Healthcare & care · Ergotherapeut:in
Occupational therapist
Occupational therapy is a regulated profession. Recognition of your training and permission to use the professional title are required. The state authority checks the qualification, language evidence and other conditions; any adaptation training or exams add time to the initial assessment.
- Who recognises it
- The state recognition office — occupational therapy is a regulated health profession.
- German level
- Usually B2 German for professional permission. Confirm the required language evidence with the competent state authority.
- Typical salary
- €3,695 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Ergotherapeut/in; 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
- 1Find your state's recognition office via the Recognition Finder.
- 2Submit your diploma + transcript for an equivalence assessment.
- 3Close any gaps with an adaptation course or knowledge test.
- 4Reach B2 German and receive the permission to practise.
Documents you'll need
- Occupational therapy qualification (certified translation)
- Transcript of hours and subjects
- Proof of work experience
- German language certificate (B2)
- Passport + CV
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.