Doctors

Working as an international doctor in Germany

Demand for well-trained doctors continues to grow. According to projections (e.g. KBV / PwC study "Doctor Shortage 2030"), Germany is expected to lack over 110,000 doctors by 2030. Well-qualified doctors with international qualifications and several years of professional experience therefore have excellent prospects of securing attractive positions at German hospitals. Language proficiency is a key requirement for practising medicine in Germany.

Would you like to work as an international doctor in Germany?

We support you in finding a job and guide you from preparing your entry and visa formalities through the recognition procedure to starting work as a doctor at a German hospital.

Our services

• Arranging accommodation
• Providing the necessary specialist language skills
• Personal support and advice during language courses on all organisational and application matters
• Help completing your documents for application and recognition procedures
• Placement in suitable positions at German hospitals
• Legal advice and support when applying for and obtaining a temporary medical licence or full German medical licensure

Current Situation & Perspectives in German Hospitals

Healthcare in Germany is undergoing a profound demographic shift: with the upcoming retirement of the baby boomer generation, the shortage of medical doctors will intensify significantly by 2030. According to recent surveys by the German Hospital Institute (DKI Hospital Barometer 2024), nearly 80% of German hospitals are already unable to fill vacant physician positions from the domestic labor market. In nursing, staffing shortages affect over 85% of facilities.

Facilitated Pathways for International Doctors

Germany relies increasingly on integrating qualified international professionals. The Federal Recognition Act guarantees foreign doctors the legal right to have their medical degrees assessed for equivalence. Modernized legislation – including the Fast-Track Procedure for Skilled Workers (§ 81a AufenthG) and Recognition Partnerships under the updated Skilled Immigration Act (FEG) – enables significantly more efficient visa and recognition workflows today.

Arnold Personalagentur supports you step by step through this process – from document evaluation and the Specialist Language Examination (FSP) to successful placement in German hospitals.

Medical specialties in which we place doctors

• Surgery, oncology
• Anaesthesiology, gynaecology
• Internal medicine and general practice
• Orthopaedics (including rehabilitation centres)
• Neurology (including rehabilitation centres)

German medical licensure

Earning potential for doctors in Germany is very attractive:
A resident doctor earns an entry-level average of around €62,000 to €67,000 gross per year (base salary), equivalent to approx. €5,200 to €5,600 gross per month (plus duty and shift allowances). By comparison, an entry-level primary school teacher in Germany earns around €45,000 per year.

Recognition for doctors from third countries (non-EU/EEA countries)
Since the Professional Qualifications Assessment Act came into force on 1 April 2012, doctors from third countries have also been able to obtain full German medical licensure. This requires an assessment of the equivalence of the medical degree completed abroad by the competent authority. If equivalence is recognised, full medical licensure is granted without a knowledge examination.

Temporary medical licence & FSP

If full equivalence is not established, a temporary medical licence (usually for up to two years) can be issued. Proof of a Specialist Language Examination (FSP) has been required for both temporary licensing and full licensure since April 2015.
The FSP is taken before an examination board of three physicians, lasts approx. 60 minutes, and takes place at the competent district government. Registration and appointment scheduling usually take 6–8 weeks; exam results are typically sent by email the following day.

Requirements for a successful application

• 3–5 years of professional experience as a doctor
• German language skills of at least C1 level (general language)
• Completed C1 German FSP preparation course for medical professionals

Language preparation with DEUTSCH FOR DOCS

We cooperate with the specialist language school Deutsch for Docs, which specialises in medical communication and documentation (patient histories, findings, treatment, medical reports, discharge reports and more). – DEUTSCH FOR DOCS – Medical communication and documentation: Intercultural and language training in preparation for the Specialist Language Examination and for obtaining work permission and/or Approbation.
Link: DEUTSCH FOR DOCS - Information: DEUTSCH FOR DOCS Flyer (PDF)

Job placement

After you have successfully passed the examinations, our agency places you in suitable positions throughout Germany according to your individual preferences.
Benefit from our network of more than 2,000 hospitals and clinics and our comprehensive support throughout the application process:

• Job interview coaching
• Advice on contract negotiations
• Support in dealings with public authorities
• Coordination of your entry (work visa application)

Required documents

To practise medicine in Germany, you need the following documents (each as a copy and certified translation):

Important note

The invoice for the recruitment fee is issued only after you have been hired or successfully started work in Germany.
By arrangement, the invoice amount can be paid in monthly instalments. If required, we can also arrange another placement in your preferred specialty or federal state.