Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide for Obtaining Visa and Residency in Germany Based on the Anerkennung Process

Specialized for doctors and healthcare professionals with degrees from outside the European Union

Introduction:

The Anerkennung visa, or “professional qualification recognition visa,” is designed for specialists whose academic or professional qualifications were obtained outside Germany and who need to get their credentials recognized to work in Germany. This visa allows individuals to legally enter Germany, stay up to 18 months, and complete the necessary steps to obtain a work permit or medical license (Approbation).

Step 1: Preparation in the Home Country

1. Identify Career Path and Type of Recognition Process:
2. For doctors: obtain Approbation (official medical license)
3. For nurses: obtain Berufserlaubnis or Anerkennung as a Pflegefachkraft (nursing specialist)
4. Official and Legal Translation of Documents:
5. University degree and transcripts
6. Copies of passport and identity card
7. Birth certificate
8. Work experience records (if available)
9. All translations must be official and certified (beglaubigt) in German.
10. Select Appropriate German State (Bundesland):
11. Each state has its own authority for issuing Approbation.
12. Choosing the right state significantly affects processing time and quality.
13. Submit Application to German Authority (Anerkennung):
14. Submit documents and application forms to responsible office such as Landesprüfungsamt or Approbationsbehörde
15. Receive Defizitbescheid (deficiency notice), a prerequisite for the visa application, detailing courses or exams required in Germany.

Step 2: Apply for Visa at the German Embassy

1. Anerkennung Visa Application:
2. Required Documents:
3. Valid passport
4. Defizitbescheid from German authority
5. Motivation letter (Motivationsschreiben)
6. Proof of financial resources:
7. Blocked account with at least €10,747 per month,
8. Or job offer or financial guarantee
9. German language certificate (minimum B1, preferably B2)
10. Proof of accommodation reservation in Germany
11. Valid travel health insurance
12. Processing Time: Usually 8 to 12 weeks.

Step 3: Entry and Settlement in Germany

1. Register Residence (Anmeldung):
2. At the local Bürgeramt (municipal office)
3. Necessary to receive residence card, health insurance, and open bank account
4. Obtain German Health Insurance:
5. Public insurance (TK, AOK, Barmer) or private insurance for training period
6. Receive Residence Permit (Aufenthaltstitel):
7. Based on §16d of the Residence Act (recognition of foreign qualifications)
8. Valid up to 18 months (extendable in some cases)
9. Start Language Course or Internship in Germany:
10. Language course up to C1 Medizin level
11. Prepare for Fachsprachprüfung (medical language exam)
12. Prepare for Kenntnisprüfung (medical knowledge exam), if required
13. Option to start Hospitation (informal internship)

Step 4: Complete the Recognition Process

1. Pass Required Exams:
2. Fachsprachprüfung (C1 level medical language exam)
3. Kenntnisprüfung (medical knowledge exam) if required by Defizitbescheid
4. Receive Approbation:
5. Permanent medical license to practice in Germany

Step 5: Official Employment and Long-Term Residency

1. Find Permanent Job:
2. After obtaining Approbation, enter official contracts with hospitals, clinics, or private practices
3. Convert Visa to Work Visa or EU Blue Card:
4. According to §§18b or 18a of the German Residence Act
5. Apply for Permanent Residency:
6. After 33 months of residence and employment (or 21 months with high language proficiency and successful integration)

Services We Offer to Applicants (Special for Agencies or Consultants)

1. Document review and application support
2. Consultation for selecting the appropriate state and Approbation process
3. Certified official translation
4. Coordination for consular legalization and Apostille
5. Complete preparation of application file for Approbation and visa
6. Visa application assistance: form completion, embassy appointment booking
7. Guidance for opening blocked account or financial guarantee
8. Preparation of professional motivation letter
9. Arrival and settlement support in Germany:
10. Residence registration (Anmeldung)
11. Bank account opening and SIM card setup
12. Assistance with temporary or permanent accommodation through local real estate agencies
13. Lease contract preparation and landlord confirmation
14. Health insurance consultation and enrollment
15. Specialized medical language course registration (C1 level)
16. Cooperation with Kenntnisprüfung exam providers
17. Private and group language training
18. Medical job placement services:
19. German medical CV preparation
20. Interview training
21. Introduction for internships or official employment
22. Post-Approbation support:
23. Conversion to work or Blue Card residence
24. Family reunification visa follow-up
25. Assistance with tax registration, certificates, and social integration

Important Notes:

1. German language proficiency at B2 or C1 level is essential; employment without it is not possible.
2. The key to obtaining the visa and starting the Defizitbescheid process is critical.
3. A blocked account or financial guarantee is mandatory.
4. The entire process typically takes about 12 to 18 months until official employment is achieved.