Ausländische Berufsqualifikation Anerkennung als Fachärztin/Facharzt

If you want to work as a specialist in Germany, you need the recognition of the specialist title by the competent authority. Even with a specialist degree obtained abroad, you can apply for recognition of the specialist title in Germany.

Further information can also be found in the service "Licence to practise medicine for persons from other EU countries".

As a rule, you will need the following documents:

• Tabular list of your completed training courses and gainful employment
• Indication of your current place of residence
• Proof of identity
• Evidence of formal qualifications obtained abroad
• evidence of relevant professional experience or other evidence of formal qualifications, where necessary for the purpose of establishing equivalence
• Explanation of whether and to which body you have already submitted an application for a determination of equivalence
• if applicable, decision on the determination of equivalence

As a rule, you must submit all documents in the original or as a certified copy and in German. If the documents are written in another language, you may also need a translation from a publicly appointed translator.

Additional documentation may be required. Please contact the competent authority.

Fees may apply. Please contact the relevant authority.

For recognition, the competent authority checks on the basis of your certificates whether or to what extent your foreign qualification corresponds to a German qualification for the profession of specialist. This review is based on defined formal criteria, such as the content and duration of the training. Your relevant professional experience will be taken into account as well as other relevant qualifications. For academic qualifications, you can apply for an assessment by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).

Further information can be found on the portal "Recognition in Germany". This internet portal provides quick and easy answers to questions about recognition, for example:

• Do I have to have my professional qualification recognised?    
• Is the recognition worthwhile for me?
• Can I apply? Do I have a formal right to it?
• Where should I contact?
• What is the procedure?
• Which documents are required? What form must the documents take?
• How long does the procedure take?
• How much does the procedure cost?  
• Which laws are relevant to my case?

There are no deadlines to be observed. The deadline for submitting the application begins with the confirmation of the competent authority that the required documents are complete.

Even with a specialist degree obtained abroad, you can apply for recognition of the specialist title in Germany.

The responsibility lies with the Medical Association of Lower Saxony.