medical licensing authority

Who has jurisdiction?

Licensure is governed by federal law, but implementation is a matter for the states (Länder). There is therefore no central federal authority. In Baden-Württemberg, the Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart with its State Recognition Centre for Health Professions is responsible; in Bavaria, the Regierung von Oberbayern through its Central Recognition Office for Licensure Professions; in Berlin, the State Office for Health and Social Affairs; in North Rhine-Westphalia, the Bezirksregierung Münster; and in Hesse, the Hesse State Office for Health and Care. Jurisdiction generally lies with the state in which medical practice is to begin. The licensure granted subsequently applies throughout Germany and does not need to be reapplied for when moving to another state.

What specifically does the authority review?

It works through the requirements of § 3(1) of the Federal Medical Act: evidence of training, fitness in terms of moral fitness and professional reliability, physical suitability, and language competence. For qualifications from third countries, it carries out the equivalence review and may commission an external expert opinion for this purpose. For the specialist language examination, it relies in most states on the State Medical Association, but decides independently whether to recognise the result. The process concludes with an administrative act: the licensure certificate, or a negative decision with reasoning and information on legal remedies.

What does this mean for graduates from EU countries abroad?

Anyone who obtained their degree in Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Croatia, or Lithuania submits their diploma, transcript, and in many cases an EU conformity certificate. For qualifications listed in Annex V No. 5.1.1 of Directive 2005/36/EC, a substantive review of the curriculum is not required. Nevertheless, processing times, fees, and requirements for certified translations vary considerably from state to state. Some authorities decide within a few weeks; others take several months, and requests for additional documents extend the procedure further. Early contact with the competent authority often avoids a second round.

Common misconceptions

The licensing authority is not the Medical Association (Ärztekammer). The Association regulates professional conduct and postgraduate training; the authority decides on licensure itself. Equally, a telephone enquiry does not replace an official decision. Administrative court proceedings are available against adverse decisions; whether this is worthwhile is a matter for legal advice.