Official Expert Answer
Hello Hussein, Psychiatry is actually one of the specialties with the highest demand in Germany, which means residency positions are available in almost every federal state. Because of this shortage, hospitals are generally very open to international doctors, so your chances of finding a position are strong no matter where you apply. The first and most important step is the recognition of your medical degree. You need to apply for the Approbation, which is the full German medical license. Until you receive it, you may be allowed to work with a temporary permit (Berufserlaubnis) if you have already passed the official medical language exam: Fachsprachprüfung (FSP). ⚠️ You can only officially start your psychiatry residency once you have received the Approbation. For international doctors, the large university hospitals in cities like Berlin, Heidelberg, Munich, and Hamburg offer several advantages. They provide structured training programs, international support services, and a very diverse patient population, which makes both professional growth and cultural integration easier. University cities also tend to have more resources such as medical language courses, mentoring systems, and larger expat communities—factors that can make your first years in Germany much smoother. That said, it’s also worth considering that while university hospitals and maximum-care centers give you prestige, broad clinical exposure, and research opportunities, smaller hospitals and clinics may allow you to start your residency more quickly. These settings are usually less research-focused but can give you hands-on experience sooner. Here you can find hospitals with a psychiatry department. In short: as a foreign doctor, you’ll find psychiatry opportunities everywhere in Germany. The main question is whether you value a quick and practical start or the academic and international environment of a large university hospital. My advice would be: focus first on securing your Approbation. Once that step is done, you will have excellent options for psychiatry residency all over Germany. Wishing you lots of success on your journey,
Sophie