Application for a license to practice as an occupational therapist from a third country

Prerequisites

• You have successfully completed training as an occupational therapist outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and are entitled to work independently as an occupational therapist there.
• You want to work as an occupational therapist in Germany.
• Personal suitability: You are reliable to work as an occupational therapist and have no criminal record.
• Medical suitability: You can work mentally and physically as an occupational therapist.
• You have German language skills at the required language level. This is usually language level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Documents required

• Application (available online)
• Documents according to leaflet (available online)
• Proof of language proficiency B2/ technical language test (see leaflet)
• Medical certificate (available online)
• Official certificate of good conduct according to § 30 Para. 5 BZRG

Deadlines

No

Procedure

application
You compile your documents using the leaflet that you can find on our website or that you have received from us. Submit the documents together with the application in the required form.

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 from abroad with the German professional qualification as an occupational therapist. 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 there is equivalence, submit proof of your health, language and personal suitability (instruction sheet).

If there is no equivalence, you will complete an adjustment measure in the form of a knowledge test or an adjustment course. You will receive further information from us on this.

Processing time

• up to 2 months in the accelerated procedure


• up to 4 months in the regular procedure

Fees

at least EUR 225, depending on the effort up to EUR 600 plus EUR 42 for the certificate

Legal remedies

An objection to a negative decision can be raised within one month of notification at the office specified in the letterhead.

Legal basis

§§ 1, 2 Occupational Therapists Act

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bearbthg/__1.html


Sections 1, 16, 16a, 16c, Annex 1 to Section 1, Paragraph 1 of the Training and Examination Ordinance for Occupational Therapists

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/ergthaprv/BJNR173100999.html