Erlaubnis zum Führen der Berufsbezeichnung Logopädin oder Logopäde bei Berufsqualifikation aus EU/EWR/Schweiz Erteilung

The profession of speech therapist is regulated in Germany. This means that in order to work as a speech therapist in Germany, you need a state permit. With the permit, you can use the professional title “speech therapist” and work in the profession.

You can also obtain state permission in Germany if you have a professional qualification from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.

To obtain permission, you must have your foreign professional qualifications recognized.

In the recognition process, the responsible body compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification and checks their equivalence. The equivalence of the professional qualification is an important prerequisite for the granting of the state permit. In addition to the equivalence of the professional qualification, you must also meet other requirements for the granting of the permit.

If your professional qualification does not come from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, different rules apply.

You can also apply for the procedure from abroad.

• Application (available online)
• Documents according to leaflet (available online)
• Proof of language proficiency B2/ technical language test (see leaflet)
• Medical certificate (available online)
• Official certificate of good conduct according to § 30 Para. 5 BZRG

• You have successfully completed training as a speech therapist in the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and are entitled to work independently as a speech therapist there.
• You want to work as a speech therapist in Germany.
• Personal suitability: You are reliable to work as a speech therapist and have no criminal record.
• Medical suitability: You can work mentally and physically as a speech therapist.
• You have German language skills at the required language level. This is usually language level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

• You submit an application to the responsible authority for permission to use the professional title “speech therapist”. You can submit the application and the documents to the responsible authority or send it by post. Do not send originals. Sometimes you can also send the application electronically. The responsible authority will inform you.
• The responsible body will then check whether you meet all the requirements. An important requirement is the equivalence of your professional qualification. The responsible body will compare your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification as a speech therapist. The professional qualification is equivalent if there are no significant differences between your foreign professional qualification and the German professional qualification.
• If your professional qualification is equivalent, your foreign professional qualification will be recognized. The responsible body can confirm the result in writing. You must still meet the other requirements. You will then be permitted to use the professional title “speech therapist”.
  • Are there significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification? Perhaps you can compensate for the differences through your professional experience, other knowledge or skills (lifelong learning). You must provide evidence of your professional experience. Knowledge and skills must be certified by an authority in the state in which you acquired the knowledge or skills.
  • It may be that the essential differences cannot be compensated for by this knowledge. In this case, your foreign professional qualification will not be recognized. You will then not be allowed to work as a speech therapist in Germany. However, the responsible body will tell you the essential differences and why you cannot compensate for the essential differences through your professional practice. In most cases, you can take a compensatory measure. This will allow you to compensate for the essential differences. There are various compensatory measures:
    • Adaptation period: The adaptation period lasts a maximum of three years.
    • Aptitude test: In the aptitude test, only those areas in which significant differences have been identified are examined. The aptitude test consists of a practical test.
  • If you successfully complete the compensatory measure and meet all other requirements, you will be permitted to use the professional title “speech therapist”.

• up to 2 months in the accelerated procedure
• up to 4 months in the regular procedure

Do you only want to offer services in Germany occasionally and for a short period of time? In this case, you usually do not need a state permit. You must meet the following requirements:

• You must be established in another EU, EEA or Switzerland country.
• You must provide proof of your professional qualifications.
• You must report your activity in writing to the responsible authority.

The competent authority will inform you whether you are permitted to provide services or whether you have to take an aptitude test.

As a late repatriate, you can choose to go through the recognition process according to the laws mentioned here or according to the Federal Expellees Act. You can decide for yourself. The responsible authority will advise you on which process is right for you.

• To work as a speech therapist in Germany you need a government permit.
• With the permission, you can officially call yourself a “speech therapist” and work in the profession.
• You can also obtain state permission in Germany if you have professional qualifications from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
• The equivalence of professional qualifications is an important prerequisite for the granting of state permission.