Apply for an Investigation Authorization Certificate
Are you between 15 and 17 years old and looking to start your career? If so, you must undergo a medical examination before starting work.
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Basic information
If you are between 15 and 17 years old, live in the state of Bremen, and would like to start working—for example, in an apprenticeship—you must undergo an initial medical examination.
During the examination, a doctor of your choice will determine whether you are physically and developmentally suited for this occupation.
The initial medical examination is intended to prevent you from suffering health problems as a result of the work. After the initial medical examination, you will receive a certificate. You must present this certificate to your employer.
You do not need an examination if you are starting a part-time job or if you are working for only a short period of time—that is, for a maximum of 2 months. This applies, for example, to a summer job or a school internship.
The state covers the cost of the examination. You must apply for the initial medical examination in order to be reimbursed for the costs.
Requirements
- You are between 15 and 17 years old
- You live in the state of Bremen
- You want to start working
- This job is not considered “minor” and lasts longer than 2 months
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Procedure
- You can pick up the testing authorization form in person at the public health department in Bremen or Bremerhaven without an appointment, provided you present a valid ID.
- You will be given the examination authorization certificate, which includes your personal information (name, address, date of birth).
- It is important that you are a resident of the state of Bremen.
- Once you have received the examination authorization form, take it along with the survey forms and other forms to your doctor to undergo the examination.
- You can find the overview page for the questionnaires and forms under “Forms.”
- After the examination, you will receive a medical certificate from your doctor.
- Submit this certificate to your employer—preferably as a copy.
- If you change employers within 14 months of the examination, you can submit this medical certificate to your new employer and will not need to undergo another examination.
More information
You must undergo another examination after one year. You must then submit this certificate to your employer again.
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Necessary Documents
- Identification documents (ID card or passport)
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Competent Department
Contact Person
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Frau Michaela Meyer
Gesundheitsamt Bremen -
Frau Angela Krönauer-Ratai
Gesundheitsamt Bremerhaven
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Fees / Costs
gebührenfrei
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Deadlines & processing time
What deadlines must be paid attention to?
The examination must be conducted before you start work.
14 months You must begin employment no later than 14 months after the examination.How long does it take to process
You can obtain the testing authorization form during business hours at the public health departments in Bremen or Bremerhaven. No appointment is necessary.
This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.
The official information in German is complete and correct.
Updated on 10.08.2026