Source: BUS Sachsen-Anhalt (Linie6PLus)

Apply for permission to use the professional title of podiatrist from EU/EEA/Switzerland

Description

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

Even with a professional qualification from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, 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 the equivalence. The equivalence of the professional qualification is an important prerequisite for the granting of state permission.

In addition to the equivalence of the professional qualification, you must 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 does not come from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, other regulations apply.

You can also apply for the procedure from abroad.

Prerequisites

You have a professional qualification as a podiatrist or podiatrist from the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
You want to work as a podiatrist in Germany.
Personal suitability: You are reliable for working as a podiatrist or podiatrist and have no criminal record.
Health suitability: You can work mentally and physically as a podiatrist or podiatrist.
You have German language skills at the required language level. This is usually 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 in general:

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 podiatrist or podiatrist
Proof of further relevant knowledge for working as a podiatrist or podiatrist
You do not live or work in Germany yet? Then you may have to prove that you want to work in the profession in Germany. Proof is e.g. applications for a job, invitations to interviews, personal declaration

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

Proof of your personal suitability: extract from the criminal record or certificate of good conduct from your country of origin. The proof must not be more than 3 months old at the time of application.
Proof of your medical fitness: Medical certificate. The proof must not be more than 3 months old at the time of application.
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 for processing.

In addition, additional costs may arise (e.g. for translations, certifications or compensatory measures). These costs vary from person to person.

Deadlines

None.

Sometimes documents are still missing in the procedure. The competent authority will then inform you by when you must submit the documents.

Legal remedy

You can take legal action against the decision of the competent authority within a certain period of time (e.g. file an objection). The decision will then be reviewed. Details can be found in the information on the right 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.

Procedure

Application

You submit an application for permission to use the professional title "podiatrist" or "podiatrist" to the competent authority. 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 assessment

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 from abroad with the German professional qualification as a podiatrist or podiatrist. The professional qualification is equivalent if there are no significant differences between your foreign professional qualification and the German professional qualification.

Possible results of the test

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

Are there any significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification? Perhaps you can compensate for the differences through your professional practice, other knowledge or skills (lifelong learning). You must prove your professional experience. 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 this knowledge. Then your foreign professional qualification will not be recognised. You will then not be allowed to work as a podiatrist in Germany.

However, the competent authority will tell you the essential differences and why you cannot compensate for the essential differences through your professional practice.

In most cases, you can make a compensatory measure. This allows you to compensate for the essential differences.

Compensatory measures

There are several compensatory measures:

Adaptation period: The adaptation period lasts a maximum of three years.
Fitness test: The aptitude test examines only those areas in which significant differences have been identified. The aptitude test consists of a practical examination.

You can choose between an adaptation period or an aptitude test.

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

Further information

Freedom to provide services

Would you like to offer services in Germany only occasionally and for a short time? Then you usually do not need the state permission. You must meet these requirements:

You must be established in another EU, EEA or Swiss country.
You must provide proof of your professional qualifications.
You must report your activity in writing to the competent authority.

The competent authority will inform you whether you are authorised to provide services or whether you are required to take an aptitude test.

Equivalence Notice

In the licensing procedure, equivalence is also checked (recognition procedure). You can apply for a separate notification for the result of the examination.

Procedure for ethnic German repatriates

As a Spätaussiedler, you can go through the recognition procedure either according to the laws mentioned here or according to the Federal Expellees Act. You can decide for yourself. The competent body will advise you on which procedure suits you.