For pharmacists & PTA
How to become a pharmacist or PTA in Germany
Compare pharmacist Approbation with the separate PTA permission, then create your free personal roadmap.
Free, no account needed. Supported professions get a personalized roadmap; others can join the waitlist.
The example is for Pharmacist. Other qualifications on this page have separate requirements.
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Two routes: Approbation as a pharmacist, Erlaubnis as a PTA
Pharmacists need Approbation for unrestricted practice; a temporary Berufserlaubnis may permit limited work. Eligible EU, EEA or Swiss qualifications can be recognised automatically after application. Other qualifications need individual assessment and may require an exam.
For third-country pharmacist qualifications, substantial differences can lead to a Kenntnisprüfung. The current exam is oral and covers pharmaceutical practice, professional law and an additional subject set by the authority. A published reform is scheduled to make the direct exam the usual route from 1 November 2026.
PTA is a separate regulated occupation. Foreign PTA training is assessed for permission to use the title. Depending on where the qualification was obtained, substantial differences may be addressed through an Eignungsprüfung or Kenntnisprüfung, or an adaptation course.
Which title is yours?
Each is a separate protected title. Pharmacists need the Approbation; PTAs need their own Erlaubnis.
Pharmacist
Apothekerin / Apotheker
Pharmaceutical-technical assistant (PTA)
Pharmazeutisch-technische Assistentin / Pharmazeutisch-technischer Assistent
Documents and German level for pharmacists and PTA
Check the separate pharmacist and PTA lists issued by the competent authorities. Common evidence includes:
- Degree or PTA training certificate, detailed course records, practical training and employment references.
- Identity, professional standing, and evidence of personal and medical fitness; check certificate validity.
- German-language evidence: pharmacist applicants usually need B2 general German and a C1-level pharmacy Fachsprachprüfung. PTA requirements depend on the authority.
- Translations and certified copies in the format requested by the relevant authority.
How long pharmacy recognition takes and what drives the cost
The authority confirms receipt and assesses a complete application. PTA qualification assessment has a statutory three-month target after complete documents; licensing, language checks and exam dates can extend the full route.
Ask the relevant authority and chamber for current application and exam fees. A pharmacist application and a PTA application are separate procedures.
- PTA assessment
- Within three months of complete documents.
- Pharmacist knowledge exam
- Initial sitting plus two retakes.
- Pharmacist Berufserlaubnis
- Normally up to two years; exceptions possible.
Which office decides for pharmacists
The competent authority depends on the occupation and intended state. Use the official recognition finder before sending a pharmacist or PTA application.
| Federal state | Approbation authority |
|---|---|
| North Rhine-Westphalia | Bezirksregierung MünsterMünster |
| Bavaria | Regierung von OberbayernMünchen |
| Baden-Württemberg | Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart - Referat 98 - Landesanerkennungsstelle für GesundheitsberufeStuttgart |
The office shown here relates to pharmacist Approbation. Check the PTA authority separately.
Working in a pharmacy while you wait
A granted pharmacist Berufserlaubnis may allow supervised work before Approbation, within the permit’s limits. Do not assume a pharmacy degree qualifies you to work as a PTA.
Without permission, a Hospitation is observation rather than pharmaceutical practice. An Anerkennungspartnerschaft has separate employer, visa and recognition requirements.
Pharmacist and PTA salary in Germany
Community pharmacies pay from the ADEXA/ADA collective agreement. Gross monthly pay for a 39-hour week, valid from 1 January 2026:
| Title | Role and experience | Gross per month |
|---|---|---|
| Apotheker | Pharmacist with Approbation; 1st year to 11th year onwards | €4,166 to €4,922 |
| PTA | Pharmaceutical-technical assistant; 1st–2nd year to 15th year onwards | €2,646 to €3,267 |
On top: an annual special payment of up to one monthly salary once you have been employed for more than six months (prorated for a partial year), and extra pay for each emergency duty (Notdienst).
The agreement covers community pharmacies, not hospital pharmacies. Nordrhein and Sachsen have their own agreements, and pharmacies outside the agreement pay under individual contracts.
Source: ADEXA/ADA Gehaltstarifvertrag, valid from 1 January 2026
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