Healthcare & care · Physiotherapeut:in
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy is a regulated profession. You need recognition of your training and permission to use the professional title before practising under that title. The state authority checks equivalence, language evidence and the other conditions; additional training or an exam may be required.
- Who recognises it
- The state recognition office — physiotherapy 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
- €3,452 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Physiotherapeut/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
- Physiotherapy 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.