The application form is a central document in the professional recognition procedure for international professionals. It is filled out and sent together with all required documents to the competent recognition authority of the chosen federal state.

Responsibility and availability

Each recognition authority in Germany provides its own application form that corresponds to the specific requirements of the respective federal state. The forms are generally available on the official websites of the competent recognition authorities and can be downloaded free of charge.
In most federal states, the form is available as a PDF file that must be filled out, printed, and signed by hand. Some federal states offer the possibility to fill out the form directly online. After online input, it can be saved, printed, and signed. The available options should be checked on the website of the respective recognition authority.

Structure of the application form

The application form is divided into several sections that request different information. The exact structure can vary depending on the federal state but follows a similar structure.

Personal and contact data

The first section of the form records personal data: name, nationality, date and place of birth. Additionally, the current address and contact details are requested. Those who are still abroad at the time of application submission can provide their address abroad. In this case, communication with the recognition authority generally takes place by email, especially for follow-up questions or requests for additional documents. For residence in Germany, the recognition authority often communicates additionally by mail.
International professionals who are abroad should attach a letter of authorization for a person residing in Germany (e.g., relatives or friends) to the application, as certain documents and information may only be transmitted by mail. This letter of authorization enables the authorized person to communicate with the recognition authority on behalf of the applicant and receive documents. Further information on how to issue a letter of authorization can be found here.

Type of requested professional licensing

In the application form, it must be stated which type of professional licensing is being applied for: the full professional license or the temporary professional license. The full professional license is the unlimited and unrestricted professional authorization that is valid in all federal states. It is recommended when one is still abroad as a healthcare professional and wishes to work in Germany long-term. It is advisable to apply for the full professional license as early as possible, even from abroad.
The temporary professional license is a time-limited authorization restricted to a specific workplace in a specific federal state. It is suitable for professionals who already live in Germany and have a concrete job offer with a fixed start date. The temporary professional license enables professional practice while compensatory measures such as the Knowledge Exam are still being completed.

Information on the recognition procedure

In this section, it must be explained whether an application for full professional license or temporary professional license has already been submitted in another federal state. It is generally not permitted to apply for recognition in multiple federal states simultaneously. Those who wish to change federal states after an application has already been submitted generally need new proof of credibility for the new federal state (e.g. a job offer or employment contract). The new recognition authority requests the documents from the previous authority. It may happen that some documents must be resubmitted in this process.

Qualifications and professional experience

This section records information on subject-specific and academic qualifications obtained abroad. This includes the name of the university, the country of training, the degree, and the graduation date. Additionally, information is required on the countries in which the professional has already worked as well as information on professional licenses issued abroad. This information helps the recognition authority examine the equivalence of the qualification and determine the required compensatory measures.

Declarations of no criminal record

In the last section of the form, it must be declared that no criminal convictions or proceedings exist in the country of origin or current country of residence. This declaration is required to prove personal suitability and reliability for practicing a healthcare profession. Official documents from the competent authorities must be attached to the application confirming that no criminal convictions exist. The exact requirements may differ depending on the federal state.

Important notes and practical tips

All information in the application form should be filled out correctly and completely. It is recommended to fill out the form on the computer to ensure legibility of writing and clarity of the entered data.
The completed form must be signed by hand in the designated place. The signature should be identical to the signature in the passport. Additionally, place and date of signature must be provided. All documents requiring a signature should be signed before submission. This also applies to curriculum vitae, declarations, and powers of attorney.
Those who are abroad at the time of application submission should attach a power of attorney for a person residing in Germany to the application. This power of attorney enables the authorized person to act on behalf of the applicant and receive postal mailings from the recognition authority.
Before filling out the form, the official website of the chosen recognition authority should be visited to inform oneself about current requirements and required documents. Each federal state may have specific requirements that are listed on the form or in the instructions for application submission.
The application should include all required documents. Missing or incomplete information leads to additional requests and delays processing. Careful review of the completed form before submission is therefore recommended.