If you want to work as an international doctor in Germany, there’s no way around obtaining the Approbation. To do so, you need to submit a number of documents – not to a central office, but directly to the competent authority of your federal state. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly which documents are required, how recent they must be, and what to watch out for when it comes to translations, certifications, or deadlines.
This overview will help you remember everything, stay organised – and start your recognition process well-prepared. And if you get stuck anywhere along the way: we’re here for you.
Proof of Identity and Personal Information
To confirm your identity, most authorities require a notarised copy of your valid passport. In addition, you must submit a birth certificate that confirms your personal data and – if it is not issued in German – an officially certified translation. If your current name differs from the one in your birth certificate, for example due to marriage, you will also need to submit the relevant marriage certificate with a German translation.
Passport
The passport is your official proof of identity – nothing works without it. You need a notarised or officially certified copy, ideally of all pages containing information (name, date of birth, validity). Important: your passport must still be valid! Expired documents will not be accepted. This copy serves the authorities as proof of your identity and nationality.
Birth Certificate
It confirms your basic data: name, date of birth, place of birth and – in many countries – also information about your parents. If your birth certificate was not issued in German, you need an officially certified translation (by sworn translators in Germany). Make sure that no information is missing or illegible – this can otherwise lead to further enquiries.
Proof of Name Change
Do you have a different name than in your birth certificate? No problem – but you must document it. The most common case is a marriage certificate, but other proofs such as a court order or an official register extract are also possible. Again: certified copy + sworn translation if the original is not in German.
📌 Note: Recognition authorities accept only official translations from translators authorised in Germany. We are happy to help you find the right contact point – and, if you wish, we also offer a translation and certification service directly via Get2Germany.
Proof of Medical Education
The basis for assessing the equivalence of your education is several pieces of educational evidence. This includes your medical degree certificate, which must be submitted both as a certified copy and in translated form. Also required is a transcript of records that documents the courses taken, grades, and training content. A detailed curriculum outlining the structure and duration of your studies helps the authorities make a professional assessment. You should also submit proof of practical training periods such as your internship year, clinical rotations, or clerkships.
Degree Certificate / Medical Diploma
This document officially confirms your graduation. It shows that you have successfully completed your medical studies – often simply called “Diploma” or “Degree Certificate.” You usually receive it directly from your university. Important: you need a certified copy with an official German translation. Without this certificate, nothing will move forward – it’s the core of your recognition.
Transcript of Records
This contains your completed courses, grades, and achievements during your studies – often including your practical training phases. You can usually request it from your university’s examination office. Make sure that all courses are listed individually – this greatly helps the authorities in the equivalence assessment.
University Curriculum
This document shows the structural layout of your studies: what was taught, how many hours of practice you had, and which topics were in-depth. The more detailed, the better – the aim is to compare your studies with the German programme. Some universities issue such curricula automatically; in others, you may have to arrange it yourself. Tip: If your curriculum is very brief, it’s sometimes worth having a personal conversation with your university’s study coordinator.
Proof of Practical Training Phases
This includes, for example, your Practical Year (PJ), clinical internships, or clerkships. These certificates show that you learned not only theory, but also treated real patients. Again: certified copy + translation – otherwise, you may face follow-up questions later.
Medical Licence or Work Permit from Your Home Country
In some federal states, you additionally need proof that you were authorised to work as a doctor in your home country – for example, a professional licence or a so-called Medical Registration. Attention: Some authorities require the document to be no older than 3 months. So it’s better to request it only when you actually need it.
📌 These documents are often the first to be reviewed – and if something is missing or unclear here, it can delay the whole process. Therefore: take your time, prepare everything thoroughly – and if you need help, we are here.
Professional Recognition & Experience
Your education is the first step – but just as important is what you did afterwards. The recognition authorities in Germany want to see not only that you are well-trained, but also that you have gained professional experience – and that you are currently authorised to practise in your home country.
Therefore, various pieces of evidence are required to show how and where you have worked, to what extent, with what responsibilities – and that you have acted professionally and legally. Here’s what you should submit.
Professional Licence or Medical Registration in Your Home Country
In almost all federal states, a current confirmation of your medical licence is necessary – issued by the competent authority in your home country. The document shows that you are officially allowed to work as a doctor there. Make sure it is no older than three months, fully completed, and ideally includes details on the duration of your licence. Without this proof, your Approbation in Germany is usually not even considered.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A tabular CV is a mandatory part of your documents. It should be clear and well-structured – starting with your medical studies, followed by your professional career, observerships, further training, and, if applicable, research projects. The CV should be up-to-date, gapless, and preferably in German. Add, where possible, information about language skills and soft skills. And don’t forget: date & signature!
Employment Contracts, Work Certificates & Reference Letters
To prove your practical experience, you should submit proof of previous employment – for example, as a junior doctor, general practitioner, or specialist. Suitable documents include:
- employment contracts,
- work certificates (e.g. from the employer or hospital administration),
- reference letters from supervisors.
These documents help the authorities understand in which field you worked, for how long, with what tasks, and to what professional depth. Important: make sure they have official letterheads, clear time periods, and – if not in German – a certified translation.
Specialist Qualification (if available)
If you have already completed specialist training in your home country, you should definitely include the certificate. The German authorities will then check whether and how your specialisation can be recognised – this can bring important advantages later. Again: submit it as detailed, complete, and translated as possible.
Certificate of Good Standing
A central piece of evidence is the so-called Certificate of Good Standing. It confirms that no professional or disciplinary proceedings are or were pending against you. This document is issued by the competent medical chamber or supervisory authority in your home country and must be no older than three months at the time of submission. Again, a certified German translation is mandatory.
✅ Conclusion & Practical Tips
All these pieces of evidence show the authorities that you not only have the necessary knowledge, but also professional experience, commitment, and reliability. Pay attention to:
- Recency (usually max. 3 months old),
- correct translations by sworn translators,
- and consistent spelling of your name across all documents.
We recommend reviewing all evidence together with your CV – preferably sorted chronologically, clearly labelled, and complete.
If you need support: we are happy to help with sorting, selection, and with the translation or certification of your documents. 📤 Book a consultation now
Language Skills
You not only have to prove your education and professional experience – you must also show that you have a strong command of the German language. And that on two levels: in everyday life and in the medical profession.
First, you need a general language certificate at level B2. This shows that you can communicate well in everyday situations – whether at the authorities, in the shared kitchen, or in small talk with colleagues. Only once this proof is available can you register for the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP), which tests your medical German at C1 level. In some federal states, you must even prove at the time of application that you are registered for the FSP or have already passed it.
General B2 Certificate
The B2 certificate is your linguistic foundation. It proves that you can confidently use German in everyday life – both in writing and speaking. Among others, the following certificates are recognised:
- telc Deutsch B2
- Goethe-Zertifikat B2
- TestDaF
- ÖSD-Zertifikat B2
All of these certificates are accepted by recognition authorities nationwide. Make sure the certificate is current (not older than two years) and from a recognised examination institute. Only with a valid B2 certificate can you be admitted to the medical Fachsprachprüfung (FSP).
👉 If you are unsure which certificate suits you best, you will find more information and recommendations in our detailed B2 article.
Fachsprachprüfung (FSP)
The Fachsprachprüfung is the heart of your linguistic proof for the Approbation. It checks whether you can express yourself correctly and understandably in everyday medical life – in conversations with patients as well as with colleagues or in written documentation.
The exam is organised by the medical chamber of your federal state and takes place exclusively in Germany. It usually lasts about 60 minutes and consists of three parts:
- a simulated doctor–patient conversation,
- written documentation in the form of a medical report,
- and a professional conversation with a doctor.
The content is strongly based on realistic scenarios from hospital life. It’s not about medical knowledge in the narrow sense – you don’t have to explain diagnoses or treatments – but without medical understanding, you won’t be able to use the language correctly or follow the context. Preparation is key here.
Exam costs vary by federal state between €390 and €600. The registration process also varies: in some states you will be automatically registered with the medical chamber once your documents are submitted; in others, you must take action yourself.
👉 Detailed tips for preparation, registration, and exam structure can be found in our FSP article.
✅ Conclusion
Both proofs – the B2 certificate and the FSP – are mandatory if you want to be recognised as a doctor in Germany. They show not only that you have mastered the language, but also that you can navigate the German healthcare system safely and professionally.
If you have questions about suitable courses, exam dates, or preparation, we will gladly advise you – individually, multilingual, and with lots of experience. Just get in touch with us or book a conversation directly. We’re here for you. 💬
Proof of Suitability
Before you can work as a doctor in Germany, the authorities want to ensure that you are not only professionally qualified, but also personally suitable. This includes two important proofs: a police clearance certificate confirming your reliability, and a medical certificate proving your physical and mental fitness. Both documents are mandatory – and above all: they must be current and formally correct. Here’s exactly what you need and what to watch out for.
Police Clearance Certificate
For the Approbation, you need a current police clearance certificate from your home country – and in some cases also from other countries where you have worked or lived for more than five years. This shows that there are no criminal concerns about you. Important: the document must usually be no older than three months at submission. It must also be submitted as a certified copy – which often requires an official translation into German and possibly an apostille or legalisation. This proves that, from the point of view of personal suitability, you are also in good standing.
Depending on the federal state, additional details may be required, e.g. the category (often “Belegart O,” meaning sent directly to the authority) and a brief note stating whether any proceedings are currently ongoing. In Berlin, for example, the clearance certificate is often required exactly in this form and with a strong emphasis on recency (“not older than 1 month”).
Medical Fitness Certificate
You also need a medical certificate confirming that you are physically and mentally capable of practising medicine. As a rule, a certificate from a licensed doctor in Germany is sufficient. Alternatively, some authorities also accept certificates from doctors recognised by the German embassy in your home country. The certificate must also be no older than three months.
It usually includes the statement: “There are no health restrictions preventing the exercise of the medical profession.” Some federal states provide a specific form to be used by the public health office or a hospital doctor; others accept an informal certificate from your GP.
✅ Conclusion
You need a recent police clearance certificate from every relevant country and a health certificate from Germany – each with a certified copy (or original for inspection) and, if necessary, translated. This fulfils the personal admission criteria under the Federal Medical Code and Approbation Ordinance.
Financial & State-Specific Documents
Almost there! In addition to the well-known documents for education, professional experience, and language competence, many federal states require some additional proofs. These may seem minor at first glance – but they are just as crucial for a successful application. To make sure you don’t run into unpleasant surprises, here are the most important special documents at a glance – including tips on what may be required depending on the state.
Proof of Payment of the Application Fee
The recognition of your medical qualification is an official administrative process – and in Germany, this is usually subject to a fee. Depending on the federal state, the application fee ranges between €100 and €300. Important: you must attach proof of payment (e.g. bank transfer slip or receipt) to your application. Without this, your application is often not processed.
Make sure you use the correct bank account of the competent authority and correctly state your name and payment reference. If you are unsure, we are happy to help you check.
Statutory Declaration of No Criminal Record
Some recognition authorities require, in addition to your police clearance certificate, an informal written declaration in which you affirm that no criminal proceedings are currently pending against you and that you have no prior convictions. This is called an “affidavit” or “self-declaration of no criminal record.” It must be personally signed by you and is usually sufficient in simple form (no notary needed). A sample text for this can be found on many authority websites – or directly from us.
Proof of Intent to Work in the Federal State
In many federal states, you must demonstrate that you intend to work specifically there. This is for jurisdiction purposes: because, contrary to popular belief, the recognition process in Germany is a matter for each state – not centrally regulated.
Such proof can include, for example:
- an informal personal statement (e.g. “I intend to work as a doctor in the State of Brandenburg.”),
- an employment or observership contract,
- a residence registration certificate,
- or an official letter from the ZSBA (Central Service Office for Professional Recognition) if you are being assisted by them.
The clearer your intention is formulated, the fewer follow-up questions there will be later. If you don’t yet know which federal state you will work in, we can help you choose and plan your strategy.
Differences Between Federal States
The Approbation is a nationwide goal – but the path always goes through an individual federal state. And this is where it gets tricky: requirements, deadlines, and documents vary significantly depending on the region. What is accepted in Hamburg may be rejected in Saxony. That’s why it’s worth not leaving the recognition process to chance.
We know the procedures in all 16 federal states – and we support you in submitting the right documents completely and correctly.
✅ Conclusion
Even though these documents may seem “small,” they are just as important to your application as your diploma or language certificate. A missing payment receipt or unsigned declaration can unnecessarily delay your recognition.
If you are unsure which documents you need for your federal state, we will help you clarify, provide sample forms, and advise you on the best approach.
Get Started Now
You now have a complete overview of all the documents required for medical recognition in Germany – from your passport to your medical degree to your police clearance certificate. Some documents you need right away, others later on – but they all have one thing in common: they should be complete, correct, and current.
If you are unsure about individual points or need help with translations, wording, or timing, we will be happy to support you with our experience.
💡 Would you like a personalised document checklist or individual consultation? Then simply register for our free eGuide – we will accompany you on your path to Approbation.
📌 A quick legal note
The information provided in this article is for general guidance only and does not replace legal advice or official sources. We strive for accuracy, but we recommend consulting the responsible authorities for the most up-to-date requirements.
All information provided without guarantee.
