German doctors need FaMed approval

A FaMed certificate counts in Baden-Württemberg only after written approval from the licensing office. Do not move to Stuttgart or cancel another exam because FaMed worked elsewhere.

Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart handles your doctor licence application. It decides if your language exam for doctors meets Baden-Württemberg's rules.

Why another state is not enough

A certificate accepted in Berlin, Hesse, or another state is not accepted automatically in Baden-Württemberg. Each state authority sets its own language exam rules for foreign doctors.

FaMed is an exam provider. Your certificate must show which state authority accepted the exam and which exam you passed.

This matters when you change states after passing. A hospital contract in Mannheim does not change the language rule.

The Stuttgart office checks the certificate before it issues your full doctor licence or temporary work licence. Your hospital start date does not replace that decision.

The narrow case that can work

Baden-Württemberg can accept a FaMed certificate recognised by another German state authority. The important part is the authority's recognition letter.

A FaMed test centre alone is not enough. The letter must show that the state accepted this exam as its medical language exam.

Send the full certificate to Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart before you rely on it. Add the letter from the other state's licensing office.

The office looks at the named state, exam provider, exam date, and certificate wording. A scan with only your name and FaMed logo leaves questions open.

Send these papers first

Write one clear email before you relocate. Attach colour scans as PDF files.

Put your full name and date of birth in the email. Add your application number if Stuttgart already gave you one.

• Your FaMed certificate with your name, date, and result
• The other state's letter accepting FaMed as its medical language exam
• Your doctor licence application reference, if you have one
• A short question about this exact certificate

Use this exact question

Write this question in your email: “Will you accept my attached FaMed certificate?” Then name the state authority that recognised it.

Ask whether it replaces Baden-Württemberg's medical language exam. Ask for the answer by email.

A phone call can help you find the right desk. It does not replace a written exam decision.

Keep the email reply with your certificate and licence papers. Save it as a PDF in the same folder.

Do not book twice too early

Do not book Baden-Württemberg's exam while Stuttgart reviews your FaMed papers. You could pay for another exam without needing it.

You could also take a place another doctor needs. Wait for the office's written answer first.

Do not cancel your current exam before Stuttgart replies. A refusal means you still need an accepted language exam result.

Keep your existing exam booking while you wait. Cancel only after Stuttgart accepts your attached FaMed certificate in writing.

What to do now

1. Save your FaMed certificate as one clear PDF file.
2. Request the recognition letter from the state authority that accepted FaMed.
3. Email both papers to Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart with your question.
4. Keep your current exam booking until you receive a written answer.

Stand: 2026-09-29. 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.