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Applying for recognition as a veterinarian with professional qualifications from third countries

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Procedure

            			
Application 

You submit an application for a license to practice as a veterinarian to the competent authority. The application must be submitted electronically. The original documents must be presented at a personal appointment. 

The competent authority will then check whether your training corresponds to the German training and whether all other requirements have been met. The license to practice medicine can only be granted if your training from a third country is equivalent to German training. 

Examination of equivalence 

The competent authority compares your professional qualification with the German professional qualification. The competent authority checks whether your professional qualification is equivalent. The professional qualification is equivalent if there are no significant differences between your foreign professional qualification and the German professional qualification. 

Possible results of the examination 

If your professional qualification is equivalent, your foreign professional qualification will be recognized. The authority can confirm the result in writing. You must still meet the other requirements and provide proof of your language skills. You will then be granted a license to practice as a veterinarian. 

Are there any significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification? You may be able to compensate for the differences with your professional experience, other veterinary knowledge or skills. You must provide evidence of your professional experience. Knowledge and skills must be certified by an authority in the country in which you acquired the knowledge or skills. 

However, it is possible that the essential differences cannot be compensated for by this knowledge. The competent authority will tell you the main differences and why you cannot compensate for the main differences with your professional experience. The decision from the competent authority will also state the level of your training and the level required in Germany. 

Knowledge test 

If your professional qualification is not equivalent, you can take a compensatory measure. You can take a knowledge test to compensate for the main differences. The knowledge test is based on the final examination as a veterinarian in Germany. 

If you pass the knowledge test and meet all other requirements, you will be licensed as a veterinarian.

			
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More information
Temporary professional license 

You can apply for a temporary professional license if there is a special interest. With a temporary professional license, you can generally work for up to 4 years without a license. The professional license only entitles you to limited activities. You must meet the following requirements for the temporary professional license: 


  • Proof of your professional qualification
  • Health suitability
  • Personal aptitude
  • German language skills: You must provide proof of the German language skills required to practise the profession.

You can apply for a professional license from the competent authority. 

Certificate of equivalence 

During the licensing procedure, the equivalence of your training can also be assessed. If you have a legitimate interest, you can apply for a separate decision on the result of the examination. 

Procedure for ethnic German repatriates 

As a late repatriate, you can go through the recognition procedure either in accordance with the laws mentioned here or in accordance with the Federal Expellee Act. You can decide for yourself. The responsible office will advise you which procedure is right for you. 

Legal remedy 

You can take legal action against the decision of the competent authority within a certain period of time (for example, by lodging an objection). The decision will then be reviewed. Details can be found in the information on legal remedies at the end of your decision. We recommend that you first speak to the responsible office before taking legal action against the decision.