How to Obtain the Approbation in Germany as a Doctor Trained in an EU Country

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How to Obtain the Approbation in Germany as a Doctor Trained in an EU Country

If you are a doctor trained in a country of the European Union and want to work in Germany, the first essential step is obtaining the Approbation – the official authorization to practice the profession. To apply, you need to prepare and submit a series of official documents, following precise procedures.

Below is a comprehensive guide to the required documentation and the main steps.

Required Documents for the Approbation

To apply for the Approbation, the following documents must be submitted, preferably as certified copies:

• Application for licensure

  Use the official form provided by the competent authority.

• Chronological and signed curriculum vitae

  Must include all training paths, professional experiences, and work activities up to the present.

• Identity document

  Valid passport or ID card.

• Birth certificate

  In case of a name change (e.g. due to marriage), also include the relevant document.

• German certificate of good conduct (Belegart 0)

  Must not be older than 3 months. Can be requested at the Bürgerämter in Berlin with the reason "Approbation-BQFG". From abroad, it can be requested from the Bundesamt für Justiz.

• Certificates of good conduct/criminal record from other countries

  Required from the country of origin, the country of study, and any other countries of residence, not older than 3 months.

• Certificate of Good Standing

  Issued by the competent authority of the countries where the profession was practiced.

  If you have not yet practiced, a "Negativbescheinigung" can be requested.

• Medical certificate

  Must be issued by a doctor licensed in Germany and not older than 3 months.

• Proof of completed training

  Documents relating to the course of studies in accordance with Directive 2005/36/EC, including any diplomas and qualification certificates.

  If the documents are provisional or differ in name from the Directive, a declaration of conformity is required, certifying compliance with the minimum requirements.

  
  

  Alternatively, three years of continuous and lawful professional activity within the last five years can be demonstrated.

• Proof of German language skills

  1. General German: level B2 (certified by the Goethe-Institut, Telc, or TestDaF, max. 3 years validity).

  2. Technical language (Fachsprachprüfung): level C1 (taken at the competent chamber in Germany, max. 3 years validity).

Note: language certificates do not need to be attached at the time of submitting the application.

Submission of Documents

All documents must be sent as officially certified copies to the authority indicated on the application form.

• In Germany, copies can be certified by the Bürgerämter or by notaries.

• From abroad, certification can be done through German representations (embassy or consulate).

• Copies certified by other bodies or by translators are generally not accepted.

• In-person attendance at the Landesamt für Gesundheit und Soziales is not required, except by individual appointment.

Legalization and Apostille

Foreign documents must be legalized or bear the Hague Apostille. More information is available in the Merkblatt on foreign public authorities on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office.

Translations

Documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by translations certified by publicly appointed or sworn translators in Germany.

• Translations from non-EU countries are not accepted, unless they have been verified and certified by a translator authorized in Germany.

• For EU documents, a translation is only required if there are doubts about the accuracy of the content.

I am Doris Fiumanò, teacher of medical German and sworn translator at the Landgericht Berlin. You can send me an email at info@revolingomed.com to receive a quote.

More information can be found here:

The LAGeSo (Landesamt für Gesundheit und Soziales) is the state office for health and social affairs of the State of Berlin, operating under the supervision of the Berlin Senate. This public institution is essential for the management of numerous health and social services in the German capital.

Important note: The requirements and documents needed to obtain the Approbation can vary from region to region in Germany. Before starting the procedure, it is essential to check the specific requirements with the competent authority of the federal state where you want to work.

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