The German equivalent of the Polish title of lekarz (doctor) is Arzt/Ärztin. To practice medicine in Germany, you need a state permit. This permit is granted after your Polish medical diploma is recognized as equivalent to a German diploma.

In most cases, you will be able to get the permit without taking an extra exam. The responsible state authority will simply check the equivalence of your diploma as part of the application process.

For more information about the conditions in force in the individual federal states, please contact the responsible authority for the respective state. You can find them with this website: https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/skilled-workers.php.

You must also be able to speak German at a level that is appropriate for your job and specialization. Mind that the required level of language proficiency varies depending on the region.

You may also be able to get a temporary permit to practice medicine in Germany. This permit is usually valid for up to two years and can only be extended in special cases. To get the permit, you must prove that you have completed medical school.

It does not mean that your Polish medical qualifications have been recognized as equivalent to German qualifications, but it also does not prevent you from applying for the right to practice medicine in Germany.

While the permit is in action, it may limit you to certain tasks or positions, and not the full range of education and responsibilities. 

If you have obtained a Polish medical diploma, you can apply for the right to practice medicine in Germany. This is because of the principle of automatic recognition of qualifications, which is applied in accordance with the European Directive 2005/36/EC. This means that your diploma will be recognized without the need for an individual assessment of equivalence.

Documents to be attached to the application (Attention! This list may vary in the individual federal states):

• copy of the document confirming the identity of the person (identity card or passport)

• CV

• officially certified copies of documents confirming education and copies of additional certificates confirming qualifications (in the case of additional qualifications)

• information on the course of education and previous professional activity

• medical certificate of no medical contraindications to the practice of the profession (not older than one month)

• certificate of good conduct (not older than one month)

• statement whether the applicant is involved in criminal proceedings in court.

If the documents are not drawn up in German, an authenticated translation must also be submitted. If official certified copies are not expressly required, you can submit ordinary copies of the documents.

The procedure for recognizing qualifications is generally chargeable. Information about costs is provided by the competent authority.

The right to practice the profession will be granted after the equivalence of the Polish diploma is confirmed and when other conditions for obtaining this right are met (including knowledge of the German language at an appropriate level).

If there are significant differences between the Polish and German diplomas, it is possible to take an exam to confirm the equivalence of the state of knowledge.

The requirements for knowledge of the language may vary in different regions or depend on the specialization. For example, in North Rhine-Westphalia, knowledge of the language at level B2 is expected, and level C1 is additionally financially rewarded.

In the case where language is the main tool of therapy (e.g. among psychotherapists or psychiatrists), foreigners must demonstrate fluency at level C2.

Read more about the rules for recognizing the qualifications of a doctor in Germany on the government information portal (select the appropriate profession from the list) https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/en/interest/finder/profession?type=list .