From abroad · Checklist

Checklist to tick off

Incomplete applications are the most common reason for delays. This list covers Approbation (German medical licence), language and visa.

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Documents for Approbation

  • Application form of the Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart (regional licensing authority)
  • Passport or ID card (copy)
  • Degree certificate and diploma (certified copy)
  • Subject and hours overview / curriculum
  • Proof of professional experience, employer references
  • Proof of the right to practise in the country of origin (licence)
  • Certificate of Good Standing (Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung), not older than 3 months
  • Police clearance certificate (Führungszeugnis) from the country of origin and Germany
  • Medical certificate of health fitness, not older than 3 months
  • Language certificate B2, later the medical German language exam (Fachsprachprüfung) C1
  • CV (tabular, gap-free, signed)
  • Proof of the reason for staying in BW (e.g. employment contract, observership confirmation)

Formalities

  • All foreign-language documents: translation by sworn translators in Germany
  • Certifications: apostille or legalisation depending on the country
  • Submit certified copies only, keep the originals
  • Send the application only once everything is complete

Costs (guideline)

Translations
€300–1,200
Certifications/apostilles
€50–300
Language courses up to C1 medical German
€1,000–5,000
Fachsprachprüfung (medical German language exam, chamber)
approx. €400–600
Kenntnisprüfung (knowledge exam)
approx. €300–700
Administrative fee for Approbation
approx. €200–500
Visa
€75
Accelerated procedure (usually paid by the employer)
€411

Guideline figures, October 2026, without guarantee; fees of authorities and chambers change. Our placement costs you nothing.

Timeline

A realistic sequence

Month 0–2

Collect and translate documents, start a language course, initial conversation with us.

Month 2–6

Application at the RP Stuttgart, B2 certificate, medical German course, look for an observership.

Month 6–12

Medical German language exam, if needed knowledge exam, employment contract, visa.

Afterwards

Entry, registration, start. With a Berufserlaubnis (temporary permit): complete the Approbation later.