Guide to Working as a Veterinarian in Germany: Licensing and Requirements
Thinking about pursuing a career as a veterinarian in Germany? You're in the right place! Working as a clinical veterinarian in Germany can be exceptionally fulfilling, given the high regard for animal health and welfare in our society.
Germany offers a wide range of opportunities for veterinary professionals from around the world, thanks to its diverse fields of work and advanced medical standards. Here, we've summarized the key information you need to know:
The veterinary profession in Germany is regulated, and to work independently as a clinician, you must obtain a professional license in accordance with the latest version of the German Federal Regulations (Bundestierärzteordnung, BTÄO).
The process for obtaining this license varies depending on whether you earned your degree in the EU/EEA, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, or another country.
You have two options for licensing:
Temporary License: If you plan to work in Germany for a limited period, you can apply for a temporary work permit. This allows practice in a specific location and field for a set duration. While this permit doesn't require the recognition of your foreign qualifications, it mandates proof of your veterinary degree.
Permanent License (Approbation): For a long-term, unrestricted veterinary career in Germany, you'll need the permanent license, or Approbation. This path starts with the recognition of your veterinary degree. The degree recognition process is essential, confirming your qualifications are legally equivalent to German standards.
An essential consideration in this process is your proficiency in the German language. Even if you're fluent in other languages, German is crucial for successful communication with clients and colleagues. You must aim for at least a B2 level language certificate according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Ready to learn German? You can start a course with the Goethe Institut, even from abroad.
If you earned your veterinary degree in an EU/EEA member state, the recognition process is usually more straightforward, often automatic. You'll need to provide a certificate of conformity, confirming your training meets minimum EU/EEA standards.
If you earned your veterinary degree in a member or contractual state, it will be recognized without an individual equivalence assessment. What applies in this regard is the procedure of the automatic recognition of work qualifications referred to the guideline 2005/36/EG. This is possible because the member and contractual states agreed on certain minimum requirements regarding the training. Degrees that were earned before the entrance of the state of education to the EU, usually will be automatically recognized as well. You have to submit a certificate of conformity (conforming that training is adequate to the minimum standards of the guideline 2005/36/EG). You will receive this document from the competent authority of your home member state.
Once your degree is confirmed eligible for automatic recognition you will always be issued with the permanent license called Approbation.
Nevertheless, you have to apply for the recognition and the equivalence of the training has to be proved. Moreover you are liable to compulsory registration according to the regulations of the Bundestierärzteordnung, BTÄO . Which competent authority is responsible for your recognition procedure depends on your place of work and profession. Even if you are still living abroad you have to do decide which federal state you file the application. Most offer already an option to start the procedure via online form.
If you have earned your degree in a third-party country you will equally have to apply for the recognition process at the competent authorities depending on the federal state. The official website Anerkennung in Deutschland provides a very detailed overview and lists all responsible authorities by federal state.
In the first step the authority verifies the equivalence of your professional qualification. Your degree will be recognized as equal if there are no significant differences and you gain the full recognition. In addition to your training, the responsible authority also considers your work experience in Germany and abroad.If your degree is stated as non-equivalent you will get the opportunity to complete an aptitude test in order to prove your level of knowledge. These exams can be taken at one of the German veterinary schools (Berlin, Giessen, Hannover, Leipzig or Munich) and refer to the content requirements of the veterinary final exam.
In preparation for the exams you can use specialized E-learning courses and get guidance from Support4Vetmed. This website is free of charge and provides material for the legally relevant exams, using instructional videos, handouts and self-tests to check your knowledge. It may be the case that you only have to take a qualifying examination that narrows down to the determined differences. Alternatively, the responsible authority provides adaptation measures (for example courses or internships) in order to compensate the deficits by conveyance of specialist skills and you can also apply for a temporary permission to work (see below).
After passing the exams, respectively after successfully participating in courses you gain the full recognition and subsequent the license to practice veterinary medicine. If you do not pass the exam, you can retry and apply again.
This license is a temporary recognition and entitles you to practice the profession for a limited time. The permission to practice does not include the full recognition of your foreign professional qualification. In reverse it is not required to verify the equivalence of your educational qualifications to full extent.
If you already have a working contract or a written offer of employment you can apply for a temporary working license. Application process needs to be filed at the competent authorities depending on the federal state. The official website Anerkennung in Deutschland provides a very detailed overview and lists all responsible authorities by federal state.
Note: Additionally, once you have already started your recognition process, you have the option to work for a limited period of time without Approbation as „Tierarzt in Anerkennung“. This authorization permits you to work only under the supervision of a person owning an Approbation and limits you to carry out only activities in a specific area of work. You are bound on a specific employer. You can also use this time for practical training, to prepare for your language certificate test and as preparation time for your measure for recognition exams/aptitude tests.
If you are a foreign national planning to work in Germany, you'll typically need a valid working permit, unless you are an EU/EEA citizen or a Swiss national. Germany has specific regulations and visa requirements based on your country of origin and the purpose of your stay. Here are some key points to consider:
Remember that the process for obtaining a work permit in Germany can be complex, and it's crucial to start the application process well in advance of your planned employment start date to ensure a smooth transition to working in Germany.
To work effectively in Germany, strong German language skills are vital. The "German course for veterinarians/Deutschkurs für TIerärzte" from Vetion.de offers specified modules for vocabulary and practical exercises in daily clinical work of a veterinarian.
We have started a special service at VetStage to assist international veterinarians in finding permanent contracts in Germany. Our dedicated team can help you to understand your recognition process, connect you with potential employers, and provide support every step of the way.
At VetStage, we understand the unique challenges faced by foreign veterinarians seeking opportunities in Germany's dynamic animal healthcare sector. We are committed to helping you navigate the process seamlessly, from obtaining the necessary licenses to securing a fulfilling career in veterinary medicine.
Whether you are a recent graduate or an experienced veterinarian, VetStage is your partner in achieving your professional goals in Germany. Click here to get in contact with us, and let's embark on this exciting journey together!
To work as a veterinarian in Germany, you need a professional license in accordance with the German Federal Regulations (Bundestierärzteordnung, BTÄO). The specific licensing process depends on your education background and whether you plan to work temporarily or pursue a long-term career in Germany.
A temporary license allows you to work for a limited period in a specific location and field without the full recognition of your foreign qualifications. In contrast, the permanent license (Approbation) is for a long-term, unrestricted veterinary career in Germany and requires the recognition of your veterinary degree.
German language skills are crucial for effective communication with clients and colleagues. Proficiency at least at a B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
EU/EEA veterinary degrees usually undergo automatic recognition, but you need to provide a certificate of conformity confirming that your training meets minimum EU/EEA standards.
Recognition for non-EU veterinary degrees involves applying to competent authorities depending on the federal state in Germany. Your qualifications will be assessed for equivalence, and you might need to take aptitude tests or adaptation measures.
A temporary license allows temporary recognition to practice as a veterinarian. You can apply for this license if you have a working contract or a written job offer. The application process varies slightly by federal state.
Yes, if you've started the recognition process, you can work under supervision as a "Tierarzt in Anerkennung." This allows you to perform specific tasks in a supervised role. However, it's essential to note that you may need a working permit for Germany, depending on your specific circumstances and the type of work you'll be doing during this period.
To prepare for language requirements, you can take a specialized German course for veterinarians, such as the "Deutschkurs für Tierärzte" offered by Vetion.de.
VetStage offers support to international veterinarians by helping them understand the recognition process, connecting them with potential employers, and providing assistance throughout the licensing journey. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced veterinarian, VetStage can be your partner in achieving your professional goals in Germany. You can contact VetStage for more information.
Germany offers a fulfilling veterinary career with a strong emphasis on animal health and welfare. The country provides diverse opportunities for veterinary professionals, and its advanced medical standards make it an attractive destination for veterinarians from around the world
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