How to become a physiotherapist in Germany as a foreigner – a 2024 guide

The advantages of a career as a physiotherapist in Germany

Working as a physiotherapist in Germany has many benefits. The average salary ranges from €2,700 to €3,500 per month. Physiotherapists work closely with other healthcare professionals and have opportunities for professional growth. The German physiotherapy industry appreciates highly qualified specialists and provides attractive working conditions for those who want to use their skills in this field.

Are you looking for a job in physiotherapy in Germany? Start your career with us now.

Within European Union vs. outside European countries

The profession of physiotherapist is regulated in Germany. This means that in order to work as a physiotherapist in Germany and get a German license, you need to get your Physiotherapy Diploma approved by the local authority where you plan to live. Depending on your citizenship and the country in which you obtained your degree there are two possible options:

Within European Union

If you are are EU citizen and obtained your degree within the EU, you physiotherapy diploma is officially recognized in Germany. However, you still need to apply for your license and German authorities may require minor additional measures, see next paragraph.

According to Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and the Council, as updated by Directive 2013/55/EU, diplomas are generally recognized across Europe for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. Thus, your physiotherapy diploma is officially recognized in Germany. However, German authorities can review individual cases and may require additional measures, such as an adaptation period or a skills assessment. Additionally, a language test at B2 level might be required.

Outside European countries

According to German law, physiotherapists from outside European Countries have a legal claim to apply for an application procedure to acquire the German physiotherapy license.

German authorities assess, whether your degree is equivalent to the German physiotherapy degree. The review of your credentials is carried out by the relevant authority in your future residential district. The relevant authority has to decide within 3-4 months after receiving all application documents.

Source: https://www.physio-deutschland.de/

From applying for your license to landing your first job in physiotherapy

Quick overview of the process

1. Application for license

2. Equivalence check

3. Possible results of examination

4. Compensatory measures

Application for license

You submit an application for the granting of permission to use the professional title of physiotherapist to the competent authority. You find the required documents at the end of this post.

Equivalence check

The local authority assesses whether the foreign Diploma is equivalent to the German physiotherapy degree. The equivalence of diplomas will be assessed based on several factors, including:

• Admission requirements and the length of the physiotherapy program

• The subjects covered and the number of hours spent on each (the German physiotherapy degree comprises ~ 4.500 hours)

• The goals of the education, including opportunities for hands-on clinical practice

• The content and structure of the practical training, and how it relates to theoretical knowledge

• The types of exams that are conducted

Possible results of examination

If the physiotherapy diplomas are deemed equivalent to German diplomas you will be granted your physiotherapy license. Each case is reviewed individually. If the diplomas are not considered equivalent and significant differences are identified, the applicant is entitled to adjustment measures.

Adjustment measures

In case where diplomas are not considered equivalent and the applicant is entitled to adjustment measures. There are three options, varying from state to state:

(i) additional coursework,

(ii) knowledge exam or

(iii) a practical adjustment internship.

If you successfully complete the adjustment measure and meet all other requirements, you will receive permission to use the professional title of physiotherapist.

Any questions? Write us an email to
info@tp-holzgerlingen.de

You find our therapy centre in the south of Germany. 20km away from Stuttgart, the state capital of Baden-Württemberg.

Which documents are required?

Here is what you need

• Diploma (translated and notarized)

• Training and examination order with content and hours

• Complete academic transcript of your physiotherapy qualifications from your educational institution, to include the subjects taken, hours spent, maybe marks obtained (syllabus)

• Curriculum Vitae (C. V.), in point form, including reference to your education

• Post qualification experience in Physiotherapy, if proven

• Birth certificate (and marriage certificate if applicable)

• Knowledge of the German language, written and spoken, certificate of B2 level demanded. Bavaria demands for all applicants from 1.5.2022 the exam of the Fachsprachenprüfung . The relevant authority in charge of recognition will inform you about this language test - written and spoken, practical language test. All other certificates are no further valid.

• Confirmation that no other application for recognition is given at another time or authority.

• Visa, if required: If you are from outside an European Country, please inform at the beginning about visum, Aufenthaltstitel and Access to the German Labour market. Please ask the respective public authority at your future place of residence about your Visa (information available at the German Embassy in your country), work and residential permit. With recognition as a "Physiotherapist" and (if necessary a work and residence permit) you are permitted to work in Germany.