The Info Portal provides international healthcare professionals with structured information on entry to Germany, professional recognition, entering the workforce a career in Germany. All content is organized and building into four phases and presented in structured articles.

The articles in the Info Portal are divided into four phases:

Phase 1: Travel Preparation. This phase covers all articles on organizational topics before entering Germany.

Phase 2: Professional Recognition. This phase covers all articles on everyday life in Germany, the professional recognition process, and obtaining the professional license (Approbation).

Phase 3: Job Entry. This phase covers all articles on job search, required application documents, and important information on employment contracts.

Phase 4: Career. This phase covers all articles on building a career in Germany – from specialist training and financial planning to naturalization.

Content in the Info Portal is organized by the four phases. Each phase covers four topic areas, under which the relevant articles can be found – from travel preparation through the recognition process to career development in Germany. Simply select a phase and a topic to discover the relevant articles. Specific content can also be found directly using the search function.

The tools have been developed specifically for international healthcare professionals. They support difficult decision-making, simplify the creation of important application documents, and allow for quick comparisons of federal states, requirements, and other criteria.

Like the Freiburger Bund as a whole, the Info Portal is aimed at international healthcare professionals – in particular physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and nurses who wish to have their qualifications recognized in Germany and practice their profession here long-term.

At the end of each article, there is an option to navigate directly to the relevant section of the Community Portal. There, questions can be posted in the relevant forums and answered by other community members who have already gone through this process.

Yes, every article has an audio function that allows the article to be read aloud in the selected language.

The costs vary depending on the country of origin, course fees, and personal standard of living. A detailed cost overview of all incurred travel and living expenses can be found here.

Yes, this is possible. What is decisive for the application is not the current place of residence, but the intended place of employment. Recognition should be applied for in the location where employment is intended. Changing federal states during an ongoing recognition procedure is complicated and significantly delays the recognition process. An overview of housing in the federal states in comparison can be found here.

Accepted are rental apartments, shared-room accommodations, rooms in dormitories, accommodation with relatives or friends, and hotel rooms. Valid proof includes rental contracts, booking confirmations, or letters of invitation with proof of residence of the inviting person. The specific requirements depend on the visa type and should be reviewed on the website of the responsible German embassy. Further information on the different visa types can be found here.

The letter of invitation must include complete and correct information for both parties. Additionally required are a copy of the ID or residence permit as well as proof of residence of the inviting person, for example through a rental contract. The exact requirements may vary depending on the embassy.

Yes, ideally a duration of two to four months should be stated.

Yes, a roommate can issue a letter of invitation as proof of accommodation for the visa application. This informal letter must include information about the host, the invited person, the accommodation address, and the period of stay. Ideally, the main tenant issues the letter, as they are legally responsible for the apartment. Additionally, a copy of the host’s ID or residence permit should be enclosed. Further information on the topic of housing in Germany can be found here.

Ideally, accommodation should be arranged before entry, at least for the first few weeks. Finding housing in Germany can often take longer than expected and be challenging. Securing accommodation for the initial period avoids stress upon arrival and facilitates settling in. Those with contacts can stay temporarily with acquaintances and search for permanent accommodation from there. Further information on different housing options can be found here.

No, there is no such requirement.

Yes. It can be presented as a printout together with the rest of the required documents.

For visa approval, it is crucial that the language requirements for the respective visa are met. Most visas require a passed language certificate – all examination components must be passed. In some cases, embassies also review individual grades more closely. Additionally, the language proficiency level can be assessed during the visa interview. Further information on visa approval requirements can be found here.

This depends on the visa being applied for. For some visas, a B2 certificate is already a requirement. With the Opportunity Card, for example, a higher language level results in more points in the scoring system. Generally, a B2 level is advantageous as it can speed up recognition procedures in Germany later. Those under time pressure can initially enter with B1 and take the B2 examination later in Germany. Often, the examinations there are even easier. The exact requirements for the respective visa should be checked in advance on the website of the responsible German embassy. Further information on visa approval requirements can be found here.

In some cases, yes – however, this depends on the respective federal state and the assessment by the responsible recognition authority.

Generally, it is valid for one year from the date of passing the exam.

This depends on the type of visa being applied for. For a language course visa, the course must include at least 18 teaching hours per week in person. A specific language level is not required – courses from A1 to C2 are possible. For a recognition visa (when the language course is part of the qualification measures), German language skills at A2 level are required before entry, and B1 level for healthcare professions. The language course in Germany should prepare for the level required for recognition. This course should also include at least 18 teaching hours per week in person. Further information on requirements for a language course visa or a visa for professional recognition can be found in the Info Portal.

Ideally, the language institute should be reachable within one hour by public transport.

The announcement of results varies depending on the examination center and the number of participants. Current information on the publication of examination results can be found on the respective examination center’s website.

Generally not, if the person is already in Germany. For visa procedures, language certificates are only recognized if the examination date is more than one year ago. If a longer gap is planned, it may be advisable to include a brief explanation with the visa application.

With a B1 certificate, a separate B2 course must first be completed. A combined B2/C1 professional language course is not sufficient in this case.

Each examination center handles this individually. As a rule, no refund is provided. The exact conditions can be found on the respective examination center’s website.

The additional requirements may include, for example, German language skills at B2 level or the submission of original certificates. However, this depends on the respective federal state and the responsible recognition authority. Detailed information on the different requirements by federal state can be found in this table.

All documents that were already submitted with the visa application or recognition application should be carried in original form. Additionally, beyond the application documents, a vaccination certificate or driver’s license may also be required. Detailed information on applications for visa or recognition can be found under the topics of visa and recognition.

Academic degrees and certificates generally do not lose their validity, provided they have been properly certified. However, certain documents such as a certificate of good conduct, medical certificate of fitness, or certificate of no objection typically have a limited period of validity.

Documents from abroad must first be officially certified in the country of origin – depending on the country, either through an apostille (international certification) or legalization (consular certification). Only after this is the translation into German carried out by a sworn translator in Germany. The certification must also be translated. In countries where certification is not possible due to the political situation, the German mission abroad can provide support with the verification process. Further information on important documents in the application for professional recognition can be found here.

When shipping, certified copies are the safer option, as original documents can be damaged or lost. Once the documents have been received by the recognition center, the center is responsible for their secure storage.

Procedures vary depending on the authority: Some offices digitalize the documents and then destroy them (e.g. Upper Bavaria). Others retain them and return them after issuing the decision or upon arrival in Germany. Embassies typically return originals when returning the passport or in case of rejection.

Whether academic degree documents can be reissued depends on the respective university in the country of origin. Most universities issue duplicates or certified second copies for a fee. For other documents such as birth certificates or certificates of good conduct, the relevant authorities in the country of origin are responsible.

In this case, the embassy should be informed that the originals have already been submitted to the recognition authority. The embassy will note this in the system.

The choice of federal state depends on personal life circumstances. The following factors should be included in the individual decision: existing contacts with family, friends, or acquaintances on-site, concrete job offers, one’s own budget (cost of living varies by region), the availability of affordable housing, or special integration programs. An overview of the differences between the federal states is shown in the overview table. Basic facts about the respective federal states and initial guidance for choosing a federal state can be found here.

Yes, in the federal states of Bremen, Hesse, and Saarland, the recognition certificate cannot be issued to international healthcare professionals who are not yet in Germany. For all other federal states, the application for professional recognition is also possible from outside Germany. Further information on the professional recognition procedure by federal state can be found here.

Most application forms can be downloaded and filled out either by hand or electronically. To ensure that all information is clearly legible and correctly recorded, it is recommended to fill out the form on a computer and then print it out. However, the signature must always be handwritten. Some applications can now be submitted entirely digitally. Further information on application forms in the visa or recognition can be found on the Freiburger Bund Info Portal.

Yes, in the federal states of Bavaria (only Munich), Rhineland Pfalz and Thuringia, no proof of language proficiency is required for applying for professional recognition. Further information on the professional recognition procedure by federal state can be found here.

In most federal states, the certificate is valid indefinitely, except for Bavaria, where it is only valid for a maximum of 2 years.

A handwritten signature is generally preferred and recommended.

Generally, documents relating to personal information, academic background, and clearance are required for a professional recognition application. Depending on the federal state, additional documents may be required. The responsible recognition authority provides information on this in each case. Further information on the required documents for professional recognition as well as on the recognition procedure by federal state is compiled in the recognition certificate topic.

No, this is not permitted by law. However, changing to another federal state officially is possible.

Yes, it is recommended to securely store digital copies of all translated documents both in the original language and in German as separate files.

Depending on the federal state, there are different forms of evidence to demonstrate intent. Generally, the following evidence for the connection to a federal state can be provided:

• Job offer or employment contract
• Statement of intended place of recognition by the Central Service Point for Professional Recognition (ZSBA)
• Registration certificate from the place of residence
• Course registration

An overview of the possible forms of evidence to demonstrate intent in each federal state can be found in the table on professional recognition. Further information on evidence of intent in the professional recognition procedure can be found here.

Processing of the recognition application typically takes three to four months, although in some federal states, processing can also be longer.

As a rule, translations should be made in Germany by sworn translators. However, sometimes translations by authorized translators in the country of origin are also permitted. This should be researched on the website of the responsible authority. Contact information for authorized translators is provided by the respective German embassies.

The recognition authority can be reached by email, phone, or mail. Contact information can be found on the respective website of the competent recognition authority. A list of recognition authorities by federal state can be found here.

Yes, missing documents can be submitted subsequently, provided the existing reference number is cited.

Whether German language certificates from language institutes in the country of origin are recognized depends on the respective recognition authority and federal state. Certificates from recognized examination providers such as Goethe-Institut, telc, or ÖSD are reliably accepted – regardless of where the examination was taken. For certificates from other providers, inquiries should be made with the responsible authority in advance. Further information on German language examinations can be found here.

The curriculum is generally not required for the recognition decision. However, it play an important role in the academic recognition procedure as well as the recognition of completed coursework in Germany, as the study content is compared with German standards there. Further information on academic recognition as well as transfer of credits from incomplete degree programs can be found in the respective topic areas.

This depends on the type of license. With a full medical license (Approbation), yes – it is valid nationwide. With a temporary professional permit (Berufserlaubnis), generally no – it is restricted to the issuing federal state and must be applied for again in the new federal state.

Yes, deviating spellings can be problematic. All documents should ideally have the same spelling of the name. In case of deviations, a certified declaration with official translation is generally required.

There is no average waiting period for this. The waiting time for an appointment at a German embassy depends on the respective country, demand, and number of staff. Sometimes embassies indicate current waiting times on their websites. Further information on the on-site-appointment for visa applications can be found here.

At least three months should be planned between the on-site appointment at the Germany embassy and the course start date. The processing of national visas can also take longer, especially if follow-up questions arise or additional documents need to be submitted. Further information on the on-site appointment at the embassy can be found here.

A visa application can generally only be submitted at the embassy responsible for one’s place of residence. Those not residing in their home country must provide proof of a valid residence permit for the country in which the application is to be submitted. An application at a non-responsible embassy will result in rejection. The exact requirements should be clarified with the respective embassy in advance. Further information on the on-site-appointment for visa applications can be found here.

Yes, in most cases the appointment can be rescheduled via the online system or by email – depending on the procedure of the respective embassy. Further information on the on-site-appointment for visa applications can be found here.

Generally, there is no problem. However, it is recommended not to cancel appointment multiple times without reason to avoid delays in the visa application. Further information on the on-site-appointment for visa applications can be found here.

Usually, nothing happens. However, it is always better to inform the embassy in advance. Repeated failure to appear without cancellation can negatively affect future appointment scheduling. Further information on the on-site-appointment for visa applications can be found here.

There is no set age limit. However, from the age of 45 onwards, additional evidence such as future plans or employment intentions may be required.

The photo must be biometric: 35 × 45 mm in size, with a plain light-colored background (ideally neutral grey), taken frontally with a neutral facial expression and closed mouth. Glasses are permitted provided there are no reflections on the lenses, the frame does not cover the eyes, and the lenses are not tinted. Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons, whereby the face must remain visible from chin to forehead.

For a Schengen visa or short-term stays, the insurance must cover medical emergency treatment, hospital stays, and repatriation in case of illness or death with minimum of 30,000 Euros. It must be valid throughout the Schengen area and recognized by German authorities. For national visas or long-term stays, statutory or private health insurance with comprehensive coverage is required. Further information on health insurance for visa applications can be found here.

The entry date should be planned realistically and stated with sufficient buffer time. For Schengen visas, the processing time is approximately 2 weeks; for national visas (recognition, study, work, family reunification), however, it is 2 – 4 months or longer. The visa is generally issued with 90 days validity from the date of issuance, allowing flexible entry within this period. It is important to submit the application as early as possible – ideally several months before the planned course, program or work start date. Further information on visa types and their application can be found here.

Most embassies offer information by email, phone, or through contact forms on their website. The specific contact options and office hours are listed on the respective embassy’s website.

German embassies generally prefer German or English. Some embassies also accept the respective national language, provided appropriate staff are available.

Sufficient financial means can usually be proven through a blocked account, a declaration of commitment, a scholarship, or an official employment contract. Which specific proof is required depends on the respective visa type. Further information on proof of financing for visa applications can be found here.

The minimum amount in the blocked account depends on the visa type and purpose of stay and is regularly adjusted. For the recognition visa for professional recognition, it is currently 1,091 Euros per month, which equals 13,092 Euros for 12 months (as of 2025). The current minimum amounts for the specific visa type should be verified with the responsible German embassy or on their website. Further information on proof of financing for visa applications can be found here.

The blocked account typically serves as proof of financing for the first year of stay. For the extension of the residence permit after the first year, new proof of financing must be submitted. Further information on proof of financing for visa applications can be found here.

Yes, a refund is possible. This requires an official document from the embassy, such as a rejection or cancellation letter, to be submitted to the bank.

The amount should be deposited into the blocked account at least 3 to 4 weeks before the visa appointment. International transfers can take up to two weeks, and the bank’s confirmation must be submitted with the visa application. Early deposit avoids delays in the visa application process. Further information on proof of financing for visa applications can be found here.

No, income statements or tax returns alone are generally not sufficient to prove financial means. However, they may be submitted as supporting documents to demonstrate sufficient financial resources as part of the visa application. Detailed information on accepted forms of proof of financial means for the visa application can be found here.

The most important requirement for a guarantor is a regular and sufficient income. The amount of income required depends on the guarantor’s individual circumstances. Further information about the requirements and submission of a declaration of commitment can be found here.

The person living in Germany who wishes to act as a guarantor issues the declaration of commitment. To do this, the sponsoring person contacts the responsible immigration office at their place of residence in person, submits proof of income, and signs the declaration on-site. The original is then forwarded to the person entering the country, who submits the declaration of commitment with the visa application at the Germany embassy. More detailed information on the application process can be found here.

No, both options are officially recognized as proof of sufficient financial means. Further information on proof of financing for visa applications can be found here.

This depends on the country of issuance. Driver’s license from the EU or the European Economic Area are permanently recognized in Germany and do not need to be converted. Driver’s licenses from third countries are generally only valid for six to twelve months. After that, conversion to a German driver’s license is required. Further information on driving in Germany can be found here.

Registration at the residents’ registration office must be completed within two weeks of moving in to avoid fines. Those who book an appointment on time, even if it takes place later, have met the deadline. The appointment confirmation should be kept as proof.

Late registration can result in fines of up to 1,000 Euros. In practice, short delays typically incur fines of 10 to 50 Euros, and clerks often show leniency. Registration must be completed within two weeks of moving in.

Yes, the landlord can retain the deposit for up to six months after the end of the contract to review and settle outstanding claims such as rental debts, ancillary costs, or damages. After that, the remaining amount must be refunded.

No. There is a statutory health insurance obligation in Germany. Those living in Germany without valid insurance coverage risk fines and must bear the full cost of medical treatment in case of illness. Further information on health insurance in Germany can be found here.

Le numéro d’identification fiscale est attribué par courrier à votre adresse de domiciliation par l’Office central fédéral des impôts après avoir effectué l’enregistrement du domicile. Cela prend en moyenne quatre semaines. Si l’obtention de ce numéro est urgente, vous pouvez directement contacter le centre des impôts compétent. Vous trouverez plus d’informations sur le numéro d’identification fiscale en Allemane ici.

Yes, those wishing to stay in Germany for longer than three months require a residence title. This is applied for at the responsible immigration office, ideally shortly after entry. There is no legally prescribed deadline for this. However, it is recommended to submit the application early, as processing can take some time.

Recognition of the telc B2/C1 Medicine examination changes regularly and can vary by federal state. According to current information, it is recognized in some federal states such as Hesse, Saarland, and Schleswig-Holstein. However, most federal states require the professional language exam at the respective State Medical Association. It is strongly recommended to inquire with the responsible licensing authority of the respective federal state before registering for the examination to determine which examination is accepted there. An overview of requirements for professional recognition in healthcare professions by federal state can be found here.

For visa procedures, the language certificate should generally not be older than one year. For recognition procedures, there is no uniform deadline. However, authorities may require proof that language skills are current – for example, through work or language courses in Germany. It is recommended to inquire in advance with the responsible authority about which requirements apply. Further information on recognized German language exams can be found here.

For the required B2 certificate, ALTE-certified institutes are recognized, including Goethe-Institut, telc, TestDaF, and ÖSD. Only in a few federal states are alternative examination providers accepted. It is recommended to inquire with the responsible licensing authority about which examinations are recognized. Further information on recognized German language exams can be found here.

Postponement may be possible if a request is submitted in time. Depending on the regulations of the respective federal state, additional fees may apply.

Examination fees can be covered in some cases, for example, through training providers or government funding programs. Whether funding is possible depends on the individual situation. Direct information is provided by the respective course organization or the responsible training provider.

No. Neither clinical observation nor a preparatory course is mandatory. However, both are recommended, as targeted preparation significantly increases the chances of success.

There is no limit on the number of attempts. The examination can be retaken multiple times if not passed.

Generally, three types of courses are recommended: an intensive course on communication and interaction (depending on the specialization), a professional language course at C1 level, and a simulation course for the professional language exam. The Freiburg International Academy offers all three courses – both full-time and part-time. Further information and registration can be found here.

Depending on the federal state, registration fees currently range between 390 – 600 Euro. An overview of the respective current examination fees by federal state can be found here.

As a rule, the following documents are required: the recognition certificate, a B2 language certificate, a registration certificate, and the official application form. Depending on the federal state, additional documentation may be required. Further information on the required documents for the registration for the professional language exam by federal state can be found here.

Yes, professional experience from the home country is viewed as an advantage in the job search and, in some federal states, can also be positively factored into the evaluation of the recognition application.

Yes. Recognition of a foreign specialist medical qualification is possible. However, it requires that the medical professional qualifications have already been recognized in Germany. The application is submitted to the responsible State Medical Chamber, which examines whether the qualification can be recognized as equivalent.