Four-Year Wait for German Medical License Ends in Bamberg
Ali Ateel Daifoladi passed sein licensing exam auf den Tag genau vier Jahre nach seiner Ankunft als Flüchtling aus Afghanistan in Deutschland, nachdem er am 4. August 2022 in dem Land gelandet war. The 41-year-old, who settled in Bamberg after fleeing the Taliban, faced administrative hurdles before finally receiving his German medical approbation. It was a long road for the 41-year-old, who had already been in the profession for a good ten years and had operated on many children and adults as one of Afghanistan’s very few cardiac surgeons.
Growing Dependence on Foreign Medical Professionals in Germany
Germany’s healthcare system relies heavily on international doctors to maintain its current level of care. Data from late 2025 shows that 16 percent of the country’s 446,000 physicians do not hold a German passport, and roughly one in four doctors is an immigrant when naturalized citizens are included. The demand remains high because nearly a third of active human physicians are 55 or older and approaching retirement, while an aging population and rising rates of chronic illness increase system pressures. A spokesperson for the German Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer) emphasized that without an influx of foreign professionals, the level of care could not be maintained.
Varying Approval Timelines Across German Federal States
Obtaining a medical license in Germany involves rigorous language testing and credential evaluations. Data compiled by the Berlin-based startup Get2Germany reveals significant delays and regional disparities in the application process. Nordrhein-Westfalen schedules tests within eight weeks, whereas well-prepared candidates in Saxony and Thuringia have faced waits of 18 months or longer.
Legislative Changes
Get2Germany supports international doctors through the approval process. For those who completed their training outside the European Economic Area or Switzerland, authorities previously determined through a lengthy “equivalency check” whether the training met the requirements of German medical studies. Alternatively—and when there are doubts about equivalency—candidates must pass a knowledge exam. On one hand, this is in the nature of things: people take varying amounts of time to reach the required level of language proficiency, and authorities carefully vetting doctors’ qualifications serves to protect patients.
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