Berufserlaubnis for Doctors and Pharmacists – Frequently Asked Questions

If you are a doctor or pharmacist looking to work in Germany, understanding the steps of the employment process is essential. One of the key steps, after finding an employer, is applying for a professional licence: either the temporary one (Berufserlaubnis) or the permanent one (Approbation). Below you will find answers to the most common questions about the temporary licence.

What Is the Berufserlaubnis

The Berufserlaubnis is a temporary licence to practise medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy in Germany. It allows you to work as a doctor or pharmacist – typically under the supervision of a colleague holding an Approbation – while the competent authority reviews your documentation and before you pass the Kenntnisprüfung (knowledge examination) required for the full licence, the Approbation.

Who Can Obtain It

The Berufserlaubnis is issued to doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who completed their training outside the EU/EEA – including candidates from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo. EU citizens holding an EU-recognised degree (e.g. from Croatia or Slovenia) proceed directly to the Approbation under the automatic recognition rules.

What Are the Requirements

• A completed medical or pharmacy degree whose qualification is deemed equivalent to the German standard, as assessed by the competent authority;
• a specific position in Germany (a contract or a binding job offer from a hospital or pharmacy);
• German language proficiency: general level B2 and a passed Fachsprachprüfung at C1 level before the relevant chamber – in most federal states this is a requirement for the Berufserlaubnis as well, not only for the Approbation;
• medical fitness (health certificate) and a clean criminal record.

Who Issues the Berufserlaubnis

The licence is issued by the competent authority of the federal state in which you will be working. Depending on the state, this may be the state ministry of health, the health and social affairs authority (e.g. LAGeSo in Berlin, Regierung von Oberbayern in Bavaria), or the state examination office. The licence is valid only within that particular state and for the specific position stated in your application. To find out which authority is responsible in your state, refer to our Anerkennung guide.

How Long Is It Valid

The Berufserlaubnis is issued for a maximum total period of two years – typically one year initially, with the option to extend for a further year. During this time, you are expected to pass the Kenntnisprüfung and obtain the Approbation. Extensions beyond two years are granted only in exceptional circumstances.

How Much Does It Cost

The administrative fee ranges from approximately €100 to €500, depending on the federal state. Additional costs include certified translations, the Fachsprachprüfung (€350–500), and eventually the Kenntnisprüfung. Many hospitals cover a portion of these expenses – check the terms of your employment contract.

How Long Does the Process Take

From the submission of a complete application to the issuance of the licence, the process typically takes two to six months; if additional bodies are involved (e.g. a degree assessment by ZAB), it may take longer. Incomplete or incorrectly certified documents are the most common cause of delays.

Which Documents Need to Be Certified

All copies submitted must be officially certified – both the originals and translations prepared by a sworn translator for the German language. Degree certificates must carry an Apostille stamp. The competent authority will often also request a transcript of records with contact hours, proof of specialisation and work experience, and a tabular CV in German.

Berufserlaubnis or Straight to Approbation

If you have the time to wait for a decision on degree equivalence and to pass the Kenntnisprüfung before relocating to Germany, you may apply directly for the Approbation. In practice, however, the majority of doctors from the Western Balkans first obtain the Berufserlaubnis, begin working and earning a salary, and then sit the Kenntnisprüfung from within Germany – a faster and more financially manageable route. For an overview of the Fachsprachprüfung and how to prepare for it, read this article.

Sources: Bundesärzteordnung (§ 10), Bundesapothekerordnung, anerkennung-in-deutschland.de.

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