Authority for justice and consumer protection

Single point of contact for professional recognition, veterinarian

Prerequisites

The approval is subject to various requirements, which relate to

• successful completion of studies,
• the personal and health suitability for the exercise of the profession and
• sufficient knowledge of the German language.

Documents required

• Birth certificate or certificate of descent or extract from the parents’ family register in certified copy
• If the name used differs from that in the birth certificate: Proof of a name change, for example a certified copy of the marriage certificate
• valid proof of identity, e.g. a certified copy of your passport
• Complete and personally signed curriculum vitae: Tabular and chronological list of the training courses completed and the employment activities carried out, indicating the periods with month and year and enclosing the relevant supporting documents.
• original medical certificate
  • This must be issued and signed by a general practitioner or doctor practicing in internal medicine established in Germany or another state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area or in Switzerland and must be stamped by the practice or clinic. If the practice or clinic stamp is not in German, a German translation of the stamp is required.
  • It must not be older than three months at the time of submission.
• Certificate of good conduct of document type “O”
  • If the applicant has already stayed in Germany for more than six months in the past or had or still has a residence in Germany.
  • In Germany, this must be applied for at the registration office of the place of residence, stating the purpose of the application as "licensing as a veterinarian". The certificate of good conduct is sent directly to the relevant authority by the Federal Office of Justice.
• Proof of impunity
  • Submission of criminal records extracts from all countries in which the applicant has resided for more than six months in the last five years.
  • The criminal record extracts must not be older than three months when the application is received.
  • These extracts must be submitted as certified copies.
  • In addition, a certificate of good conduct of the document type “O” is required if the applicant has already stayed in Germany for more than six months in the past or had or still has a residence in Germany.
  • In Germany, this must be applied for at the registration office of the place of residence.
  • The certificate of good conduct is sent directly to the responsible authority.
  • The certificate of good conduct must not be older than three months when the application is received.
• Certified copy of proof of your completed training
  • Proof of training such as diploma
  • if necessary, further country-specific evidence
  • Overview of the subjects completed during the course of study with number of hours and grades
  • if applicable, proof of compulsory internships completed
• Proof of entitlement to practice the medical profession in the country of training and/or origin in a certified copy
• If applicable, a certified copy of a certificate of good standing or "certificate of good standing". This is required in all countries in which the health professional has been practised in the last five years. The certificate must not be older than three months when the application is received.
• If applicable, proof of activity in the medical profession, for example employment and further training certificates in the original or as a certified copy.
• If applicable, curriculum or study book in original
• Proof of the required German language skills in a certified copy. A certificate from an ALTE-certified language institute at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) must be presented.

Please note

Deadlines

There is no time limit for applying for a license. You need the license before you can practice as a veterinarian in Germany.

Procedure

• Submit your application in writing or in person to the responsible authority.
• The responsible authority will only grant appointments upon request.
• Submit all documents in full before an appointment - for qualifications from outside the EU, it is advisable to initially only send a translation of the qualification so that the general recognition capability can be checked in advance.
• In the case of recognition of qualifications that were not obtained in the EU, proof of a knowledge test is required - you must clarify the requirements with the responsible body.
• The responsible authority will examine your application and the documents. If necessary, it will request further documents or information from you.
• The responsible authority will decide on your application.
• You receive the approval.

Processing time

The processing time depends on the individual case.

Fees

Fees apply. The amount of the fees is calculated based on the effort involved. They range between 125.00 euros and 360.00 euros.

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

• § 4 Federal Veterinary Regulations (BTÄO)


• Section 63 Licensing Regulations for Veterinarians (TAppV)


• Section 64 Licensing Regulations for Veterinarians (TAppV)