Should doctors apply before Germany changes rules?

Do not rush your German doctor licence application before November 2026 unless a paper comparison of your degree clearly helps you. The new system makes the medical knowledge exam (Kenntnisprüfung) the normal route for doctors trained outside the EU.

A few rules are confirmed. Other changes still sit in a draft law. Do not base your visa, translations, or exam budget on a Telegram message.

What changes in November 2026?

From 1 November 2026, the knowledge exam becomes the normal route for doctors with degrees from outside the EU. This rule is confirmed as of October 2026.

Today, many state offices first compare your diploma, transcript, internship papers, and specialist training with German training. That paper comparison can end with a request for the knowledge exam.

Under the new rule, the office normally sends you toward the knowledge exam first. A paper comparison happens only if you request it within 4 weeks after applying.

That choice is binding. If you choose the paper comparison, you cannot later switch because the file becomes slow or difficult.

Who should apply before the change?

Apply before the change if your papers strongly match German medical training. This is most useful when you have a detailed transcript, internship certificate, rotation list, and clear proof of clinical hours.

Your state licensing office decides whether the papers match. It compares subjects such as internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics, pharmacology, and practical placements.

Doctors with missing internship papers often lose time in this comparison. So do doctors whose university cannot issue detailed subject hours or clinical rotation certificates.

A paper comparison is not a shortcut by itself. The office can still find major differences and require the knowledge exam afterwards.

Who should wait for the new rule?

Wait for the new system if you already expect the knowledge exam. This is common when your transcript is short, your university papers are incomplete, or your internship structure differs greatly.

The new system may save you from paying for translations and certified copies that only support a long paper comparison. But the lighter paper rules are still a draft, not a final promise.

The draft says offices would normally accept plain copies or electronic files. It also says German or English translations would be accepted. Parliament can still change these details.

Do not confuse two rule sets

The new exam-first rule is confirmed. The planned new exam format is still a draft. Keep these two facts separate when you read advice online.

Today, the knowledge exam is oral and practical. You examine a real patient and speak with 3 examiners on one day. You have 3 attempts in total.

The draft describes a 2-day exam with patient history, examination, a written report, and an oral exam. It also says applications filed by 31 October 2026 stay under the old rules.

That 31 October date is draft language. Do not treat it as final until the law is published and your state licensing office confirms its process.

What to do now

1. Make one folder with your passport, CV, degree, transcript, home licence, good standing certificate, criminal record extract, medical certificate, and language certificate.
2. Email your state licensing office: “Will my application filed before 1 November 2026 stay under the current paper comparison rules?”
3. Ask your university now for a detailed transcript, clinical rotation list, internship certificate, and subject hours.
4. Choose the paper comparison only if your documents clearly show your full medical training.
5. Keep preparing for the knowledge exam if your degree papers have gaps. It remains the common outcome for many non-EU doctors.

Stand: 2026-10-10. This is a guide, not legal advice. Every German state has its own rules, and rules change. Check with your state's [medical chamber (Landesärztekammer)](https://www.bundesaerztekammer.de/aerztekammern) before you act.