You have completed your training in a health care profession (e.g. as a health carer, nurse, midwife, physiotherapist, etc.) abroad in a so-called third country – outside the European Union (EU) and intend to carry out this profession in Berlin in the future?
Then you need a state permit for this activity, a licence to use a professional title. This licence entitles you to carry out your profession independently in the Federal Republic of Germany for an unlimited period of time.
You can download the application for this permit under the link Application for authorisation to use the professional title (Training outside the European Union – third country).
The list of documents to be submitted can be found under the following link Checklist for the granting of authorisation to use the professional title for Healthcare professions for training in a third country. Documents that you do not have at the time of application can be submitted later, if possible they should all be submitted together.
Your personal appearance at the authority is not required for the processing of your application.
If your current place of residence is still outside of Germany, we recommend that you take advantage of the comprehensive advisory services offered by the Central Service Office for Professional Recognition (ZSBA). The ZSBA advises and supports you throughout the recognition process and can assist you in compiling the documents. The service is free of charge. You can reach the ZSBA at the e-mail address recognition@arbeitsagentur.de
If you already live in Berlin and would like to have your foreign professional qualification recognised, you can also contact the Berlin advice hotline for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications.
Have you obtained your nursing qualification abroad and would like to work in the care sector in Berlin? The Berlin Advice Centre for Professionals with Foreign Nursing Qualifications offers you advice on the recognition process.
The licence can only be granted if you have the necessary knowledge of the German language to carry out the profession. A certificate at the level B 2 is required (for speech therapists C 2) from Goetheinstitut, Telc or TestDaf; which must not be older than 3 years. The language certificates presented will be checked for authenticity and accuracy.
If your training differs significantly from the corresponding vocational training in the Federal Republic of Germany and you cannot compensate for these differences with many years relevant work experience, you must take an knowledge test or take part in an adaptation course.