Erlaubnis zum Führen der Berufsbezeichnung Logopädin oder Logopäde bei Berufsqualifikation aus Drittstaaten 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 this permit, you can use the professional title “speech therapist” and work in the profession.

Even if you have a professional qualification from a so-called third country, you can still obtain state permission from the relevant authority in Germany. Third countries are all countries that are not part of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.

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

During 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 state permission.

In addition to the equivalence of the professional qualification, you must also fulfill other requirements for the permit to be granted.

If your professional qualification comes from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, different rules apply.

You can also apply for the procedure from abroad.

• Application (available online)
• Documents according to information sheet (available online)
• Language certificate C2 / specialist language test (see information sheet)
• medical certificate (available online)
• Official certificate of good conduct according to Section 30 Para. 5 BZRG

• You have a professional qualification as a speech therapist from a third country.
• You want to work as a speech therapist in Germany.
• Personal suitability: You are reliable for working as a speech therapist and have no criminal record.
• Medical suitability: You are mentally and physically able to work as a speech therapist.
• You have German language skills at the required language level. This is usually language level C2 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.
  • However, 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.
    • Knowledge test: The knowledge test tests your knowledge in certain subjects and areas. The knowledge test includes an oral and practical part.
  • 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

The permit procedure also includes an examination of equivalence (recognition procedure). You can apply for a separate notice of the result of the examination.

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.
• Even if you have a professional qualification from a so-called third country, you can still obtain state permission in Germany.
  • Third countries are all countries that do not belong to 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