For therapists
Physiotherapist, occupational or speech therapist in Germany
Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, massage, dietetics and orthoptics have distinct protected titles and procedures. This guide explains the shared steps and where the rules differ.
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The example is for Physiotherapist. Other qualifications on this page have separate requirements.
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Choose the right therapy qualification
A foreign therapist qualification is assessed against a specific German reference occupation. Physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, masseur, dietitian and orthoptist are distinct titles; the responsible state office checks your training, experience and other requirements before granting permission to use the title.
For physiotherapy there is no general automatic EU recognition. If substantial differences remain, the decision states the gaps and the available compensation measure. The exam and course rules differ between EU/EEA and third-country qualifications and between professions, so follow the written decision rather than a generic therapy checklist.
Which title is yours?
Each of these is a separate protected title with its own permission. Your decision names one of them.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapeutin / Physiotherapeut
Occupational therapist
Ergotherapeutin / Ergotherapeut
Speech therapist
Logopädin / Logopäde
Masseur and medical bath attendant
Masseurin und medizinische Bademeisterin / Masseur und medizinischer Bademeister
Dietitian
Diätassistentin / Diätassistent
Orthoptist
Orthoptistin / Orthoptist
Documents and German level
The office publishes the list for your profession and intended state. Prepare:
- Your diploma and a detailed curriculum showing theory, clinical practice and training hours.
- Dated evidence of work experience and the tasks performed, which the authority can consider in its comparison.
- Identity documents and the translations or certified copies the office requests.
- Any health, reliability and German-language proof needed for the final title authorisation.
- The exact German reference title you seek; one therapy profession’s decision does not cover another.
How long recognition takes and what it costs
Recognition starts with a complete application to the competent authority in the state where you intend to work. It confirms missing documents and gives the deadline applicable to your procedure. Compensation measures, if required, extend the overall journey.
Ask for the fee schedule and exam or course costs before choosing a measure. Translation costs vary with the size of the curriculum; do not assume one price or exam timetable applies to all therapy titles.
- Reference occupation
- One specific therapy title
- Possible outcome
- Authorisation or a notice of gaps
- Duration
- Confirm with the competent office
Which office decides in your state
Find the office for your exact therapy title and intended state.
| Federal state | Recognition office |
|---|---|
| North Rhine-Westphalia | Bezirksregierung MünsterMünster |
| Bavaria | Bayerisches Landesamt für PflegeAmberg |
| Baden-Württemberg | Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart - Referat 98 - Landesanerkennungsstelle für GesundheitsberufeStuttgart |
Check its application format and language-proof rules.
Working while recognition is pending
Do not advertise or work under a protected therapist title before the permission is granted. Ask an employer whether a separate support role is available and what tasks it allows.
Applicants outside the EU should also check the residence route for recognition or qualification measures; professional recognition and permission to enter or work are separate decisions.
Physiotherapist salary in Germany
The Federal Employment Agency publishes what employed therapists earn. Gross monthly pay of full-time employees, as of 31 December 2025:
| Occupation | Occupational group | Gross per month |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapeut | Physiotherapy occupations, including physiotherapists | median €3,452; middle half €2,928 to €4,062 |
| Ergotherapeut | Occupational therapy occupations, including occupational therapists | median €3,695; middle half €3,086 to €4,336 |
| Logopäde | Speech therapy occupations, including speech therapists (Logopäden) | median €3,576; middle half €2,979 to €4,179 |
The figures include one-off payments and count pay up to the social insurance contribution ceiling. Half of all employees earn more than the median, half less.
Self-employed therapists are not included, and pay varies with employer, region and experience. Figures for massage, dietetics and orthoptics are not shown here.
Source: Federal Employment Agency, Entgeltatlas, as of 31 December 2025
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