Germany needs doctors from abroad. Currently, more than 68,000 foreign doctors work in German clinics and practices. This corresponds to over 15% of all practicing doctors in Germany (as of December 2024, German Medical Association).
In 1996, there were around 11,000. Since then, the number has increased more than fivefold: In 2024, more than 68,000 foreign-trained doctors are working in Germany, accounting for roughly 15–16% of all practicing physicians in the country (out of 437,162 total). Without their contribution, medical care in many regions would no longer be guaranteed today.
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Countries of origin: EU, Syria, and Asia in the lead
The largest group by far comes from Syria, with over 6,100 Syrian doctors currently practicing, followed by high numbers from Romania (4,668), Austria (2,993), Greece (2,943), Russia (2,941), and Turkey (2,628). In total, around 39,000 doctors hail from European countries — 24,300 of them from EU member states. Beyond Europe, many doctors arrive from the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, with particularly strong representation from countries like Egypt, Iran, and Ukraine. This growing international workforce plays a vital role in Germany’s healthcare system, especially in rural areas and hospital settings, where they help fill critical gaps in medical staffing.
