Information for physicians who completed their basic medical training outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland who wish to work or train in Germany

Physicians who have completed their basic medical training in a country outside the European Union and the EEA, be they citizens of a European country or not, may, according to section 10 of the Medical Practitioners’ Act (Bundesärzteordnung [PDF]), apply for a temporary licence to practise. The state health authority assesses applications on an individual basis in order to determine whether a temporary licence to practise may be issued.

The state health authorities evaluate whether the basic medical training and qualifications gained may be considered equivalent to the content of the basic medical training in Germany set out in the Licensing Regulations for Physicians (Approbationsordnung [PDF]). If they are found not to be so, the doctor will be allowed a period of adjustment (Anpassungszeit) before being required to take a proficiency test (Kenntnisstandprüfung). If significant disparities cannot be balanced by relevant knowledge, the areas where deficiencies exist will be identified through individual assessment and an aptitude test carried out.

In addition, proof of excellent German language skills is required, usually to CEF level B2 (intermediate). For questions relating to the application process and the necessary accompanying documents, please contact the appropriate state health authority [PDF] directly.

Information concerning setting up practise in Germany can be found on the website of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians of the relevant state.

Speciality training qualifications from countries outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are not automatically recognised within the EU and do not come under the European directive 2005/36/EC [PDF] on the recognition of professional qualifications.

The State Chambers of Physicians are responsible for the assessment and recognition of periods of speciality training undertaken abroad. In the case of specialist diplomas from countries outside the EU, the department responsible for speciality training at the relevant State Chamber of Physicians assesses the content and duration of the training on an individual basis in order to determine whether it complies with the pre-requisites laid out in their speciality training regulations.

The regulations on speciality training of the State Chamber of Physicians, which are legally binding for their members, generally conform to the section 19 of the guideline regulations on speciality training of the German Medical Association:

(1)
Speciality training in countries outside the European Union or outside the other contracting states of the Agreement on the European Economic Area can be wholly or partly recognised if it complies with the principles of these Speciality Training Regulations and at least 12 months of speciality training for the aspired designation has been completed in the Federal Republic of Germany. The same applies to speciality training in a Member State of the European Union or another contracting state of the Agreement on the European Economic Area, if it was completed by a physician who is not a citizen of a Member State of the European Union or of another contracting state. Articles 11 to 16 apply to the recognition procedure, mutatis mutandis.

(2)
In all other respects, the legal claims contractually granted by the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany are to be taken into consideration, especially those in the Agreement on the European Economic Area.