Healthcare & care · Ergotherapeut:in
Occupational therapist
Occupational therapists help people regain everyday and work skills, and are in steady demand in clinics, rehab centres and practices. It's a regulated profession, so you need your training recognised and the permission to use the professional title before you can work — but the pathway is well established.
- Who recognises it
- The state recognition office — occupational therapy is a regulated health profession.
- German level
- B2 German.
- Typical salary
- ≈ €2,800–3,600 gross/month.
- How long it takes
- 3–6 months once documents are complete.
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 2026-06-30. Recognition rules vary by federal state and change over time — always confirm with the official portal linked above.