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Featured route · Doctors & healthcare

Your medical career in Germany.

Doctors, dentists, pharmacists and nurses: we guide you through recognition, medical German, Approbation and your first hospital job, with our specialist brand MediPassage.Recognition, medical German, Approbation and your hospital job, step by step.

Who we helpNew rules 2026Your pathVisasYour next stepFAQ
Young doctor in a clinicMediPassage, part of EmbarkGermany
Who we help

Four professions, one clear path.

Each profession has its own recognition rules. We know them and plan your route from day one.

Approbation

Doctors

Recognition, medical German C1, knowledge test and temporary licence, then specialist training.

Approbation

Dentists

Recognition of your dental degree, medical German and the knowledge test for dentists.

Approbation

Pharmacists

Recognition, pharmacy German and the knowledge test, then work in a public or hospital pharmacy.

Recognition

Nurses

Recognition as a registered nurse (Pflegefachfrau or Pflegefachmann), German B2 and an adaptation course or knowledge test.

New rules 2026

Recognition gets faster.

A new federal law changes the procedure for doctors, dentists, pharmacists and midwives from outside the EU.

Doctor measuring a patient's blood pressurePlanned from 1 November 2026

The knowledge test becomes the standard route.

Until now the authority first compared your documents line by line. Under the new law the knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung) is the standard route, and the document comparison only happens if you ask for it.

  • You choose your procedure within four weeks of applying
  • Certified copies are no longer needed in most cases
  • The professional standard for Approbation stays the same
B2general German
C1medical German exam
€5,722junior doctor pay per month (public hospitals, from June 2026)

Sources: Bundestag, law to speed up recognition in the health professions (2026); TV-Ärzte/VKA pay table from 1 June 2026. We check the current rules for your case.

Doctor talking with a patient§ 16d
National visa (D)

Recognition visa for healthcare professionals

Come to Germany to complete what is missing for full recognition: an adaptation course, preparation for the knowledge test or supervised work.

Up to 24 months, at most 3 years in total
  • 01Recognition notice from the German authority that names what is missing
  • 02Place in a course, exam preparation or a supervised job
  • 03German that fits the measure, at least A2 and often B1 or higher
  • 04Proof that your living costs are covered

Up to 20 hours a week of other work is allowed alongside.

Start with this visa
Young doctor in scrubs§ 18a/b · § 18g
National visa (D)

Work visa for doctors and nurses

With your Approbation, temporary licence or nursing recognition and a job offer, you come as a skilled worker or with the EU Blue Card.

Up to 4 years, then settlement
  • 01Approbation, temporary licence (Berufserlaubnis) or nursing recognition
  • 02Employment contract with a hospital, practice or care provider
  • 03Doctors: German B2 and the medical German exam (C1)
  • 04Approval of the Federal Employment Agency where required

Doctors' pay is well above the EU Blue Card threshold for shortage occupations (€45,934.20 per year in 2026).

Start with this visa
Your next step

Where do you stand?

Two answers and you see your next step. We check your full profile for free.

Your next step

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What we do for you

  • 01Recognition file and contact with the authority
  • 02German plan from B2 to medical C1
  • 03Preparation for the language exam and knowledge test
  • 04Hospital applications and interviews
  • 05Visa, arrival, housing and family reunion

Job placement for applicants from countries on the WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguards List runs only through the Federal Employment Agency (ZAV).

Book a free profile check Visit medipassage.de
FAQ

Medical careers, answered.

How long does the Approbation take?

Plan for about one to two years from your first document to the licence. The biggest factor is how quickly you reach B2 and the medical German exam.

Which German level do I need?

Doctors, dentists and pharmacists need general German at B2 and must pass a medical German exam at C1. Nurses usually need B2. Details differ between federal states.

Can I work before the Approbation?

Often yes. With a temporary licence (Berufserlaubnis) doctors can work under supervision while they prepare, usually for up to two years.

What changes on 1 November 2026?

Under the new law the knowledge test becomes the standard route to Approbation for applicants from outside the EU. The detailed document comparison is only done on request. The start date depends on the final federal regulation.

Can my family come with me?

Yes. Your spouse and children can join you. With an EU Blue Card your spouse does not need to show German skills.

Do you guarantee the Approbation?

No one can. The state authorities decide. We make sure your file is complete and that you are well prepared for the exams.

Start your medical career in Germany.

Send us your degree, your German level and your work experience. We reply with your route, your timeline and a fixed price.

Start your enquiry