Doctors with training from third countries, recognition of professional qualifications
Source: BUS Rheinland-PfalzThe profession of doctor is regulated in Germany. This means that in order to work as a doctor in Germany without any restrictions, you need a license to practice. The license to practice medicine is the state approval for the profession. This means that you are not allowed to work independently as a doctor without a license to practice medicine.
You can also obtain a license to practice in Germany with a professional qualification from a so-called third country. Third countries are all states that do not belong to the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
In order to obtain a license to practice medicine, you must have your foreign professional qualification recognized.
In the recognition procedure, the competent authority compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification and checks the equivalence. The equivalence of the professional qualification is an important prerequisite for the granting of a license to practice.
In addition to the equivalence of the professional qualification, you must also meet other requirements for the license to be issued. Further requirements are, for example, sufficient German language skills and health suitability.
If your professional qualification comes from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, other regulations apply.
You can also apply for the procedure from abroad.