Approbation Guide for Non-EU Doctors – Bavaria
More details :
Foreign-trained doctors who want to work as physicians in Bavaria, Germany must obtain a professional license called Approbation.
This license grants full authorization to practice medicine independently in Germany.
The process is managed by the Government of Upper Bavaria – Central Recognition Office for Approbation Professions (ZAABY). Doctors trained in non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss countries must have their qualifications officially recognized.
If your medical degree is not automatically recognized, you will receive a Bescheid (official decision letter). With this Bescheid, you can apply for a visa, move to Germany, improve your German language skills, and pass the required exams before receiving your Approbation.
Eligibility :
Completed a medical degree in a country outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland.
Qualification must be equivalent to German medical training (otherwise, you must pass a knowledge exam).
Proof of German language skills at least B1, this required for the visa process.
Proof of good health and good conduct (no criminal record).
Valid passport and ability to obtain a visa to live and work in Germany.
Required documents :
Birth certificate or certificate of parentage
If your name has changed: proof of name change (e.g., marriage certificate).Valid passport or national ID.
Medical degree / diploma (with certified copy).
Any country-specific graduation certificates (if applicable).
Detailed academic transcript
List of all subjects, hours, and grades studied.
Proof of required internships if applicable.
Complete CV
Signed by hand, chronological, with exact dates (month/year) for all education and employment.Certificate of good conduct
From every country where you lived more than six months in the last five years (not older than 3 months).License to practice medicine in your home country (if available).
Certificate of good standing / No objection certificate
From each country where you worked as a doctor in the last five years (not older than 3 months).Proof of medical work experience (employment references, specialist training certificates).
Curriculum / Study book (if available).
German language certificates (B2 general + C1 medical) (if available).
German police certificate (Führungszeugnis type “O”)
Only if you lived in Germany before. Must be less than 1 month old.Medical certificate (original)
This after your arrive
Issued by a doctor in Germany, the EU/EEA, or Switzerland confirming your fitness to practice.
Must include a German or translated practice stamp. Not older than 3 months.
All documents must be officially translated into German and submitted as certified copies unless stated otherwise.
How to apply :
Collect and translate your documents
Make sure all foreign documents are officially translated into German and certified.Submit your application
Send your full application to the Government of Upper Bavaria – ZAABY (online or by post).Recognition review
If your qualification is fully equivalent → you will receive your Approbation.
If not fully equivalent → you receive a Bescheid explaining which steps you need (language or knowledge exams).
Visa and relocation
Use the Bescheid to apply for a visa to Germany.
You will usually need a blocked account (Sperrkonto) to prove financial means during the process.
Language and exams in Germany
Pass the Fachsprachprüfung (medical German language exam).
Pass the Kenntnisprüfung (knowledge exam) if your training is not fully equivalent.
Receive Approbation
After meeting all requirements, you will be granted the full medical license to practice in Bavaria and across Germany.
The Scholarship Benefits:
Full legal authorization to practice medicine in Bavaria and throughout Germany.
Access to Germany’s strong job market for doctors.
Clear, step-by-step recognition pathway for non-EU medical graduates.
Opportunity to improve language and professional skills in Germany while preparing for exams.
Note: This is a licensing process, not a scholarship — no financial funding is provided. You must plan for living expenses and exam costs yourself.