A brief explanation of how to obtain a licence (Approbation) in Germany to practise medicine.
When beginning the journey to Germany as a medical graduate, this is where you will find the most often asked question. The following information is intended for medical graduates from the EU/EEA, particularly Poland. Whether you graduated from an EU/EEA country or a non-EU/EEA country will affect the process, which is slightly different (third country). However, other than a few more steps, the procedure largely stays the same.
Table of Contents
Let's start by going through the terms we'll be using throughout this series of posts.
Approbation: Full licence to practice medicine
Berufserlaubnis: Temporary licence to practice medicine (usually up to 2 years)
Landesprüfungsamt (LPA): Medical Council
Ärztekammer: Medical Chamber/Association
B2 Certificate: A certificate confirming that your level of general day-to-day German is at least B2 according to the CEFR.
Read more: How to prepare for B2 german level exam? – COMING SOON
Fachsprachprüfung (FSP): B2/C1 level medical German test according to the CEFR scale. Some states require you to speak medical German at a B2 level, while others test you at a C1 level. However, gradually more states are requiring and testing you at the C1 level. Please do not confuse the B2 general day-to-day level of German with the B2 or/and C1 medical level of German. They are two distinct things, and just because you speak C1 medical German doesn’t mean you can also speak C1 more general day-to-day German.
Read more: How to prepare for Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) / German Medcial Language Exam? – COMING SOON
Where to start?
In Germany, unlike many other nations, each federal state (Bundesland) is in charge of issuing medical professional licences, with some freedoms and flexibilities.
There are 16 federal states in total, and each one has its own medical council (LPA: Landesprüfungsamt). You may find a list of them here, along with their addresses and links to their respective websites.
One should not confuse between the Medical Councils and Medical Chambers (Ärztekammern).
What is the difference between Medical Council (LPA) and Medical Chamber (Ärztekammer)?
As you might expect, the medical council is the organisation in charge of issuing you a licence to practise medicine (Approbation). In order to get your medical education recognised in Germany, you apply to LPA.
You can take examinations like the Medical Language Exam (FSP), Knowledge Exam (KP: Kenntnisprüfung), Specialization Exam (Facharztprüfung), and many more exams pertaining to medicine at the Medical Chamber. They are the ones who recognised your further training and make frameworks to regulate specialist training.
Hence, Medical Council and Chamber work hand in hand when it comes to regulating and governing medicine
Which Medical Council (LPA) and/or Medical Chamber (Ärztekammer) is reponsible for me?
Medical Council (LPA)
There are 1 to 3 different ways LPAs govern this and it is highly depends on the state to state. Mainly they are:
- Either you have registered your main address in that state, hence you automatically fall under their jurisdiction or
- You have a concrete job offer from that particular state or
- You intend to work in that state. Hence, the Letter of Intent suffices. This option is valid only for very few LPAs.
Medical Chamber (Ärztekammer)
For exam purposes:
It is always the same state as the LPAs, where you applied for your licence.
Post-licencing:
It is always the one where you have registered your main address regardless of if you work in that state yet or not. You are legally obliged to register as soon as you are issued your licence (Approbation).
Read more: How to register with Medical Chamber/Association (Ärztekammer) ? – COMING SOON
What does it mean by “...registered your main address”?
If you plan to stay in Germany for longer than three months, you must legally register (Anmedlung) your address within 14 days of arrival. It could be either your primary home (Hauptwohnsitz) or a secondary home (Nebenwohnsitz). The registered main address serves as the basis for the majority of your legal obligations and jurisdiction.
Read more: How to register address in Germany? – COMING SOON
What are the most basic steps of the process?
These are absolute basics stem of the process for EU/EEA graduates. It must be clear that the procedure is significantly longer and more complicated.
- Getting the German general language certificate (CEFR- B2 level) from one of the recognised providers (e.g. Goethe, Telc etc.).
- Documents stating you have successfully fully completed your medical education.
- Apply at your responsible LPA to grant you the Approbation.
- After successful application at LPA, get an appointment and pass Medical German Exam (Fachsprachprüfung: FSP) at Ärztekammer. FSP is usually at the CEFR- B2/C1 level in medical language.
- Receiving Approbation in the mailbox.
Read more: How to apply for Approbation? – COMING SOON
Do you still have doubts and thoughts about this article, then please share them in the comment section?
Disclaimer: The information presented here is provided to the best of my knowledge and should be used for general informational purposes only. I do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and disclaim any liability for errors. It is essential to conduct your own research through official channels to make informed decisions. Additionally, any product recommendations are based on my personal opinions, and this post may contain affiliate links or coupons, which could result in a small commission for me at no extra cost to you. Your use of this information is at your own risk, and I am not responsible for any consequences that may arise.
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