Immigration guidance in Germany for pharmacists

Pharmacists are in high demand in Germany, with approximately 18,000 pharmacies needing professionals to ensure basic healthcare needs for the population.

To work as a pharmacist without restrictions in Germany, you need a license known as "Approbation". This permit is necessary to practice the profession independently.

If your professional qualifications are from a foreign country (outside the European Union, the European Economic Area, Switzerland), you must have them recognized in Germany. The recognition process compares your foreign qualification to the German standard to ensure equivalence of qualifications.

Application process:

- Submitting an application for obtaining a pharmacist license to the competent authority.

- Your foreign training will be compared to the German standard for evaluation of equivalence.

- The results may confirm equivalence or indicate significant differences.

Knowledge exam

If there are differences that cannot be compensated for through practice or additional skills, a knowledge test may be required, based on the final pharmacist exam in Germany.

Licensing requirements

- Equivalence of training level in line with German standards.

- Health fitness, aptitude, and language skills (B2 level).

Required documents

Submission of various documents, including:

- Application form for the license.

- Proof of identity, birth certificate, and certificates of good conduct.

- Medical certificate, educational proof, proof of German language skill.

- Technical language test (C1 level) from the Berlin Chamber of Pharmacists.

This process ensures that you meet all the standards for obtaining a pharmacist license in Germany.

Documents required for applying for a work visa as a pharmacist in Germany

- Completed and signed national visa application forms (VIDEX)

- Biometric passport photo (taken within the last six months, white/gray background without showing teeth)

- Valid passport (including data page and signature page only)

- Motivational letter (with original signature) covering:

- Intention to stay

- Future plans

- Curriculum vitae in English or German

- Proof of qualifications/previous education (certificates) in English or with German translation

- Proof of German language proficiency at level C1/minimum B1.2 (from Goethe-Institut Malaysia)

- Pension benefits, including:

- Closed account

- Proof of scholarship

- Official statement issued by the country (Approbation) or temporary practice permit (Berufserlaubnis) or a statement of required corrective measures (Defizitbescheid) from the competent authority in the relevant state in the recognition procedures

- Travel, health, and accident insurance valid for 6 months from your scheduled travel date.