Vet from Abroad: A Comprehensive Overview and Guide

Introduction to vet from abroad

Hello dear veterinarians from all over the world! You would like to work in Germany and are wondering how it works? No problem, I'll explain to you step by step what you need to get a work visa and be able to temporarily work as a veterinarian in Germany. This may sound a bit complicated at first, but don't worry, I'll help you understand everything. Let's go!

Labor market situation for veterinarians from abroad

There are special challenges and opportunities for foreign veterinarians in Germany. You will need to have your qualifications recognized and possibly take additional exams. Demand for veterinarians can vary by region, with better opportunities in rural areas. The recognition of foreign qualifications and professional experience plays an important role in the job search. Knowledge of German is often essential in order to work successfully in the industry. Overall, the German labor market offers opportunities, but also requires adaptation and understanding of the local system.

The labor market situation for veterinarians in Germany is characterized by various framework conditions. Veterinarians often work irregular hours, especially in practices and clinics, and the job can be physically demanding. Salaries vary depending on employer, experience and state.

On average, employed veterinarians can expect a gross monthly income of between 3,300 and 3,800 euros. The income prospects for self-employed veterinarians depend heavily on their specialization. In addition to practices, job opportunities also include public service, animal welfare or pharmacy. The job situation is often better in rural areas than in cities. The profession requires a long course of study in veterinary medicine, which is offered at five universities in Germany ​.

Veterinarians from the EU

For veterinarians from the EU, a foreign university degree in the field of veterinary medicine is generally recognized. The veterinarian from abroad from the EU then only has to prove that he can speak German - he proves this with the B2 language certificate.

Veterinarians from third countries

Accelerated specialist procedures for veterinarians from abroad

The accelerated skilled worker process in Germany enables companies and skilled workers from third countries to shorten the entry process. If there is a specific job offer, companies can apply for the accelerated procedure to the immigration authorities with the permission of the specialist. This procedure costs 411 euros. This can also speed up the process for recognizing foreign qualifications. Alternatively, there is the regular entry procedure for employment. You can find further information on the Make-it-in-Germany web portal .

The accelerated skilled worker process in Germany includes several steps:

1. Job offer : First you need a concrete job offer from Germany.
2. Application : With your permission, your future employer submits an application for the accelerated procedure to the immigration authorities.
3. Fee : A fee of 411 euros is due for this procedure.
4. Recognition of qualifications : The recognition of your professional qualifications can also be accelerated.
5. Alternative : You can also choose the regular entry procedure.

Specifically, you must provide the following documents, for example in Baden-Württemberg:

What documents do I have to submit as a veterinarian from abroad?

a) For the professional license we need these documents:

1. An application for permission to practice the veterinary profession (form can be found here: https://rp.baden-wuerttemberg.de/Themen/Bildung/Ausbildung/Seiten/Tierarzt.aspx ). Send us the original, translated and certified, preferably via UPS.
2. Your certificate or diploma showing that you passed the veterinary exam.
3. Your ID or passport.
4. A current CV that also shows your previous work.
5. Proof that you will soon be working as a veterinarian, such as an employment contract.
6. A certificate of good conduct that you can present to an authority (please specify the Stuttgart Regional Council as the recipient when applying) or a Certificate of Good Standing from your home country.
7. A medical certificate of health confirming that you are healthy enough to work as a veterinarian (form here: https://rp.baden-wuerttemberg.de/Themen/Bildung/Ausbildung/Seiten/Tierarzt.aspx ).
8. Proof that you speak German at B2 level (or higher).

b) For the visa you need these digital documents:

• A power of attorney.
• A color copy of your passport.
• A copy of your university degree certificate in the original language and in German, possibly with legalization/apostille or - if available - a certificate evaluation.
• The name of the foreign mission where you are applying for the visa.
• A “Declaration of Employment” form, completed and signed (see appendix), if your salary is below a certain limit ( social security limit ).
• An employment contract or a confirmation of employment.

If your family (spouse/children) would like to enter the country with you, please also provide these documents:

• A power of attorney for your spouse/child (see appendix).
• A color copy of the passport of each family member.
• A copy of the child's marriage certificate/birth certificate in the original language and in German, possibly with legalization/apostille.
• Possibly an ALTE-certified A1 language certificate from your spouse.

Here you will find a download with all applications and powers of attorney if you are applying for a position as a veterinarian from abroad in Baden-Württemberg: Download forms

Importance of German language skills

German language skills are very important for veterinarians from abroad in Germany for several reasons. First of all, communication with pet owners, colleagues and other professionals is mostly in German. A good understanding of language is necessary to clearly explain and understand diagnoses and treatments. In addition, documentation and medical records are often in German. Good language skills also help when navigating through official processes and with professional integration. In summary, knowledge of German is crucial not only for daily work, but also for professional success and integration into society.

Without an officially passed language test at language level B2, a job doesn't make sense and you won't usually get a professional license.

I'm in Germany and have a professional license - what then?

After you have received your professional license in Germany, the next step is to apply for the German license to practice medicine so that you can work as a veterinarian without restrictions. The license to practice medicine is a state approval for the profession. Special steps are required for veterinarians from third countries, i.e. countries outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland.

First you have to prove the equivalence of your veterinary training. This means that your professional qualification will be compared with the German professional qualification to determine whether it is equivalent. If your qualification is recognized as equivalent, you can receive the German license to practice medicine. If there are significant differences, you may need to take knowledge tests. These exams are designed to test your knowledge and skills and ensure that they meet German standards.

The necessary knowledge of German is an important factor. At least B2 level is generally required. Both health suitability and the absence of a criminal record are other important requirements.

The exact procedure may vary depending on the federal state. It is advisable to contact the responsible authority and clarify the required documents, costs, deadlines and forms. The professional recognition advisory services can help you get an overview of the process and support you if you have any questions.

visit websites such as the federal government's portal for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications Recognition in Germany or bltk.de. These pages offer comprehensive information and resources that can make your path to a German license easier.

You usually have 2-4 years to complete your knowledge tests. These usually include 8-12 exams - depending on your previous knowledge of the country you are studying. In Germany, for example, pigs are an important area of ​​veterinary teaching and applicants from Muslim countries usually have to catch up on this knowledge. But the obligatory stay in a slaughterhouse is also part of the tests as part of the recognition process.

Graphic showing the process for a vet from abroad

Frequently asked questions about vets from abroad

Mistakes in connection with the new skilled worker immigration law - veterinarian from abroad

There has been a new skilled worker immigration law since November 2023. This is intended to make the immigration of skilled workers easier. It is also stated here that veterinarians are now also one of the so-called bottleneck professions. Basically, this law also states that members of these bottleneck professions only need A1 knowledge of German and can compensate for this with B2 knowledge of English.

However, after consultation with the responsible authorities, the special law regulating the professional license of foreign veterinarians has not been adapted accordingly, so this continues to apply with priority.

Now what does this mean? It simply means that you still have to demonstrate at least B2 language skills in the German language.

Summary: Vet from abroad

As a veterinarian from abroad who wants to work in Germany, you have to go through a few important steps. First you need a temporary professional license. As a veterinarian from abroad, you must then have your qualifications recognized. Recognition is necessary because the veterinary profession is regulated in Germany. Without recognition, you are not allowed to work independently as a veterinarian from abroad.

There are special requirements for veterinarians from abroad who studied outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland. As a veterinarian from abroad, you must prove the equivalence of your training. This exam ensures that your knowledge meets German standards. If you, as a veterinarian from abroad, find that your qualifications are not equivalent, you can take knowledge tests.

These knowledge tests are an opportunity for veterinarians from abroad to demonstrate their suitability for the German market. As a veterinarian from abroad, you should also note that you need German language skills at least at level B2. Health suitability and the absence of a criminal record are further requirements for veterinarians from abroad.

The application process for veterinarians from abroad can vary depending on the federal state. It is therefore important that you, as a veterinarian from abroad, find out more from the relevant authority. As a veterinarian from abroad, you can find support at advice centers for professional recognition. These offices offer help and information to veterinarians from abroad.

In summary, the path to becoming licensed as a veterinarian from abroad in Germany is certainly feasible, but requires care and an understanding of local requirements. As a veterinarian from abroad, you can benefit from the extensive advice offered and thus realize your dream of working in Germany.

At doc4pets we understand that the path through authorities and offices can sometimes seem like a labyrinth, especially if you are new to Germany. But don't worry, we're here to help you! We support you in all administrative matters and are also at your side in communicating with authorities. You are not alone – together we can do it!

If you have any further questions, please write to Sven Jan Arndt: s.arndt@doc4pets.gmbh