Germany Healthcare License Equivalency for Indian Qualifications in 2026
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Germany healthcare license equivalency for Indian qualifications in 2026 involves Anerkennung review, German language exams, possible Kenntnisprüfung, temporary work permits, and final approbation to practice independently.
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Table of Contents
- Approbation in Germany: Recognition of Indian Healthcare Qualifications
- Recognition of Indian Medical Degrees in Germany
- Eligibility Criteria for German Medical License for Indian Doctors
- German Language Requirements for Indian Doctors
- What is Fachsprachprüfung (FSP)?
- Do Indians Need to Take Kenntnisprüfung in Germany?
- Temporary Medical License (Berufserlaubnis) for Indians
- Gleichwertigkeitsprüfung (Equivalence Check) for Medical License in Germany
- Step-by-Step Licensing Process for Doctors in Germany
- Processing Time and Costs for Approbation in Germany
- Doctor Salary in Germany
- Career Growth After Approbation in Germany for Indian Doctors
- Tips to Pass Germany Healthcare License Equivalency for Indian Qualifications
- Worried About Germany Healthcare License Equivalency for Indian Qualifications? Connect with GetGIS
It is a well-known fact that Germany is in dire need of healthcare professionals, but only an Indian degree is not enough to start working in the country. Your qualification has to be first officially recognised, which is called Approbation, and it’s how Germany checks if your qualification matches their standards.
It might feel complicated at first, but it’s actually quite doable when you understand the steps. In this blog, we will explain Germany healthcare license equivalency for Indian qualifications in 2026, which exams you may need, why German language skills matter, and how long the process usually takes, with the expected costs.
Approbation in Germany: Recognition of Indian Healthcare Qualifications
In Germany, you must have an Approbation to start working as a doctor. This is the main medical license across Germany.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
License Name |
Approbation |
|
Who Needs It |
All non-EU doctors, including Indian MBBS graduates |
|
Validity |
Permanent |
|
Issued By |
German state medical authorities |
|
Purpose |
Full legal permission to practice medicine |
Also Read: All You Need To Know About Germany For Indian Doctors
Recognition of Indian Medical Degrees in Germany
As mentioned already, Indian medical degrees aren’t automatically accepted in Germany. Your degree first needs to be checked and compared with German medical training standards. This is basically the core of Germany healthcare license equivalency for Indian qualifications.
|
Requirement |
Explanation |
|
Degree Review |
MBBS is compared with German curriculum |
|
Documents |
Degree, mark sheets, internship proof |
|
Language |
Certified German translations required |
|
Authority |
State-level recognition office |
|
Result |
Full or partial recognition |
Eligibility Criteria for German Medical License for Indian Doctors
Below are the eligibility requirements for a German medical license that you, as an Indian doctor, need to match.
|
Criteria |
What is Required |
|
Identity Proof |
Valid passport |
|
Medical Degree |
Recognised MBBS qualification |
|
Language |
German B2 or higher |
|
Health |
Medical fitness certificate |
|
Police Record |
Clean police clearance |
|
Professional Status |
Good standing certificate |
Quick Read: Top Employers Hiring Healthcare Workers in Germany in 2026
German Language Requirements for Indian Doctors
Having strong German language skills is extremely important because you deal directly with patients every day. Find out the German language requirements for doctors from India:
|
Language Requirement |
Details |
|
General German |
Minimum B2 level |
|
Medical German |
C1 Medizin preferred |
|
Accepted Exams |
Goethe, telc, TestDaF, ÖSD |
|
Mandatory Exam |
Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) |
What is Fachsprachprüfung (FSP)?
The Fachsprachprüfung is a medical German exam that checks how well you communicate in real hospital situations.
|
Section |
What Is Tested |
|
Patient Talk |
History and explanations |
|
Medical Writing |
Reports and documentation |
|
Doctor Discussion |
Case discussion with seniors |
|
Format |
Oral-practical |
Explore: City-wise Salary Comparison for Healthcare Jobs in Germany in 2026
Do Indians Need to Take Kenntnisprüfung in Germany?
You may need to take the Kenntnisprüfung or the medical knowledge exam if your degree is only partly accepted.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Purpose |
Check medical equivalence |
|
Subjects |
Medicine, Surgery, Emergency, Pharma |
|
Exam Type |
Oral-practical, sometimes written |
|
When Taken |
Before or after FSP |
|
Cost |
EUR 400-1,100 |
Temporary Medical License (Berufserlaubnis) for Indians
While waiting for full approval, Germany allows Indian doctors to work with a temporary license.
|
Feature |
Details |
|
License Type |
Berufserlaubnis |
|
Work Style |
Supervised hospital work |
|
Validity |
Limited but extendable |
|
Benefit |
German clinical experience |
|
Purpose |
Preparation for full license |
Gleichwertigkeitsprüfung (Equivalence Check) for Medical License in Germany
This is the actual evaluation of how close your MBBS education is to German training.
|
Result Type |
Meaning |
|
Full Recognition |
Eligible for Approbation |
|
Partial Recognition |
Knowledge exam needed |
|
No Recognition |
Further training required |
Check Out: Relocation Cost for Nurses Moving to Germany in 2026
Step-by-Step Licensing Process for Doctors in Germany
Read below the step-by-step process for getting Approbation in Germany:
Step 1: Pick the German state where you want to work and live.
Step 2: Prepare all documents, including degree, transcripts, CV, and internship proof.
Step 3: Apply to the state medical authority by submitting Anerkennung application.
Step 4: Authorities compare your MBBS with German standards.
Step 5: Submit German language certificates (B2/C1).
Step 6: Take the medical German exam Fachsprachprüfung (FSP). The exam will check how well you talk to patients, write reports, and explain medical cases in German.
Step 7: Receive Partial or Full Recognition from the authorities.
Step 8: Apply for Berufserlaubnis and get a temporary work permit (if needed)
Step 9: Takethe medical knowledge exam - Kenntnisprüfung (if required).
Step 10: Get Approbation and receive your full medical license in Germany
Also Read: Nursing Jobs in Germany in 2026
Processing Time and Costs for Approbation in Germany
Below are the average processing time and cost for a medical license in Germany for Indian doctors.
|
Item |
Estimated Range |
|
Processing Time |
4-12 months |
|
Approbation Fee |
EUR 400-450 |
|
FSP Exam |
EUR 400-500 |
|
Kenntnisprüfung |
EUR 300-500 |
Doctor Salary in Germany
Once licensed, doctors in Germany earn steady and competitive salaries.
|
Career Level |
Average Annual Salary (EUR) |
|
Resident Doctor |
48,000-60,000 |
|
Specialist |
70,000-100,000 |
|
Senior Doctor |
80,000-120,000 |
|
Consultant |
100,000-200,000 |
|
Surgeon |
70,000-150,000 |
Must Read: Nurse Salary in Germany
Career Growth After Approbation in Germany for Indian Doctors
Getting the Approbation is just the start of your long-term career in Germany.
|
Stage |
Details |
|
Independent Work |
Full-time doctor role |
|
Specialist Training |
Facharzt |
|
Duration |
4-5 years |
|
Final Exam |
Facharztprüfung |
|
Outcome |
Specialist recognition |
Tips to Pass Germany Healthcare License Equivalency for Indian Qualifications
Small steps taken early can make a big difference later.
Start Early
The recognition process moves slowly, even when everything is correct and done right. So, starting early gives you buffer time in case documents are asked again or exams get delayed.
Learn Fluent German
Medical exams and hospital work are all in German. Strong language skills make the Fachsprachprüfung easier and help you adjust faster in hospitals.
Choose the State Carefully
Some German states process applications faster than others. Picking the right state can reduce waiting time.
Prepare Correct Documents
Incomplete or wrongly translated documents can freeze your application. Certified translations and clear internship proof save a lot of back-and-forth.
Follow Up
Authorities handle thousands of files. Polite follow-ups help ensure your application doesn’t sit untouched for too long.
Explore: Nursing Courses in Germany for International Students
Worried About Germany Healthcare License Equivalency for Indian Qualifications? Connect with GetGIS
Germany healthcare license equivalency for Indian qualifications is a structured but achievable process. With the right documents and strong German skills, Indian doctors can build a stable and rewarding medical career in Germany.
Connect with GetGIS to secure your Approbation in Germany effortlessly. The experts here help you with the whole application process, making sure that you start your medical career in Germany successfully.
Also Read:
Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indian doctors work in Germany while waiting for approbation?
Is internship from India accepted for Germany medical recognition?
Do Indian doctors need work experience before applying in Germany?
Can Indian doctors choose any German state for recognition?
Is the Kenntnisprüfung the same in every German state?