Apply for recognition as a midwife with a professional qualification that is not automatically recognized

The profession of midwife is regulated in Germany. This means that in order to work as a midwife in Germany, you need a state license. With this permit, you can use the professional title "midwife" and work in the profession.

You can also obtain a state permit from the competent authority in Germany if you have a professional qualification from abroad. In order to obtain the permit, you must have your foreign professional qualification recognized.

In the recognition procedure, the competent authority compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification and checks the equivalence. The equivalence of the professional qualification is an important prerequisite for the granting of a state license. In addition to the equivalence of the professional qualification, you must also meet other requirements for the permit to be issued. Further requirements include, for example, sufficient German language skills and health suitability.

If your professional qualification is automatically recognized, other regulations apply.
You can also apply for the procedure from abroad.

Requirements

• You have a professional qualification as a midwife from abroad.
• In order to obtain a state permit, the equivalence of your professional qualification must be checked.
• You want to work as a midwife in Germany.
• Personal suitability: You are reliable to work as a midwife and have no criminal record.
• Health suitability: You are mentally and physically fit to work as a midwife.
• You have German language skills at the required level. This is normally language level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

What documents do I need?

• The responsible office will tell you which documents you need to submit. Important documents are generally
  
  • Proof of identity (identity card or passport)
  • Marriage certificate (if your name has changed due to marriage)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Proof of your professional qualifications (e.g. certificates, professional certificate)
  • Proof of training
  • Proof of your relevant professional experience as a midwife
  • Proof of other relevant knowledge for working as a midwife
  • Perhaps: You do not yet live or work in the EU, the EEA or Switzerland? Then you must provide proof: You want to work in the profession in Germany. Proof can be, for example, an application for a job, proof of your application for an entry visa for gainful employment or a personal declaration

  You usually submit these documents later. The responsible office will inform you when you should submit the documents:
  

  • Proof of your personal suitability: criminal record extract or certificate of good conduct from your country of origin.
  • Proof of your health suitability: Medical certificate
  • Proof of your German language skills: Language certificate

  The responsible office will tell you which documents you need to submit as a simple copy, a certified copy or the original.