As reported by Deutsche Welle, there are two types of such permits: with an unlimited validity period (Approbation) or with a temporary restriction (Berufserlaubnis). What is required to obtain the necessary document? Work without restrictions
Approbation – this permit is not only unlimited in time but also valid throughout Germany. It is issued to graduates of medical faculties of German universities, as well as to doctors who received medical education in one of the EU countries, provided they speak German. And since April 2012, other foreign specialists can also obtain such a work permit.
The application for its receipt (Antrag auf Approbation) should be submitted to the district administration (Bezirksregierung) at the future place of work. The addresses of the authorities are posted on the website www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de. In the search engine, you should enter the city where you work or plan to work.
All documents for submitting an application are listed on the websites of district administrations. The list includes a resume in German, a copy of the diploma and its supplement, a transcript of records, certificates of completion of practical training (internship or practical year in Germany). The documents must contain an apostille and a translation into German by an authorized translator.
After receiving the application, the district administration carries out a check of professional qualifications for compliance with German standards. This procedure can take from a week to several months and cost between 130 and 1000 euros. The diploma will be recognized as equivalent if the differences in the duration of study and the content of the curriculum are insignificant. In addition, the commission considers accumulated work experience in the field of medicine.
Knowledge of German – mandatory!
A mandatory condition for admission to medical practice is proficiency in German at least at level B2. A certificate confirming knowledge of everyday German will be sufficient, for example, in Bavaria.
Other federal states also require proof of knowledge of medical German. For example, in North Rhine-Westphalia, language knowledge in medicine is tested in a special exam (Fachsprachprüfung) conducted by the state medical chambers (Ärztekammer) at the applicant's place of work. The exam situation is as close as possible to real working conditions in a German clinic. In 60 minutes, the ability to communicate with patients, maintain medical records, and exchange information with fellow doctors is tested.
In Thuringia, they require passing a communication test developed by the Freiburg International Academy (FIA). An alternative is having a telc Deutsch B2-C1 Medizin certificate. This certificate is recognized in many federal states.
The decisive exam for a doctor
Often, qualifications obtained outside the EU are deemed insufficient. In this case, you have to take an exam to test knowledge in the specialty (Kenntnisprüfung/Gleichwertigkeitsprüfung). In content, it corresponds to the second state exam in medicine at German universities. You can also register for the exam at the district administration. Taking it will cost several hundred euros. In case of failure, two retake attempts are allowed.
You can prepare for the exam on your own, or you can attend paid courses organized by, for example, the academy at the Berlin Charité clinic (Charité International Academy), some medical chambers, and private companies.
Doctor by invitation
The procedure for checking qualifications takes months. Therefore, for this period, you can obtain a temporary work permit as a doctor – Berufserlaubnis. This type of permit is also suitable for those who just want to work in a German clinic for a while to gain experience.
The temporary permit is issued for a maximum of two years, is valid for one federal state, and allows employment only with a specific employer. Such doctors are also called doctors by invitation – Gastarzt.
To obtain a temporary permit, the doctor must find an employer himself. The application is submitted to the district administration at the place of work or to the state authority for health and social affairs. The necessary forms can be found on the websites of these authorities. Depending on the federal state, this service can be either completely free or cost 100-200 euros.
All documents must be in German. Confirmation from the employer is required. Knowledge of German at level B2-C1 (depending on the federal state) is another mandatory condition. In some cases, knowledge of medical German is also required. After two years, a doctor planning to continue working in Germany may have the temporary permit extended if the situation in the clinic requires it. But the employer may also ask to undergo the qualification verification procedure.