Applying for recognition as a specialist with professional qualifications from third countries

Have you completed further training as a specialist abroad? Then you can apply for recognition as a specialist in Germany under certain conditions.

The profession of specialist is regulated in Germany. This means that you need a permit if you want to use the title "specialist" for your specialization in the selected federal state.

By training as a specialist, you have acquired a medical specialisation in addition to your qualification as a doctor abroad. To work as a doctor in Germany, you first need a license to practice medicine or a professional license. In order to be able to work as a specialist in Germany, you must also apply for recognition of your specialist training. This allows you to use the title "specialist" in your respective specialization.

Note: You may only use the designation for your specialization if there is a corresponding continuing education title in Germany.

The permission will be granted by the competent State Medical Association after examination of your documents and requirements.

• CV in tabular form with information on completed further training and professional experience
• Proof of identity (identity card or passport)
• Proof of German license to practice medicine or professional license and proof of equivalent level of education
• Certificates of further training and certificates of professional practice
• additional evidence to verify equivalence
• written declaration as to whether you have already submitted an application for recognition to another medical association

If your documents are not available in German, you must submit German translations of your documents. The translations must be made by translators who are publicly appointed or authorised.

• You must already have a state professional license (approbation) valid in Germany as a doctor or a professional license.
• You must prove the equivalence of your professional qualification as a specialist.

• Contradiction
• Further information on how to lodge an objection can be found in your notification.
• Action before the Administrative Court

Before you submit the application, you must already have a license to practice medicine or a professional license in Germany.  

You apply for recognition of your continuing education title as a specialist at the competent State Medical Association:

• First, submit your application and the required documents to the Medical Association of the federal state in which you would like to work.
• If necessary, you will be asked to submit missing documents.
• The competent authority will check whether your professional qualification is equivalent. The professional qualification is equivalent if there are no significant differences between your foreign professional qualification and the German professional qualification.
• If your specialist qualification is recognised, you can work in the profession in Germany. You will receive a notification.
   
  If significant differences are detected, the equivalence of your specialist qualification will not be certified:
• You will receive a justification.
• You can take an exam to prove the missing knowledge.
• If you successfully pass the exam, you will receive the recognition. You may then use the title "specialist" for your specialization.

You can take legal action against the decision of the competent authority within a certain period of time (for example, file an objection). The decision will then be reviewed. Details can be found in the information on the right of appeal at the end of your decision. We recommend that you first talk to the competent authority before taking legal action against the decision.

There is no deadline.