If you’re a doctor from the EU or a non-EU country and dream of working in Germany, you’ll eventually come across a key term: Approbation.
This is the full medical license that allows you to work independently anywhere in Germany as a physician.
💡 The Approbation process in Germany is the official procedure for recognizing foreign medical degrees and granting a full medical license.
The path to recognition of your degree and obtaining Approbation can feel overwhelming.
But with the right support and a clear structure, it’s absolutely doable.
Here’s a compact overview of the most important steps:
1. Check your eligibility
Before starting the recognition process, check whether your medical degree can be considered equivalent to a German qualification. This depends on your country of origin and your medical curriculum.
Get2Germany helps you evaluate whether your education meets German standards – and what your options are if it doesn’t yet.
2. Get your documents translated
To apply for recognition, you’ll need to submit several documents, such as:
- Passport
- Medical degree certificate
- Transcripts
- Proof of clinical experience
- Language certificates
- And more
All documents must be officially translated into German.
Get2Germany provides checklists and a network of certified translators with experience in medical recognition – saving you time, money, and stress.
3. Improve your German
Language is key – not only for Approbation but for your everyday life in Germany.
You need to prove two levels:
- B2 certificate (general German)
- C1 Medical German (for the Fachsprachprüfung)
Don’t worry if you're not there yet. We’ll guide you step by step – with helpful tips, preparation courses, and our medical German learning app.
Our eLearning app, ApproLearn, supports you flexibly and effectively.
4. Submit your application to the state authority
Each federal state in Germany has its own authority for recognizing medical degrees. You must apply in the state where you plan to live and work before receiving full Approbation.
Your documents will be reviewed. You’ll receive a response indicating:
- Whether you can get Approbation directly
- Whether exams are required
- Or whether documents are missing
On the Get2Germany platform, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for every federal state.
Pleaser note: Request a Deficiency Notice, if needed
If your degree isn’t fully equivalent, you’ll receive a Deficiency Notice (Defizitbescheid).
This letter will specify what’s missing – usually:
- The Fachsprachprüfung (FSP)
- The Knowledge Examination (KP)
5. Apply for a visa
With your Deficiency Notice, you can apply for a national visa (D visa) for professional purposes.
This visa allows you to travel to Germany and complete all remaining steps toward Approbation from within the country.
There are different visa types depending on your background and documents – we’ll help you choose the right one.
6. Take the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP)
After arriving in Germany, you’ll take the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP).
This exam checks whether you can communicate clearly in German in a clinical setting – with both patients and colleagues.
Passing the FSP is required to receive your temporary medical license (Berufserlaubnis).
Get2Germany's eLearning tools help you prepare in a flexible, targeted way.
Our eLearning ApproLearn provides you with flexible and targeted support when learning German.
7. Receive your temporary medical license (Berufserlaubnis)
Once you pass the FSP, you can apply for your Berufserlaubnis – a temporary license that allows you to work under supervision in a German hospital.
This phase gives you the chance to gain experience while preparing for the Knowledge Exam (KP), which is mandatory for all non-EU doctors.
Our eGuide supports you with job search tips and interview prep.
8. Take the Knowledge Exam (Kenntnisprüfung)
If your qualifications are not fully recognized, you’ll need to take the Kenntnisprüfung (KP).
This exam tests both your theoretical and practical medical knowledge.
Once you pass, you’ve met all requirements for Approbation.
9. Receive your Approbation
You’ve made it! Once all steps are complete, you’ll receive your Approbation – the full medical license.
From this point on, you’re officially allowed to work independently and permanently as a doctor anywhere in Germany.
Your path to Approbation – with Get2Germany
The recognition process may seem complex – but not with us at your side.
Our eGuide gives you structure, clarity, and exactly the support you need.
Everything that matters, in one place – for your medical future in Germany.
FAQ
- What is the Approbation?
The Approbation is the official licensing process for recognizing your foreign medical degree in Germany. It includes, among other things, an equivalence assessment, language exams (B2 and C1 medical language), possibly a medical knowledge exam, and the issuance of the license by the respective state authority.
- How long does the Approbation process take for international doctors?
The duration varies significantly depending on the federal state, the completeness of your documents, and whether you need to take a knowledge exam. In many cases, the entire process takes between 6 and 18 months. With structured preparation, you can save valuable time.
- What are the main steps in the Approbation process in Germany?
The key steps include: recognition of your degree, translation and submission of all documents, language exams (B2 and FSP), potentially a knowledge exam, visa application, and finally, the issuance of the Approbation. Get2Germany supports you every step of the way.