Social Authority

Apply for permission to use the professional title of Orthoptist

If you wish to use the professional title “orthoptist”, you need a permit

Detailed description

In order to work as an orthoptist in Germany, you must apply for a state permit. With this permit, you can use the professional title “orthoptist” and work in the profession. You must apply for the permit.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • You have completed the required 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 are not unsuitable for the profession due to health reasons.
  • You have the knowledge of the German language required to practice the profession.

Documents required

  • Copy of the certificate confirming that the training period prescribed by the relevant law has been completed and the state examination has been passed or notice of the determination of the equivalence of the foreign professional qualification
  • (police) 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 at level B2)

Please note

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

Deadlines

No

Procedure

  • You submit your application together with the necessary documents to the responsible authority.
  • The responsible authority will check your application for completeness and, if necessary, request any missing documents or information from you.
  • The responsible authority will check whether you meet all the requirements.
  • If you meet all the requirements, you will receive permission.
  • You may not begin the activity until you have received permission.

Processing time

Up to 6 weeks

Fees

150 EUR - 300 EUR

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

Section 1 Paragraph 1 Orthoptists Act (OrthoptG)


www.gesetze-im-internet.de/orthoptg/__1.html

Address and contact information

Social Authority

G 5
Health Law and Health Professions

Mon-Tue 9am-12pm, Thu 1pm-4pm

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Keywords: Orthoptics certificate work permit

Last updated: 10.10.2026