How to Become a Doctor in Germany: All the Steps to Obtain the Approbation

Complete Guide for Italian Doctors and/or Doctors with a Medical Degree from an EU Member State Who Want to Work in Germany: Documents, Language Certificates, and Practical Tips for Obtaining the Approbation

If you are an Italian doctor and are considering working in Germany, the first thing you need to obtain is the Approbation, the official recognition of your academic qualification that authorizes you to practice the medical profession on German territory.

In this article you'll find an up-to-date guide with all the required documents, the necessary language certificates, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.

⚠️ The information in this article is based on the "Checkliste für die Erteilung der Approbation bei Ausbildung in einem EU-Mitgliedstaat" (Checklist for granting the Approbation for training completed in an EU member state) from the German state authority for health and social affairs. I recommend checking any additional requirements with the Bundesland in which you intend to work, as procedures can vary.

What is needed to obtain the Approbation: the complete checklist

1. Curriculum Vitae (Tabellarischer Lebenslauf)The CV must be written in German, dated, and signed by hand.

2. Identity document (Gültiger Identitätsnachweis)You can submit your passport or valid ID card. A certified copy (Beglaubigung) is required — a notary's signature is not necessary.

3. Birth certificateTo be attached to the documentation.

4. Documents confirming completion of training

Two cases are distinguished here:

If the diploma was issued after the date valid for recognition:

• The training diploma in accordance with Directive 2005/36/EC is required.

• If necessary, exam certificates or other documents confirming the right to practice the profession in Italy must be attached.

• If the diploma has a different name than the one specified in the Directive, a certificate of conformity is required, confirming that the training meets the European minimum requirements.

If the diploma was issued before the date valid for recognition:

• You must prove that your training meets the European minimum requirements, or that you have practiced the profession continuously and lawfully for at least 3 years within the last 5 years.

5. Proof of name change (if applicable)Not required if you have never changed your name. However, mandatory in case of a name change, for example following marriage.

6. Proof of German language skills

This is one of the most important requirements. Two separate certificates are required:

a) General German certificate – level B2Issued by the Goethe-Institut, Telc, or TestDaF. Must not be older than 3 years.

b) Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) – Medical specialized language test – level C1Taken in Berlin at the relevant competent chamber (Ärztekammer). Must not be older than 3 years.

📌 Note: the language certificates do not necessarily need to be submitted already at the time of the initial application.

7. German certificate of good conduct (Belegart 0)Must not be older than 3 months at the time of submission. The request is made with the purpose "Approbation-BQFG" at the Bürgerämter in Berlin. From abroad, it can be requested through the Federal Office of Justice (Bundesamt für Justiz).

8. Certificate of good conduct from the country of originIssued by the Italian police or judicial authorities (and, where applicable, from other countries of residence). Must not be older than 3 months.

9. Certificate of Good StandingIssued by the competent authority of the countries in which you have practiced the profession. Must not be older than 3 months. If you have not yet practiced the profession, a negative declaration from the competent authority is required.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Approbation

Who can provide the certified translation of the documents?

Certified translations must be carried out by a publicly appointed or sworn translator at a German court. An Italian sworn translator is not recognized for this purpose.

As a sworn translator at the Landgericht Berlin, you can request a quote directly at info@revolingomed.com.

📌 If you are a RevolingoMed student or a doctor preparing your Approbation with us, you are entitled to a discount on the certified translation.

Do I need to submit the original documents?

No. It is sufficient to submit notarized certified copies (Beglaubigung).

Where can I find a notary who certifies documents in German?

Check the website of the Italian Embassy in Germany, where you can find an up-to-date list of certified notaries.

Which documents have an expiration date?

The medical certificate and the certificate of good conduct have a validity of three months.

Which documents require certified translation?

• Diploma

• Certificate of good conduct (except when applying in Bolzano)

• Certificate of Good Standing

How can I prepare for the Fachsprachprüfung?

The FSP is one of the most complex language hurdles for foreign doctors in Germany. General German is not enough: mastery of medical specialized language at the B2/C1 level is required.

With RevolingoMed you can prepare with courses specifically designed for doctors:

• Group courses or private lessons, online, evening, and flexible

• Targeted preparation for the Fachsprachprüfung

• Learning paths from level A1 to C1 with a focus on medical German

Take a look at our courses

📩 For information: info@revolingomed.com📞 Phone: +49 157 8506 5019🌐 Website: www.revolingomed.com