Apply for recognition of foreign professional qualifications (third country/ Non-EU country) as a specialist veterinarian

The profession of specialist veterinarian is regulated in Germany. This means: You need a permit if you want to use the title "specialist veterinarian" for your specialization in Berlin.

With the training as a specialist veterinarian you have acquired an additional specialization to your qualification as a veterinarian abroad. To work as a veterinarian in Germany, you first need a license to practice medicine or a professional permit that is valid in Germany. In order to work as a specialized veterinarian in Germany, you must also apply for recognition of your specialized veterinary training. With the recognition of your professional qualification, you are allowed to use the continuing education title for your specialization as a specialist veterinarian.

Note: You may only use the designation for your specialization if there is a corresponding continuing education designation in Germany.
The permission will be granted by the responsible veterinary chamber in Berlin after examination of your documents and requirements.

Procedure flow:
1. you submit your application and the required documents to the Veterinary Chamber Berlin. If necessary, you will be asked to submit missing documents.

2. often the procedure of automatic recognition applies. This means that your professional qualification is recognized without an individual equivalence test. 3.

If the requirements for mutual recognition or equivalence are not met, the Berlin Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons will check whether your professional qualifications are equivalent.

3.1 The professional qualification is equivalent if there are no significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification.
If your veterinary qualification is recognized, you can work in the profession in Germany. You will receive a decision.

3.2 If substantial differences are found, you will not be certified as having an equivalent veterinary qualification. You will then receive a notice of the differences in your professional qualification. You may take an aptitude test or an adaptation course to compensate for the differences.

Qualifying Examination:
The purpose of the examination is to determine whether you have acquired the special or additional knowledge and skills required for recognition.
  • You will be tested orally before an examination board, usually for 30 minutes.
  • You will then receive written notification of the result of the examination. The examination may be repeated a maximum of two times.

Adjustment course:
The adaptation course is a practical post-qualification and serves to deepen knowledge and skills in the development, production, testing and dispensing of medicinal products as well as information and advice on medicinal products.
  • The competent body decides on the content, duration and implementation.
  • Upon completion of the course, you will be issued a certificate.

  • If you successfully complete the adaptation course or pass the aptitude test, you will receive permission to use the professional title of "specialist veterinarian" for your specialization.

The result of the recognition procedure will be communicated to you in an official notice. You can take legal action against the decision of the competent body within one month (e.g. file an objection). We recommend that you first talk to the responsible office before taking legal action against the decision.

You can also access this service online

Online processing

  • Do it online now
    You do not need to register for online processing and can submit the application directly online.

Documents required

  • Application for recognition
    You can submit an application online or informally in writing by post.
  • Curriculum vitae
    Curriculum vitae in tabular form with details of further training courses completed and professional practice
  • Proof of identity
    Identity card or passport
  • Licence to practise or professional permit
    Proof of German license to practice medicine or profession and proof of equivalent level of training
  • Proof of Qualifications
    Further training certificates and certificates of professional practice
  • Declaration on previous professional recognition procedures
    Explanation of whether you have already submitted an application for recognition to another Chamber of Veterinarians
  • German translation
    If your documents are not in German, you must submit German translations of your documents. The translations must be made by translators who are publicly appointed or authorized.

Fees

  • EUR 175,00 to EUR 475,00 per effort
  • Additional costs may be incurred for travel and accommodation of the testers

Average time to process request

Usually within 3 months after receipt of complete documentation.

Notes on responsibility

The application for recognition of a foreign professional qualification as a specialized veterinarian must be submitted to the Berlin Chamber of Veterinarians

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