Applying as an international doctor

Applying as an international doctor

Your application

Language certificate

Dear applicant,

To ensure good communication within the team and with our patients in the clinics, it is important that you already have German language skills. To be employed in our clinics and facilities, you need a language certificate with at least C1 level for a position as a doctor.


Your successful application should include the following:

  • A cover letter with details of the specialist area in which you would like to work in the future and information on whether you are flexible in terms of location or which region you prefer.
  • A tabular CV with your personal details, your previous professional activities and your educational qualifications. Both must be written in German.
  • A language certificate, at least C1.

In addition, if available:

  • A German licence to practise medicine or
  • A certificate of conformity
  • A certificate confirming that you have been practising medicine continuously and legally for at least three years

We can help you: Starting your career in Germany

To make it easier for you to find your way to us and get started in Germany, we have compiled some information for international doctors.

Here you will find a list of the authorities responsible for issuing licences to practise medicine:

Approbation

In order to practise medicine in Germany, your professional training acquired abroad must be recognised by means of a licence to practise medicine. The application process can take several months. The Approbation (licence to practise medicine) is valid indefinitely and throughout Germany.

The responsible authority will also inform you in case of further relevant document requirements.

 

Additional required documents

  • Complete Curriculum Vitae
  • Officially or notarised copy of your passport or identity card: This can sometimes lead to problems because civil status details may not be certified by many institutions. As a gesture of goodwill, simple confirmations from these institutions are often accepted.
  • Birth certificate (the same applies here as for the passport)
  • If applicable, a certificate regarding your name change (marriage certificate)
  • Proof of no criminal record (certificate of good conduct, extract from the criminal record)
  • Medical certificate stating that there are no indications that you are unfit to practise medicine for health reasons
  • Proof of sufficient German language skills: this is at least C1, some federal states also require a medical language test. 
  • Proof of completed medical education (diploma including transcript). If you have already practiced medicine, you will also need a Certificate of Good Standing from that country, usually issued by its medical chamber.
  • Documents must not be older than three months at the time the Approbation is issued. Exceptions: proof of medical education and language certificates.

As requirements vary between federal states, please check with the respective state authority.

Work & residence permits

Doctors from European Union (EU) countries do not need a work or residence permit. Since 1 January 2014, freedom of movement has also applied to doctors from Romania and Bulgaria. For all others, there is now a simplified procedure for applying for a Blue Card. In short, doctors from non-EU countries meet the requirements for the Blue Card if they receive a standard salary for full-time employment.

Information on eligibility requirements and the application procedure can be found here:

Insurances

Health insurance

If you change employers or register for the first time, you have the choice between statutory and private health insurance if you exceed the insurance threshold.

Pension insurance

As a doctor, you can be exempted from membership of the German Pension Insurance (DRV) as a member of a professional insurance scheme. This requires a separate application to the DRV. You can obtain the application for exemption from statutory insurance from your local medical association.

Income Tax ID

As soon as you register your place of residence with the registration office in your place of residence, you will automatically receive an income tax ID (identification number) from the tax authorities. You can find more information on this on the website of the Federal Central Tax Office.

Bank account

Germany has successfully completed the SEPA transition. It is now possible to have your salary transferred to an account in another EU country. However, there may still be significant additional costs for cash withdrawals and obtaining account statements. A German bank account continues to be advantageous and is therefore recommended.

Crediting of previous periods of employment abroad

In order to have previous periods of employment recognised in Germany, you must obtain a certificate of equivalence for your previous periods of employment. To do this, you must submit an application to the relevant state medical association and enclose your certificates and, if necessary, their translations in the original or as certified copies.

Current job vacancies

Jobs for doctors

Advance your medical career and become a doctor in Germany. Take a look at our current job vacancies!

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