority specifies accepted proofs and exams.
- Typical salary
- €7,450 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Arzt/Ärztin; 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 state Approbationsbehörde for an equivalence check of your medical degree.
- 2Pass the medical German exam (Fachsprachprüfung, C1 level).
- 3If your training isn't deemed equivalent, pass the knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung).
- 4Receive the Approbation (or a temporary Berufserlaubnis to start earlier).
Documents you'll need
- Medical degree + full transcript (certified translation)
- Proof of clinical training / internship
- Certificate of good standing (no disciplinary record)
- German language certificates (B2 + medical C1)
- Passport, CV, health/fitness 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.