Reasons for doctors shortage in Germany

Question

Why there is shortage of doctors in Germany? I want to know if in future international doctors are still needed, so I can see if going to Germany is really worth for long time.

Sophie P · Accepted Answer

Hi María Fernanda, your concern is completely understandable. But: The shortage of doctors in Germany isn’t just a short-term issue – it’s a structural problem that’s expected to grow in the coming years. Many hospitals are already struggling to fill vacancies, and with a large wave of retirements ahead, the situation will only get tougher over the next decade. The main reasons can be summed up as follows: 1. Regional disparities – Most doctors are concentrated in major cities, while rural areas face severe shortages and long waiting times. Even within big cities like Berlin, districts such as Marzahn-Hellersdorf are considered underserved and have difficulty attracting doctors. 2. Demographic change – Around one-third of doctors are already over 60 and nearing retirement, while the population as a whole is aging and requires more healthcare. 3. Working hours – Younger doctors generally work fewer hours, meaning more than one new doctor is statistically needed to replace each retiring one. 4. Training capacity – Germany trains too few doctors. Each year, about 35,000 applicants compete for fewer than 10,000 medical school places, leaving an estimated shortfall of roughly 50,000 doctors. 5. Job image – Long hours and night shifts make the profession less attractive, with around 10–15% of graduates deciding against working as doctors after finishing medical school. Because of these factors, Germany is expected to face a shortage of more than 30,000 doctors by 2030, and the gap will continue to widen as more experienced physicians retire each year. That’s why international doctors are not only needed now but will remain essential for the future of the healthcare system. The government is actively working to streamline the recognition of foreign qualifications and is offering opportunities in high-demand specialties such as general medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. In short, pursuing a medical career in Germany offers excellent long-term prospects. International doctors will continue to play a key role in maintaining healthcare across the country. For a deeper look at the causes of the shortage, see the [German Medical Journal (Ärzteblatt)](https://aerztestellen.aerzteblatt.de/de/redaktion/wie-entsteht-der-aerztemangel) and [ZDFheute](https://www.zdfheute.de/ratgeber/gesundheit/aerztemangel-deutschland-100.html), which also provides a map highlighting the regions most in need of doctors. Warm regards, Sophie