Working as a Veterinarian from Abroad in Germany

Statistically speaking, the chance of direct full recognition (equivalency without exams) is low for degrees from third countries. This is not because your education was bad, but because the German curriculum is extremely specific and standardized under European law. 

Hours are often missing in subjects such as food hygiene, epidemic law, or specific animal species like pigs. 

However: You do not have to "study again" in the classical sense. You "only" have to prove that you have the knowledge level. This is done through the so-called Knowledge Test (Kenntnisprüfung). This usually covers 8 to 12 subjects. 

The positive aspect: You can already work in Germany (with the temporary Berufserlaubnis), earn money, and prepare for these exams in parallel. We, as your employer, see this as an investment. We know that you need time to learn at the beginning. It is a hard path over approx. 1-3 years, but with the right preparation by experienced colleagues, it is absolutely achievable. A complete rejection of the education is very rare; it usually boils down to making up for exams.

This is probably the most dangerous misunderstanding in the current immigration process. The Skilled Immigration Act regulates the Right of Residence (Am I allowed to cross the border?). The Federal Veterinary Code regulates the Professional Law (Am I allowed to treat animals?). Professional law as "Lex Specialis" (more specific law) trumps general immigration law here. 

Without proof of B2 language skills from a certified body (e.g., Goethe-Institut, Telc), no Regional Council in Germany will issue you a professional permit. For the later Approbation, most federal states even require a technical language test (Fachsprachenprüfung) at C1 level. 

The reason is simple: Veterinary medicine involves liability, pharmaceutical law, and complex communication with pet owners. "I think the dog has a tummy ache" is not enough. You must be able to explain things legally and securely. We prepare you for this, but without B2, we cannot employ you as a veterinarian – at most as an intern until you reach that level.

The costs are not insignificant, but manageable if calculated against the later salary. Here is a rough breakdown of the costs facing you as a veterinarian from abroad:

• Visa fee: approx. 75 €.
• Accelerated skilled worker procedure: 411 € (We as the employer often pay this fee in advance for you).
• Translations and notarizations: Depending on the volume, 300 € to 800 €.
• Fees for professional permit: Depending on the federal state, 100 € to 300 €.
• Travel costs: Flight/train to Germany.
• Cost of living: Until the first salary.

In our model, we support you financially or make advance payments that we settle later. The important thing is: You don't have to be rich to come. What matters is the will. Once you are working, you earn as a starting assistant (depending on experience) between 3,000 € and 4,000 € gross per month, which quickly amortizes these costs. We often offer relocation packages that are negotiated individually.

Basically: Yes, the goal is family reunification. German law supports this, especially for skilled workers. However, there are practical hurdles:

1. Subsistence: We must prove that your salary is sufficient to feed the whole family without state aid. As a veterinarian, the salary is usually sufficient.
2. Living Space: We must prove that the apartment is large enough for everyone (square meters per person).
3. Language of the Spouse: Often the spouse must prove at least A1 German skills, unless you hold an EU Blue Card (which is often possible as a veterinarian once the full Approbation is there and the salary is right). 

Our recommendation from experience: Travel alone first (for 2-3 months). Complete the probation period, find an apartment with our help, set everything up. Then we bring the family over stress-free. This has proven to be the most stable way. We help with the "paperwork" for the family just as we do for you.

This is the "worst-case scenario" many are afraid of. First: You don't have just one attempt. You can repeat the exams (usually up to two times, i.e., a total of three attempts per subject). 

If you still definitively fail, the temporary professional permit usually expires, as it is intended to bridge the time until Approbation. You would then no longer be allowed to work as a veterinarian in Germany. But: We do everything to ensure this doesn't happen. Our success rate with supervised candidates is extremely high because we know exactly what is asked. 

Should it still fail, there are often opportunities to work in the veterinary industry, in the laboratory sector, or as a highly qualified assistant (TFA sector, although this is below your qualification) where no Approbation is needed. But our common goal is Plan A: Your Approbation. With discipline and our help, we will achieve this.