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Licence to practise medicine as a veterinarian

If you would like to work as a veterinarian in Germany after completing your studies in veterinary medicine, apply for a license to practice medicine at the Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Integration and Consumer Protection (MSGIV).

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  • Forms

    Application forms can be obtained from the MSGIV.

    Online procedure possible: no

    Written form required: yes

    Personal appearance required: no


  • Detailed description

    If you would like to work permanently as a veterinarian in Germany, you must be licensed (licensed) for this activity. The license to practice medicine must be applied for in the country in which you want to work as a veterinarian.

  • Requirements
    • Degree in veterinary medicine
    • Training is equivalent to a German university degree (you may have to take re-examinations or knowledge tests)
    • Proof that you
      • are not guilty of any conduct that makes you unworthy or unreliable for the exercise of the veterinary profession
      • are suitable from a health point of view for the exercise of the veterinary profession
      • have the knowledge of the German language required for the exercise of their professional activity

    Veterinary training completed in one of the other EU/EEA countries or in Switzerland is equivalent to training in Germany. The equivalence of the training must be proven.

  • Documents
    • completed application form
    • Copy of identity card or comparable identification document
    • in the event of a name change, suitable official proof (e.g. marriage certificate)
    • Medical certificate (not older than 1 month) stating that there are no indications that you are unfit for the proper exercise of the profession from a health point of view in the original.
      • This must be issued and signed by a general practitioner or doctor practicing internal medicine in Germany or another state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area or in Switzerland and must be stamped with a practice or clinic stamp. If the practice or clinic stamp is not in German, a German translation of the stamp is required.
    • for proof of personal reliability:
      • Declaration that no criminal proceedings or investigations by the public prosecutor's office are pending against you.
         
    • If you are resident in Germany:
      • Certificate of good conduct of document type "O"
        In Germany, this must be applied for at the registration office of the place of residence, stating the purpose "license to practice as a veterinarian". The certificate of good conduct is sent directly to the competent authority by the Federal Office of Justice.
         
    • If you live abroad:
      • Documents from your home country that prove your personal reliability.
        (Criminal records from all countries where you have resided for more than 6 months in the last 5 years.
        Extracts from the criminal record must not be older than 3 months at the time of receipt of the application.
        A certified copy of these extracts must be submitted.)
    • Curriculum vitae with a focus on your previous professional activity
    • in the original or as an officially certified copy certificates (e.g. diplomas) of the veterinary examination or
      • the proof of training of the respective EU/EEA state or Switzerland, or
      • Proof of formal qualifications and certificate of equivalence of training from the competent authority of the respective State
    • Proof of sufficient knowledge of the German language

    In order to verify personal reliability, the MSGIV may request further documents.

    In addition, further evidence (e.g. proof of activity) may be required. Please inquire directly with the MSGIV.   

    Note: Foreign-language documents must be enclosed in German translation. The translation must be carried out by an officially sworn document interpreter.

  • Fees

    Fee for obtaining a licence to practise as a veterinarian: EUR 102.00 to 256.00

  • Process

    You must apply for a licence to practise as a veterinarian in writing:

    • The necessary forms can be obtained from the MSGIV.
    • Fill out the form and sign it by hand or provide it with a qualified electronic signature.  
    • The application must state that you want to pursue the professional activity in Brandenburg.
    • Add the necessary evidence.
    • Submit the application documents to the MSGIV.
    • The MSGIV will then check whether you meet all the requirements.
    • The MSGIV will notify you within 4 weeks if your application is complete or if you need to provide further documentation.
    • You will receive a license to practice medicine after you have received your license to practice medicine.
  • Duration

    maximum 3 months

  • Deadline

    The official certificate of good conduct must not be issued earlier than 1 month before submission.

    The medical certificate must not be older than 1 month.

  • Responsible authority

    Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Integration and Consumer Protection (MSGIV)

  • Point of contact

    Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Integration and Consumer Protection (MSGIV)

    Department "Consumer Protection"

    Henning-von-Tresckow-Str. 2-13

    14467 Potsdam

    Phone: 0331 8664224

    Fax: 0331 275483166

    E-mail: VetwesenBB@msgiv.brandenburg.de

  • Legal basis
  • Approved

    Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Integration and Consumer Protection

  • Approved date
    05.03.2020