Work as a Doctor in Germany: Approbation Guide

Germany Needs Doctors, and Your Training Counts

Germany has a large and growing community of international physicians. As of 2025, about 71,480 foreign doctors were working in Germany, and 52,360 of them came from non-EU countries. To work as a doctor, you need the official licence to practise medicine, called the Approbation. Your foreign medical training must be recognised as equivalent to the German programme. This process is handled by the medical licensing authority in the German federal state where you plan to work.

Approbation and Language Requirements

Besides recognition of your training, you generally need to provide proof of physical fitness and personal suitability, such as a certificate of good conduct. You also need German language skills: the minimum is general German at level B2, and a special medical language test based on level C1 is usually required as well. Language preparation is often the longest part of the journey, so start early. The recognition assessment generally takes about three to four months, but timing depends on your state authority and how complete your documents are.

How to Move Forward Step by Step

First, contact the licensing authority in the federal state where you would like to work and ask for its document checklist. Next, prepare translations of your diplomas and records while you study for the German language exams. Then search for hospital and clinic positions on the Federal Employment Agency job search, using terms such as Assistenzarzt, Facharzt, and Arzt Krankenhaus. Once you have a job offer and your recognition is on track, you can apply for a residence permit, such as the qualified professionals work visa or the EU Blue Card. Always confirm with the authority which documents it needs before you pay for translations. Emig can also help you identify relevant opportunities, improve your resume, and prepare stronger job applications.

Check if you qualify →