Erlaubnis für die Berufsbezeichnung "Podologe/Podologin" beantragen

When working as a chiropodist, a distinction is made between cosmetic and medical foot care. Cosmetic foot care (on healthy feet) can be practiced without a license, but must be registered with the trade office. Medical foot care or podiatry is classified by law as a medical profession and therefore requires a license. It involves treatment of the healthy foot, the foot that is at risk of damage and/or the foot that is already damaged.

If you want to use the professional title podiatrist or medical chiropodist, you need either the permission or the authorization or state recognition according to the podiatry law (PodG). Exceptions and special case groups are also regulated in the law.

Permission is granted - upon application - if the applicant has

• has completed the prescribed training and passed the state examination,
• has not been guilty of any conduct that would render him/her unreliable to practice the profession,
• is fit to practice the profession from the point of view of health, and
• has the knowledge of the German language required for the exercise of the profession.

Recognition of foreign degrees is possible according to the Podiatry Act if the level of training is equivalent. Special recognition guidelines apply to the recognition of degrees acquired in EU member states. The occupational title can also be used if the applicant

• submits proof that the training as a podiatrist or podologist has already been recognized in another contracting state of the European Economic Area,
• has three years of professional experience in podiatry in the Member State which recognized the evidence of formal qualifications, and
• the Member State which recognized the training attests to this professional experience.

The documents that must accompany the application to use the professional title of podiatrist or medical chiropodist include:

• certified copy of the diploma
• official certificate of good conduct for submission to an authority (not older than 3 months),
• medical certificate of health (physical and mental fitness to practice the profession) in the original (not older than 3 months) .

If you would like to exercise the professional training acquired abroad in Germany under the professional title of podiatrist / podologist, the following documents in particular are necessary for the application:

• personal application,
• signed curriculum vitae with school and professional training,
• Birth certificate/marriage certificate in certified copy,
• Declaration that you have not yet submitted the application to any other German authority,
• Final certificate of your education in your home country (certified photocopy of the original and certified German translation),
• Proof of practical work in the respective profession (certified photocopy of the original and certified German translation),
• Registration certificate/admission certificate or residence and work permit,
• certificate of registration of your official place of residence,
• a proof that you have a good command of the German language, both written and spoken.

An administrative fee is charged for the approval of the professional title in accordance with the legal regulations of the country. The postal delivery fee may be added to this.

State Administration Office