Nurses
Recognition of your nursing qualification, German at B2 and the way into a German hospital.
Working in Germany
Work as a doctor in Germany
Residents in specialist training or experienced specialists: German hospitals are looking for doctors. We guide you through the medical licence, the language exam and the visa into your new department.
We know how German hospitals and authorities work – and connect you with departments that match your specialty and your plans.
What you need
Recognition is handled by the authority of the federal state where you will work; details can differ between states. The responsible authority makes the binding decision.
- A completed medical degree
- General German skills (usually B2) and the medical language exam at C1 level
- Documents on your studies, practical training and professional experience
- Medical fitness and a certificate of good conduct
Your path to Germany
- 01
Getting to know you
We discuss your specialty, experience and goals and review your documents.
- 02
Apply for the licence
We prepare the application with you and arrange courses for the language exam and the knowledge test.
- 03
Hospital and visa
We find a suitable department and support you with the employment contract and visa application.
- 04
Arrival
Onboarding, specialist training, housing and authorities – we stay by your side.
Medical licence (Approbation) and temporary permit
To work as a doctor in Germany permanently, you need the Approbation, the full medical licence. Degrees from the EU are usually recognised automatically. For degrees from other countries, the responsible state authority checks whether your studies are equivalent.
If there are substantial differences, you take a knowledge test. Until you receive the Approbation, a temporary permit to practise (Berufserlaubnis) can be issued, which already lets you work as a doctor.
Medical language exam
Before the licence or the temporary permit, you prove your medical German at C1 level in the medical language exam (Fachsprachprüfung), usually at the state medical association. It covers the conversation with patients, documentation and communication within the team.
We arrange preparation courses and practise the typical exam situations with you.
Visa, specialist training and pay
With the licence or temporary permit and an employment contract, doctors from outside the EU receive a residence permit as skilled workers, often the EU Blue Card. There are separate residence permits for preparing for the knowledge test.
In the hospital you work as a resident in specialist training or as a specialist. Pay usually follows a collective agreement, for example TV-Ärzte.
Open positions
Personal support from application to a successful start
Are you working in the medical field and would like to shape your professional future in Germany? SBP Management guides international professionals individually and transparently through the necessary steps.
- German language courses and linguistic preparation
- Visa and entry
- Recognition of foreign professional qualifications
- Recognition of additional qualifications and further training
- Family reunification
- Finding accommodation and initial administrative steps
- Salary classification and consideration of professional experience, where applicable
- Preparation, onboarding, and integration in German hospitals
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the licence before I come to Germany?
No. You can come to Germany to prepare for the knowledge test or start with a temporary permit. Which route suits you, we clarify once we have reviewed your documents.
Can I do my specialist training in Germany?
Yes. Specialist training takes place in the hospital and is regulated by the state medical association. A specialist title obtained abroad can be recognised separately.
How do I prepare for the language exam and the knowledge test?
There are specialised courses, in person and online. We recommend suitable ones and plan the exams with you so that you can start in the hospital quickly.
Do I have to pay for SBP Management's support?
No. Our support is free of charge for applicants; the employer covers the costs.
Other professions
Midwives
Recognition as a midwife and the way into the delivery room of a German hospital.
OR, anaesthesia, radiology, lab
Operating room and anaesthesia technicians, radiographers and lab technologists (OTA, ATA, MTR, MTL).
Sterile processing and instruments
Reprocessing of medical devices (CSSD/AEMP), instrument care and lead positions.