Applying for authorization to temporarily practice the veterinary profession for veterinarians from EU member states

You need a permit to work temporarily as a veterinarian in Germany without a license.

If you have completed training as a veterinarian but do not have a license to practice medicine and only wish to practice the veterinary profession temporarily, you will need a permit.

The permit entitles you to use the professional title "veterinarian".

The permit can be restricted to certain activities and employment positions.

It may only be granted or extended on a revocable basis and only up to a maximum total duration of 4 years of veterinary activity.

Please contact the competent authority in the country in which you wish to work.

The following documents must be submitted:

• Application for permission to temporarily exercise the veterinary profession,
• Proof of nationality (certified copy of identity card, passport or proof of identity),
• proof of professional qualification (veterinary diploma, examination certificate or other proof of veterinary qualification/training),
• if applicable, certified proof of recognition of asylum, permission under the Residence Act or possession of a naturalization certificate
• Signed curriculum vitae in tabular form: up-to-date, concise and with a detailed, complete description of the applicant's training and professional career
• Certificate from the future employer about the employment opportunity and justification (e.g. employment contract, needs assessment)
• Proof of no criminal record, certificate of good conduct for submission to an authority (this proof must not be older than 3 months at the time of application)
• Medical certificate confirming that you are medically fit to practise the veterinary profession (no official medical certificate required, this certificate must not be older than 3 months at the time of application).

The documents can be sent to the competent authority without any specific formal requirements.

Note: Foreign-language documents must be accompanied by a German translation. The translation must be carried out by an officially sworn document interpreter. Diplomas and certificates of veterinary training must be submitted as certified translations.

To obtain a permit for the temporary practice of the veterinary profession

• you must provide proof that you have completed training for the veterinary profession
• you must not have been guilty of any conduct that makes you unworthy or unreliable to practise the veterinary profession
• you must not be medically unfit to practise the veterinary profession
• you must have the necessary German language skills for the job at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and
• you need proof of a specific job.

• For a permit to practice the veterinary profession on a temporary basis, you must submit an application in writing or electronically to the competent authority of the federal state in which the veterinary profession is to be practiced.
• The competent authority will decide on the permit after examining your documents.

The application must be submitted before you start working as a veterinarian.

A decision on the application will be made within 3 months of submission of the complete documentation.

The procedure costs money. The responsible office will inform you of the costs. The costs often depend on the time and effort required for processing.

Additional costs may also be incurred (e.g. for translations or certifications). These costs vary from person to person.

If you cannot be granted a license or permission to temporarily practice the veterinary profession, the competent authority will check whether the practice of certain veterinary activities can still be approved. In this case, the authority will contact you.

Engaging in veterinary activities before obtaining a temporary license to practice the veterinary profession may result in criminal prosecution.