Germany Changes The Foreign Doctor Exam Rules
From 1 Nov 2026 most foreign doctors take Germany's knowledge exam by default. Here is today's one-day format, the draft 2-day version, and the deadline that matters.
Ahmed Quteishat
Assistenzarzt, Innere Medizin (Berlin) · Founder of Klaro
Starting 1 November 2026, most foreign doctors with a degree from outside the EU will sit the German knowledge exam (Kenntnisprüfung) by default.
A paper-only check of your degree still exists. You have to ask for it, in writing, within 4 weeks of applying. That choice cannot be undone.
What changes on 1 November 2026?
Today, many doctors hope their office will simply check their degree on paper and skip the exam. After 1 November 2026, that is no longer the normal outcome.
The exam becomes the expected route for a degree from outside the EU. The paper check is the exception, and you must request it yourself.
What does today's exam look like?
Right now the knowledge exam is one day. You see a real patient, do a short exam, and answer questions in front of 3 examiners from the state medical chamber (Landesärztekammer).
You get 3 attempts in total. The state has to offer you a date within about 6 months of asking.
Is the exam really getting longer?
A draft law, not yet passed, would replace the one-day exam with a 2-day version.
Day one would add a 60-minute written report after the patient exam.
Day two would be a longer oral exam, 90 to 120 minutes. Treat this as a draft until it is signed into law.
Should you apply before 31 October 2026?
Yes. If your application is filed by 31 October 2026, you stay under today's rules: the shorter, one-day exam.
File after that date, and the longer draft format may already apply to you. On top of that, the exam becomes the default route for everyone, not just a backup.
What to do now
- Collect your papers now: degree, transcripts, home licence, certificate of good standing, criminal record extract, medical certificate, language certificate.
- File your application with your state medical chamber before 31 October 2026, instead of waiting for the draft law to pass.
- Decide in writing within 4 weeks whether you want a paper check or the exam, since that choice is binding.
- Book the medical language exam (Fachsprachprüfung) now if you have not passed it, since you need it either way.
Stand: 2026-11-02. 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) before you act.
Ahmed Quteishat — Assistenzarzt, Innere Medizin (Berlin) · Founder of Klaro
Ahmed built Klaro after watching how much of a doctor's move to Germany gets lost in paperwork rather than medicine.
