How I Got German Approbation as a Non-EU Doctor (My Path)
I’ll write my path step by step because and i hope it can help someone. Some things can vary depending on the Ärztekammer.
1. Finished Medical Degree in Home Country
I completed my medical degree and internship in my home country. I also worked a few years too.
Tipp: Experience is always good.
2. Learned German and Passed B2
I studied German in my home country and passed B2 before coming to Germany. I did this side by side to working in my home country.
3. Selected a state in Germany
Here i selected NRW, because the paperwork was fast and easier there.
3. Applied for Recognition of My Medical Degree
I applied to the responsible German authority ( Ärztekammer) for recognition/Approbation. Here it was NRW. After evaluation of my degree, I received a Defizitbescheid and continued through the FSP/Kenntnisprüfung pathway.
Tipp- Every state follows the basic steps i tell you with only a few differences and some paperwork differences. Always read the instructions in their own website. Every state has one Ärztekammer except NRW, as it has 2 ( Nordrhein and Westfallen Lipps).
4. Applied for C1 German Course and also another FSP course in Germany
5. Prepared + Translated Documents + Blocked account + Healthinsurance+ accommodation
I collected and translated all important documents required for the recognition process and visa application. (Defizitbescheid, language course admission, B2 certificate, qualifications, translated documents, etc.)
Tipp: The more documents, proof, qualifications, and reasons you show for coming to Germany, the easier the process becomes. Germany is extremely bureaucratic and they love paperwork and papers. They usually will not listen to motivation by talking. They like proof and papers.
So here i also applied to a c1 course and fsp course in Germany. That paper helped too as i had to be there to study. Also accommodation papers.
6. Got Visa Approved and Moved to Germany
I received my visa and moved to Germany (NRW in my case).
7. Did C1 Language in Germany
After arriving in Germany, I first focused on passing C1.
8. Did a One-Month Hospitation
This helped me understand German hospital culture, improve and practice spoken German, observe paperwork, Arztbriefe, and practice small clinical tasks (Viggo legen, Kanüle legen, some Sonos).
9. FSP Preparation
During and after C1, fsp course, hospitation, I prepared for FSP using Protokolle, AMBOSS, Protokolle for the state i was in, YouTube videos.
10. Started Applying to Hospitals after getting FSP
After passing FSP, I started applying to hospitals. You only got a Berufserlaubnis after passing the FSP and getting a Stellenzusage from a hospital.
Tipp: Rural areas are usually easier to get jobs in, and many times the visa and paperwork process is also faster there. The Ausländerbehörde in rural areas are much easier to deal with the time in getting things done are faster due to lesser foreigners.
CAVE: Yes, rural life can get lonely and there are fewer events and activities compared to bigger cities, but it is a very good starting point if you can handle that phase.
I had to send many applications because getting interviews and hospitations was difficult. Here you need a lot of patience and toughness.
11. Applied for Berufserlaubnis
After fulfilling the requirements and getting a Zusagestelle, I applied for the Berufserlaubnis.
12. Prepared for Kenntnisprüfung
You can prepare for Kenntnisprüfung directly after FSP if you think your German and medical knowledge are strong enough.
For me personally, it was difficult to manage paperwork, working, language, work, Rufbereitschaft, Bereitschaftsdienst. So I decided to take it more chill.
So I worked first, got into a relaxed pace, learned how the German medical system works, and after around 2 years I seriously prepared for KP. ( Amboss, medical books, Protokolle for your state, Telegram groups)
13. Passed Kenntnisprüfung and Got Approbation
After passing the Kenntnisprüfung, I finally received Approbation.
At that point, job opportunities increased a lot.
Because I already had 2 years of German clinical experience before Approbation, hospitals considered me a safer option and I started getting many more interviews and hospitations. So i could chose where i wanted to work in.
Some more things
The exact bureaucracy differs slightly between every Bundesländer but for most non-EU doctors, the overall pathway is broadly similar. Also depends on the Ansprechpartners you get through the different application processes.
You can use my steps as a general base and then check the Ärztekammer/Landesamt website of the specific state you are interested in. Improvise and try to have a lot of patience and mental toughness. The process is tough. But it is doable if you know WHY you are coming to Germany. That “why” helps a lot during the difficult phases.
Good luck to everyone. I might edit it if i get any more suggestions.