There are several types of German visas available for doctors to enter the Federal Republic of Germany, and they differ in their requirements and features.
Short-term C visa (Schengen visa):
A short-term visa valid for only 90 days, suitable for doctors wishing to travel to Germany to attend specialized medical conferences, a German language course, or professional training within a German hospital.
Doctors holding a Schengen visa are entitled to enter Germany for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
This type of visa is non-extendable, and the doctor must leave Germany immediately after completing their 90-day stay or upon the expiration of the visa. If they wish to visit Germany after the visa expires, they must apply for a new Schengen visa or one of the long-stay visa types.
Doctors holding this visa are not permitted to work in Germany or participate in any paid activity during their stay.
Language Study Visa (Section 16f)
This visa is considered the fastest and easiest for doctors. It allows them to travel to Germany for one year to participate in a German language course to study advanced levels of the language up to specialist levels.
To obtain it, several requirements must be met:
To obtain it, several requirements must be met:
- A language level of A2 or B1, with a certificate of passing one of the exams recognized by German embassies (Goethe-Institut, telc GmbH, Österreichisches Sprachdiplom (ÖSD), TestDaF-Institut, or ECL Prüfungszentrum).
- Proof that the doctor has sufficient funds to cover their living expenses for at least one year, through a blocked bank account or a personal guarantee from a person residing in Germany.
- Registration at a German language institute, provided that the course consists of no fewer than 18 hours per week, along with submitting the course payment receipt.
The doctor may also provide confirmation of receipt of their medical equivalency file by the Medical Equivalency Department (Eingang) or even a notification of full recognition from the Equivalency Department (Bescheid).
This constitutes an advantage in their application and increases their chances of obtaining a language study visa.
This constitutes an advantage in their application and increases their chances of obtaining a language study visa.
Visa duration: One to one and a half years, and in some cases, it can be extended to two years.
Previously, holders of this type of visa were not permitted to work in Germany, but under the new regulations, they are now allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Foreign Qualifications Recognition Visa (Section 16d)
This visa allows doctors to travel to Germany to study advanced and specialized levels of German and to take equivalency exams for their medical degrees obtained outside Germany, in preparation for practicing medicine. It is currently the most requested visa by doctors due to its high approval rate.
Requirements:
- An A2 or B1 language level with a certificate of passing one of the exams recognized by German embassies (Goethe-Institut, telc GmbH, Österreichisches Sprachdiplom (ÖSD), TestDaF-Institut, or ECL Prüfungszentrum).
- Notice of full recognition from the equivalency office (Bescheid): A declaration from the equivalency body confirming the doctor's professional qualifications and stating that their medical degree can be recognized in Germany.
- A blocked bank account or a personal guarantee from a resident in Germany.
- Enrollment in a German language course at a German language institute. The course must consist of at least 18 hours per week, and proof of course registration payment must be provided.
Visa duration: This visa is relatively long-term and can be extended, provided the total duration does not exceed three years.
This visa allows doctors to work 20 hours per week, according to the latest amendments issued at the beginning of March 2024.