Social Authority
Apply for permission to use the professional title of midwife / obstetric nurse

If you wish to use the professional title “midwife” or “obstetric nurse”, you will need a permit.

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Professional permits, examinations and approbations

Detailed description

The work of a midwife or obstetric nurse is regulated in Germany. This means that in order to work as a midwife or obstetric nurse in Germany, you must apply for a state permit. With this permit, you can use the professional title “midwife” or “obstetric nurse” and work in the profession. You must apply for the permit from the responsible authority.

Information

Important notes

Prerequisites

You have completed the legally required vocational or university training and passed the state final examination or your foreign professional qualification has been recognized in Germany.
You have not been guilty of any conduct that would render you unreliable to perform your profession.
You have the knowledge of the German language required to practice the profession.
You are not unsuitable for the profession due to health reasons

Documents required

Copy of the certificate or notice confirming the equivalence of the foreign professional qualification
Certificate of good conduct (does not need to be brought with you, just apply for it at the city administration, not older than 3 months)
If you have a foreign professional qualification, criminal records from all countries in which you have resided in the last 5 years
Medical certificate stating that you are not unfit to practice the profession due to health reasons (not older than 3 months)
Confirmation of having the knowledge of the German language required to carry out the professional activity (certificate of acquisition of language skills at least level B2)

Please note

Comparable qualifications that you have acquired outside Germany can be recognized as equivalent. If you have a corresponding qualification that was completed outside Germany, you may be able to work as a service provider in Germany temporarily and occasionally without a permit. You must report this to the relevant authority in advance.

Deadlines

The professional certificate can be applied for at any time after the exam has been completed.

Procedure & Fees

Procedure

You submit your application in writing to the responsible authority.
The responsible authority will check the completeness of your application and, if necessary, request any missing documents or information from you.
The competent authority checks whether the requirements are met.
If you meet the requirements, you will receive permission.

You may not begin the activity until you have received permission.

Processing time

No entries can be made here as the procedure is still being developed. The first permits after the amendment of the Midwifery Act will be issued in 2024.

Fees

Depends on the respective administrative fee regulations of the state or on the fee regulations of the bodies responsible under state law.

Legal notes

Legal remedies

You can raise an objection to a negative decision within one month of notification at the office specified in the letterhead.

Legal basis

§ 5 Law on the Study and Profession of Midwives (Midwifery Act - HebG)

www.gesetze-im-internet.de/hebg_2020/__5.html

§ 43 Law on the Study and Profession of Midwives (Midwifery Act - HebG)

www.gesetze-im-internet.de/hebg_2020/__43.html

Address and contact information