Erlaubnis zum Führen der Berufsbezeichnung Physiotherapeutin oder Physiotherapeut bei Berufsqualifikation aus Drittstaaten Erteilung

The profession of physiotherapist is regulated in Germany. This means that in order to work as a physiotherapist in Germany, you need a state permit. With this permit, you can use the professional title “physiotherapist” and work in the profession.

Even if you have a professional qualification from a so-called third country, you can still obtain state permission from the relevant authority in Germany. Third countries are all countries that are not part of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.

To obtain permission, you must have your foreign professional qualifications recognized.

During the recognition process, the responsible body compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification and checks their equivalence. The equivalence of the professional qualification is an important prerequisite for the granting of state permission.

In addition to the equivalence of the professional qualification, you must also fulfill other requirements for the permit to be granted.

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

You can also apply for the procedure from abroad.

The responsible 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)
• CV
• Evidence of your professional qualifications (e.g. certificates, professional certificates)
• Training certificates
• Evidence of your relevant professional experience as a physiotherapist
• Evidence of other relevant knowledge for working as a physiotherapist
• You do not yet live or work in the EU, EEA or Switzerland? Then you must prove that you want to work in Germany in this profession. Evidence can be: applications for a job, proof of your application for an entry visa for employment or a personal declaration

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

• Proof of your personal suitability: Criminal record extract or certificate of good conduct from your country of origin. The proof must be no more than 3 months old when the application is submitted.
• Proof of your health suitability: Medical certificate. The proof must be no more than 3 months old when you submit your application.
• Proof of your German language skills: Language certificate

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

• You have successfully completed training as a physiotherapist outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and are entitled to work independently as a physiotherapist there.
• You want to work as a physiotherapist in Germany.
• Personal suitability: You are reliable to work as a physical therapist and have no criminal record.
• Medical suitability: you can work mentally and physically as a physical therapist.
• You have German language skills at the required language level. This is usually language level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

• You submit an application to the responsible authority for permission to use the professional title "physiotherapist". You can submit the application and the documents to the responsible authority or send them by post. Do not send originals. Sometimes you can also send the application electronically. The responsible authority will inform you.
• The responsible body will then check whether you meet all the requirements. An important requirement is the equivalence of your professional qualification. The responsible body will compare 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.
• If your professional qualification is equivalent, your foreign professional qualification will be recognized. The responsible body can confirm the result in writing. You must still meet the other requirements. You will then be permitted to use the professional title “physiotherapist”.
  • Are there significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification? Perhaps you can compensate for the differences through your professional experience, other knowledge or skills (lifelong learning). You must provide evidence of your professional experience. Knowledge and skills must be certified by an authority in the state in which you acquired the knowledge or skills.
  • However, it may be that the essential differences cannot be compensated for by this knowledge. In this case, your foreign professional qualification will not be recognized. You will then not be allowed to work as a physiotherapist in Germany. However, the responsible body will tell you the essential differences and why you cannot compensate for the essential differences through your professional practice. In most cases, you can take a compensatory measure. This will allow you to compensate for the essential differences. 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.
  • If you successfully complete the compensatory measure and meet all other requirements, you will be permitted to use the professional title “physiotherapist”.

• up to 2 months in the accelerated procedure
• up to 4 months in the regular procedure

The permit procedure also includes an examination of equivalence (recognition procedure). You can apply for a separate notice of the result of the examination.

As a late repatriate, you can choose to go through the recognition process according to the laws mentioned here or according to the Federal Expellees Act. You can decide for yourself. The responsible authority will advise you on which process is right for you.

• To work as a physiotherapist in Germany you need a government permit.
• With the permit, you can officially call yourself a “physiotherapist” and work in the profession.
• You can also obtain state permission in Germany if you have a professional qualification from a so-called third country. Third countries are all countries that are not part of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
• The equivalence of professional qualifications is an important prerequisite for the granting of state permission.