For international healthcare professionals who want to work in Germany, the temporary professional license is an important intermediate step. It allows professionals to practice their profession before the final Approbation is granted. In many federal states, it can be applied for after successfully passing the professional language exam at the competent recognition authority. In some federal states, an ongoing recognition process is sufficient – the exact requirements should be clarified directly with the relevant authority.

Advantages of the temporary professional license

The temporary professional license gives healthcare professionals the opportunity to work in a German hospital or other medical facility and gain practical experience. It should be noted that the temporary professional license does not constitute full professional authorization – work is carried out in an assisting capacity and under the supervision of a colleague holding the Approbation. Independent and autonomous practice as a physician, dentist, or pharmacist is not possible with a temporary professional license. Nevertheless, this period offers valuable opportunities: the healthcare system becomes more familiar, language skills improve through daily communication with patients and medical staff, and practical work helps with preparation for the knowledge examination where this is required as part of the recognition process. At the same time, working generates an income, which eases the financial start in Germany.

Validity of the temporary professional license

The temporary professional license is generally time-limited – the exact duration varies by federal state but is often 24 months. An extension is possible in principle but is only granted in special circumstances, depending on the requirements of the relevant recognition authority. The temporary professional license normally applies throughout the federal state in which it was issued. In some cases, however, it is tied to a specific clinic or facility, meaning a new application may be necessary when changing employer.

Employment opportunities with a temporary professional license

The chances of finding a position with a temporary professional license depend on several factors. Language skills, academic qualification, and practical experience are particularly important. In some federal states, especially in larger cities, the number of international healthcare professionals is high, which makes the job search more competitive. In rural areas, where there is often a significant shortage of qualified professionals, the prospects for employment are generally better.

Applying for the temporary professional license

The temporary professional license is applied for at the recognition authority of the federal state where the future place of work is located, regardless of which federal state the ongoing recognition process is taking place in. Those wishing to work in a different federal state should notify the competent recognition authority early and clarify whether any special steps are required. In some federal states, a signed employment contract is already required at the time of application. Processing times vary considerably by federal state and the workload of the authority. In practice, the process takes between two and six months after all complete documents have been submitted.

Required documents

Several documents must be submitted when applying for the temporary professional license. These include the official application form, available on the website of the competent recognition authority. Proof of having passed the professional language exam must also be provided, along with a copy of the professional qualification from the country of origin with a certified German translation. A confirmation of employment is also required, completed and signed by the receiving institution – depending on the federal state, this document may also be referred to as a confirmation of the place of employment.

In addition, a current certificate of good conduct is required, which must be no more than three months old. This can be requested at the residents' registration office or online through the Federal Office of Justice. A declaration of no criminal convictions must also be submitted, confirming that there are no convictions for criminal offenses in Germany. Finally, a medical certificate confirming fitness to practice must be provided. This can be issued by a general practitioner or internist and must also be no more than three months old.

Next steps after the temporary professional license

The temporary professional license is an important transitional solution but not a permanent basis for professional practice in Germany. Once the Approbation is granted, the temporary professional license becomes obsolete – in most federal states it lapses automatically, though in some a formal step to revoke it may be required. Since the Approbation alone does not automatically authorize the holder to take up employment, a work permit is required afterward. For non-EU citizens, this typically means reviewing and if necessary adjusting the residence permit.