German doctors should compare states before applying

Compare 3 German states before you apply for your full doctor licence (Approbation). Each state office can ask for different papers. Its exam access can also change your timeline.

Do not pick a state from an old Facebook post about waiting times. Pick the office where your papers, German address, job search and language certificate fit today.

Who decides your licence

Germany has 16 states. The competent licensing authority in the state where you apply decides your licence file.

The national recognition portal helps you find that authority. First choose doctor as your profession. Then choose the state where you want to work.

A Berlin doctor licence office is not the same office as Bavaria's. Their websites have separate forms, paper lists, translation rules and contact details.

Why states change your timeline

Your file stops when one required paper is missing. A licensing officer may ask for a passport copy, diploma, internship certificate, good standing certificate or sworn translation.

Some offices first check whether they are responsible for you. They may want a German address, a job offer, or a written reason for choosing that state.

The language exam for doctors (Fachsprachprüfung) is also organised locally. Test providers, booking steps and accepted language papers differ between states.

If your medical education is judged unequal, the state can require a medical knowledge exam (Kenntnisprüfung). The exam office decides the papers and booking process for that state.

Compare these 4 points

Start with 3 states where you would actually live and work. Open the doctor licence page from each state authority in 3 browser tabs.

• Responsibility: Does the office accept applicants without a German address or job offer?
• Paper list: Which diploma papers need sworn German translations?
• Language proof: Which certificate starts the application or exam booking?
• Exam access: Who runs the language and medical knowledge exams?

Write each answer in one note on your phone. Include the office email address and the page date. Websites change after new state rules or new exam providers.

Do not chase old waiting times

Fast processing stories become old quickly. A state office can receive more files, lose exam dates, or ask for an extra paper the next month.

The better choice is the state where your file is complete now. A complete file in Hesse is stronger than a missing translation in Berlin.

There is one exception. If you already have a signed hospital contract, apply in that hospital's state. The employer gives you a clear link to the local office.

What to do today

1. Choose 3 German states where you would accept a hospital job.
2. Open each state authority page for foreign-trained doctors.
3. Copy each paper list into one phone note.
4. Email the office: “Can I apply without a German address or job offer?”
5. Apply where your current papers match the published list.

Stand: 2026-09-27. 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.