Healthcare & care · Arzt / Ärztin (Approbation)
Doctor (physician)
To practise medicine in Germany you need the Approbation (full medical licence) or a temporary permit (Berufserlaubnis). It's a regulated profession with strict language requirements, but demand for doctors is very high and salaries are strong.
- Who recognises it
- The medical licensing authority (Approbationsbehörde) of the federal state where you'll work.
- German level
- B2 general + C1 medical German (Fachsprachprüfung).
- Typical salary
- ≈ €5,000–7,000+ gross/month as an assistant doctor and up.
- How long it takes
- 6–12 months (longer if a knowledge test is required).
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 2026-06-30. Recognition rules vary by federal state and change over time — always confirm with the official portal linked above.