Bundesportal | Physiotherapist with training from third countries, recognition of professional qualification

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Saxony-Anhalt

Last update or date of publication

December 7, 2021

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The profession of physiotherapist is regulated in Germany. This means that in order to be able to work as a physiotherapist in Germany, you need a state permit. With this permission, you may use the professional title "physiotherapist" and work in the profession.

Even with a professional qualification from a so-called third country, you can obtain state permission from the competent authority in Germany. Third countries are all states that do not belong to the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.

In order to obtain the permit, you must have your foreign professional qualification recognised.

In the recognition procedure, the competent authority compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification and checks its equivalence. The equivalence of the professional qualification is an important prerequisite for the granting of the state permit.

In addition to the equivalence of the professional qualification, you must also meet other requirements for the granting of the permit. Further requirements are, for example, sufficient German language skills and health suitability.

If your professional qualification comes from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, different regulations apply.

You can also apply for the procedure from abroad.

The competent authority will tell you which documents you need to submit. Important documents are generally:

Proof of identity (identity card or passport)
Marriage certificate (if your name has changed due to marriage)
Curriculum vitae
Proof of your professional qualification (e.g. certificates, professional certificate)
Evidence of formal qualifications
Proof of your relevant professional experience as a physiotherapist
Proof of further relevant knowledge for working as a physiotherapist
You do not yet live or work in the EU, the EEA or Switzerland? Then you have to prove that you want to work in the profession in Germany. Proofs can be: applications for a job, proof of your application for an entry visa for gainful employment or personal declaration

You usually hand in these documents later. The competent authority will inform you when you should hand in the documents:

Proof of your personal suitability: Extract from criminal record or certificate of good conduct from your country of origin. The proof may not be more than 3 months old when the application is submitted.
Proof of your fitness for health: Medical certificate. The proof may not be more than 3 months old when the application is submitted.
Proof of your German language skills: Language certificate

The competent authority will inform you which documents you must submit as a simple copy, as a certified copy or in the original.

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Preconditions

You have a professional qualification as a physiotherapist from a third country.
You want to work as a physiotherapist in Germany.
Personal suitability: You are reliable for working as a physiotherapist and have no criminal record.
Health suitability: You can work psychologically and physically as a physiotherapist.
You have german language skills at the required language level. This is usually the language level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Hints

Equivalence notice

In the permit procedure, the examination of equivalence (recognition procedure) is also carried out. You can request a separate decision for the result of the examination.

Procedure for ethnic German repatriates

As a ethnic German repatriate, you can either go through the recognition procedure according to the laws mentioned here or according to the Federal Displaced Persons Act. You can decide for yourself. The responsible body will advise you on which procedure is right for you.

The competent authority will inform you about the costs. The costs generally depend on the effort required for processing.

In addition, additional costs may arise (e.g. for translations, certifications or compensatory measures). These costs vary from person to person.

Basis for legal action

§ 1 Abs. 1 Nr. 1, § 2 Abs. 2 Gesetz über die Berufe in der Physiotherapie (Masseur- und Physiotherapeutengesetz - MPhG)

§§ 21b, 21c Training and Examination Ordinance for Physiotherapists

Legal Remedies

You can take legal action against the decision of the competent authority within a certain period of time (e.g. lodge an objection). The decision is then reviewed. Details can be found in the notice of appeal at the end of your decision. We recommend that you first talk to the competent authority before taking legal action against the decision.

Procedure

Application

You submit an application for permission to use the professional title "physiotherapist" to the competent authority. You can submit the application with the documents to the competent authority or send it by post. Do not send originals. Sometimes you can also send the application electronically. The competent authority will inform you.

Equivalence test

The competent authority will then check whether you meet all the requirements. An important prerequisite is the equivalence of your professional qualification. The competent authority compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification as a physiotherapist. The professional qualification is equivalent if there are no significant differences between your foreign professional qualification and the German professional qualification.

Possible results of the test

If your professional qualification is equivalent, your foreign professional qualification will be recognised. The competent authority can confirm the result in writing. You still have to meet the other requirements. Then you will receive permission to use the professional title "physiotherapist" or "physiotherapist".

Are there significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification? Perhaps you can compensate for the differences through your professional practice, other knowledge or skills (lifelong learning). You must prove your professional experience. Knowledge and skills must be certified by an authority of the state in which you acquired the knowledge or skills.

However, it may be that the essential differences cannot be compensated by this knowledge. Then your foreign professional qualification will not be recognised. You are then not allowed to work as a physiotherapist in Germany.

However, the competent authority will tell you the essential differences and why you cannot compensate for the essential differences through your professional experience.

In most cases, you can take a compensatory measure. This allows you to compensate for the essential differences.

Compensatory measures

There are various compensatory measures:

Adaptation period: The adaptation period lasts a maximum of three years.
Knowledge test: The knowledge test tests your knowledge in certain subjects and areas. The knowledge test includes an oral and practical part.

You can choose between an adaptation course or a knowledge test.

If you successfully complete the compensatory measure and meet all other requirements, you will receive permission to use the professional title "physiotherapist" or "physiotherapist".

Deadlines

None.

Sometimes documents are still missing in the procedure. The competent authority will then inform you by when you have to submit the documents.

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