Anerkennung: Recognition of Medical Qualifications in Germany for Foreign Doctors

Rohit Batra

If you are a foreign-trained doctor aiming to work in Germany, obtaining recognition for your medical qualifications (known as "Anerkennung") is a key step. The Anerkennungsverfahren, or recognition process, ensures that your qualifications meet German standards, allowing you to secure the Approbation, which is the full medical license required to practice medicine in Germany. This guide breaks down the process step by step to help you navigate the system and ensure your journey to becoming a licensed doctor in Germany is smooth.

1. What is "Anerkennung" in Germany for Foreign Doctors?

"Anerkennung" means having your foreign medical qualifications officially recognized in Germany. Without this recognition, you cannot work as a doctor. The goal of this process is to make sure your education, training, and experience are equivalent to the standards required in Germany.

Germany welcomes foreign medical professionals, but the system is designed to ensure that all doctors working in the country, regardless of their origin, meet the same high standards of medical knowledge and practice.

2. Steps to Apply for Anerkennung in Germany

Step 1: Submit Your Application

Your first step is to submit your application for recognition. You will do this through the Landesprüfungsamt (LPA) or other state-recognition authorities. It’s important to submit your application in the state where you intend to work.

Documents to Submit:

- Completed Application Form: Downloadable from the LPA website.

- Proof of Identity: Your valid passport or ID.

- Medical Degree & Transcripts: Your degree certificate, along with an official transcript showing your courses and results, and certified translations if necessary.

- Work Experience: Any documentation of professional experience, such as internships, that show your practical training.

- Language Proficiency: Proof of German language skills (typically B2 for general German and C1 for medical German).

- Medical Fitness: A certificate proving you are physically fit to work as a doctor (must be issued within 3 months of application).

- Police Clearance Certificate: This must show that you have no criminal record, and it should also be recent (within 3 months).

Step 2: Gleichwertigkeitsprüfung (Equivalence Check)

Once the documents are submitted, the state authorities will evaluate your qualifications to see if they are equivalent to a German medical degree. This process of checking for equivalency of medical qualifications is called the Gleichwertigkeitsprüfung. They will assess the depth of your medical education, practical training, and any additional skills or certifications.

The possible outcomes of the Gleichwertigkeitsprüfung are the following:

- Full Recognition: If your qualifications are recognized as equivalent, you’ll be eligible for the Approbation.

- Partial Recognition: If there are gaps in your training compared to German standards, you may need to complete additional exams, such as the Kenntnisprüfung (knowledge exam).

- No Recognition: In cases where the differences are significant, you might be asked to pursue further medical training before reapplying.

Step 3: Prove Your Language Proficiency

Fluency in German is essential for practicing medicine in Germany. Even if your qualifications are recognized, you must demonstrate that you can communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.

-B2 or C1 German: Most authorities advocate a minimum language certificate of B2 (GER). This level can be proved taking the following exams- Goethe, TestDaF, telc and ÖSD.

- Fachsprachprüfung (FSP): The medical language exam or FSP exam tests your ability to speak medical German, which includes patient communication, understanding medical documents, and clinical discussions with other doctors. You will need to pass this exam to be eligible for the Approbation.

3. What Happens After You Apply for Anerkennung in Germany?

Once you submit all the required documents and complete the necessary exams, the state authority will assess your qualifications. The processing time usually takes about four to twelve months. You will receive a final decision from the LPA on whether your qualifications are fully recognized, partially recognized, or not recognized at all.

If your qualifications are recognized, you will receive the Approbation, which allows you to practice medicine independently in Germany. If additional steps are needed (e.g., passing the Kenntnisprüfung), you will be informed about the next steps.

4. Costs and Timeline for Approbation Application in Germany

It is vital that you pay attention to every step pf application for an Approbation in Germany. This is because the time it takes for the authorities to get back with a response is very long, sometimes exceeding up to 12 months in some cases. Which means if you make a mistake and submit the incorrectly prepared documents, it can easily set you back a couple of months (4-12!). I have personally experienced such cases when they reached out to us for consultation which is why it is recommended to always seek out for professional help when in doubt.

- Processing Time: Expect the process to take around four months from the time you submit all the necessary documents.

- Costs: The costs for recognition vary depending on the state but typically include:

- Approbation Fee: Around €400-450.

- Fachsprachprüfung (FSP): Between €400-500.

- Additional Exam Costs (Kenntnisprüfung): If required, the exam fees can range from €300-500.

Make sure to also budget for translations, notarizations, and other related costs.

5. Key Tips for a Successful Application for Approbation in Germany

- Prepare Early: Start gathering all the required documents well in advance. Ensure that your medical degree and other documents are certified and, if needed, translated into German.

- Improve Your German: Even before you begin the recognition process, work on your German language skills. It’s better to have your language certificate ready at the beginning of the process to avoid delays.

- Follow Up: Stay in contact with the relevant authorities to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.

- Seek out Professional Help: This is to ensure timely progression of your application preventing any delays and possible loss of thousands of euros.

6. The Path After Recognition for Foreign Doctors in Germany

Once your qualifications are recognized, and you have obtained the Approbation, you can apply for medical residency programs across Germany. Germany’s residency programs are known for their high quality, and upon completion, you’ll have access to excellent career opportunities both in Germany and abroad.

Exclusive For High-Achievers: Accelerator Program

Navigating the process of securing a medical residency in Germany can be complex. The team at Rohit Batra Teach is here to provide exceptional support every step of the way. Here’s how we will assist you:

1. Recognition/ Defizitbescheid

- We help you get your foreign medical qualifications recognized by German authorities. This step can be time-consuming with waiting times extending by up to 12 months, if not handled correctly.

2. Visa Application

- Applying for the correct visa (e.g., § 16d Abs. 1 AufenthG for recognition of foreign qualifications) can be challenging. We guide you to ensure your visa application is accepted, allowing you to focus on your residency preparations.

3. German Language

- Mastering medical German language is essential for practising as a foreign doctor in Germany. We offer resources and support to help you meet the required language standards, including preparation for medical language exams and organizing Hospitations to gain practical language experience.

4. Residency/ Hospitation Application

- Once your qualifications are recognised and your language requirements are met, we will help you navigate through the application process, from approbation to residency, help you craft a standout application, and prepare for interviews.

Designed for high-performing individuals, our goal is to streamline your journey to securing a medical residency in Germany, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your career development.

Accelerator Program

"Here we support the next generation of foreign medical doctors start a medical residency in Germany. Discover our customised programs designed to accelerate your path to a German medical residency program. Start your journey today!"