Source: BUS Sachsen-Anhalt (Linie6PLus)

Apply for recognition as a midwife with a professional qualification that is not automatically recognised

Description

The profession of midwife is regulated in Germany. This means that in order to work as a midwife in Germany, you need a state permit. With the permission, you may use the professional title "midwife" and work in the profession.

Even with a professional qualification from abroad, you can obtain state permission from the competent authority in Germany. In order to obtain the permit, you must have your foreign professional qualification recognised.

In the recognition procedure, the competent authority compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification and checks its equivalence. The equivalence of the professional qualification is an important prerequisite for the granting of the state permit. In addition to the equivalence of the professional qualification, you must also meet other requirements for the granting of the permit. Further requirements are, for example, sufficient German language skills and health suitability.

If your professional qualification is automatically recognised, other rules will apply.
You can also apply for the procedure from abroad.

Prerequisites

You have a professional qualification as a midwife from abroad.
In order to obtain state permission, the equivalence of your professional qualification must be checked.
You want to work as a midwife in Germany.
Personal suitability: You are reliable for working as a midwife and have no criminal record.
Health suitability: You can work psychologically and physically as a midwife.
You have german language skills at the required language level. This is usually the language level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Required documents

The competent authority will tell you which documents you need to submit. Important documents are generally:

Proof of identity (identity card or passport)
Marriage certificate (if your name has changed due to marriage)
Curriculum vitae
Proof of your professional qualification (e.g. certificates, professional certificate)
Evidence of formal qualifications
Proof of your relevant professional experience as a midwife
Proof of further relevant knowledge for working as a midwife
Perhaps: You do not yet live or work in the EU, the EEA or Switzerland? Then you have to prove that you want to work in the profession in Germany. Proof includes, for example, applications for a job, proof of your application for an entry visa for gainful employment or personal declaration

You usually hand in these documents later. The competent authority will inform you when you should hand in the documents:

Proof of your personal suitability: Extract from criminal record or certificate of good conduct from your country of origin.
Proof of your fitness for health: Medical certificate
Proof of your German language skills: Language certificate

The competent authority will inform you which documents you must submit as a simple copy, as a certified copy or in the original.

Fees (costs)

The competent authority will inform you about the costs. The costs generally depend on the effort required for processing.

In addition, additional costs may arise (for example, for translations or certifications). These costs vary from person to person.

Deadlines

There is no deadline.

Sometimes documents are still missing in the procedure. The competent authority will then inform you by when you have to submit the documents. This may prolong the procedure.

Legal remedy

You can take legal action against the decision of the competent authority within a certain period of time (for example, lodge an objection). The decision is then reviewed. Details can be found in the notice of appeal at the end of your decision. We recommend that you first talk to the competent authority before taking legal action against the decision.

Responsible body

The State Administration Office in Halle (Saale) grants permission.

Applications / Forms

Forms: Forms can be obtained from the competent authority.
Online procedure possible: Ask the competent authority whether you can submit the application online.
Personal appearance required: no

Procedure

Application

They submit an application for authorisation to use the professional title "midwife" to the competent authority.

You can submit an application if you do not yet live in Germany. You can submit the application with the documents to the competent authority or send it by post. Do not send originals. Sometimes you can also send the application electronically. The competent authority will inform you.

Equivalence test

The competent authority will then check whether you meet all the requirements. An important prerequisite is the equivalence of your professional qualification. The competent authority compares your professional qualification with the German professional qualification as a midwife. The professional qualification is equivalent if there are no significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification.

Note: If your professional qualification is automatically recognised, the competent body will not carry out an equivalence test. That is a different procedure. The competent authority will inform you.

Possible results of the equivalence test

If your foreign professional qualification is equivalent, it will be recognised. The competent authority can confirm the result in writing. You still have to meet the other requirements. Then you will receive permission to use the professional title "midwife".

Are there significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification? Perhaps you can compensate for the differences through your work experience, other knowledge or skills (lifelong learning). Knowledge and skills must be certified by an authority of the state in which you acquired the knowledge or skills.

However, it may be that the essential differences cannot be compensated by your professional experience, knowledge or skills. In this case, the competent authority will tell you the essential differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification and why you cannot compensate for these essential differences with your professional experience or your knowledge and skills.

The competent authority will also give you compensatory measures that you can take to compensate for the essential differences.
If you decide not to take compensatory measures, your professional qualification will not be recognised and you will not be allowed to work as a midwife in Germany.

Compensatory measures

There are various compensatory measures:

Adaptation period: The adaptation period lasts a maximum of three years.
Aptitude test: The aptitude test consists of a practical examination that is associated with an examination interview.
Knowledge test for professional qualifications from a third country: The knowledge test tests your knowledge in certain subjects and areas. The knowledge test includes an oral and a practical part.

The competent authority will inform you whether you need to take one or more compensatory measures and whether you can choose which of the compensatory measures you take. That depends on the level of your education.

If you successfully complete the compensatory measure and meet all other requirements, you will receive permission to use the professional title "midwife".

Further information

Equivalence notice
In the permit procedure, the examination of equivalence (recognition procedure) is also carried out. You can request a separate decision for the result of the examination.

Procedure for ethnic German repatriates
As a ethnic German repatriate, you can either go through the recognition procedure according to the laws mentioned here or according to the Federal Displaced Persons Act. You can decide for yourself. The responsible body will advise you on which procedure is right for you.

Use of the (male) job title "maternity nurse"
Until the end of 2024, you can also apply for the (male) job title "maternity nurse". Then the regulations of the Midwifery Act apply in the version until 31 December 2019. Your responsible office will inform you about the details.

Legal basis

§§ 5, 43, 44, 54 Act on the Study and Profession of Midwives (Hebammengesetz - HebG)
§§ 43, 44, 48 ff. Study and Examination Ordinance for Midwives (HebStPrV)