Working as a doctor in Germany — a guide for Turkish physicians

Germany has one of the most severe doctor shortages in Europe, with over 40,000 unfilled physician positions projected through 2030. For Turkish doctors, this represents a genuine, well-documented opportunity — but the path requires preparation.

To work as a doctor in Germany you need the Approbation, the German medical licence. For Turkish physicians this means having your degree assessed for equivalency. The process varies by federal state (Bundesland) — each state has its own authority that handles the assessment, so where you apply matters.

The key steps are: submitting certified translations of your medical diploma and transcripts, proof of your current Turkish medical licence, a certificate of good standing from the Turkish Medical Association (Türk Tabipleri Birliği), and proof of German language proficiency.

This is the most important practical barrier. You will need German at B2 level minimum to begin the Approbation process — and C1 for most hospital positions. Many Turkish doctors underestimate this. Start German language preparation at least 12 months before you plan to apply. The Goethe Institut has centres in Istanbul and Ankara.

Some hospitals, particularly in eastern Germany and rural areas, will actively support you through the language process because demand for physicians is so high.

Rural and eastern German states — Brandenburg, Saxony, Thuringia, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern — have the highest shortages and the most streamlined pathways for foreign physicians. These regions often offer relocation support, language course funding, and faster Approbation processing.

Major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are more competitive but also have established Turkish-speaking communities which eases the transition significantly.

A specialist physician (Facharzt) in Germany earns between €60,000 and €90,000 per year depending on specialisation and region. Junior doctors (Assistenzarzt) typically start between €50,000 and €65,000. These figures are significantly higher than Turkish equivalents and come with full social insurance coverage.

Start German language courses immediately. Contact the Turkish Medical Association for your certificate of good standing. Identify which German Bundesland you want to apply to and research their specific Approbation authority. And browse open physician positions on EuroTalent to understand what employers are actively looking for right now.