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Obtain recognition of professional qualification as an emergency paramedic with training from third countries

Would you like to work as an emergency paramedic in Germany? Then you need a state permit. In order to obtain the state permit, you can have your foreign professional qualification recognized.

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Procedure details

The profession of emergency paramedic is regulated in Germany. This means that in order to work as an emergency paramedic in Germany, you need a state license. With this permit, you can use the job title "emergency paramedic" and work in the profession.

You can also obtain a state permit from the competent authority in Germany if you have a professional qualification from a so-called third country. Third countries are all countries that do not belong to the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.

In order to obtain the permit, you must have your foreign professional qualification recognized.

In the recognition procedure, the competent authority compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification and checks the equivalence. The equivalence of the professional qualification is an important prerequisite for the granting of a state license.

In addition to the equivalence of the professional qualification, you must also meet other requirements for the permit to be issued. These include, for example, sufficient German language skills and health suitability.

If your professional qualification comes from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, other regulations apply.

You can also apply for a permit from abroad.

  • You have a professional qualification as an emergency paramedic from a third country.
  • Personal suitability: You are reliable to work as an emergency paramedic and have no criminal record.
  • Health suitability: You are mentally and physically fit to work as an emergency paramedic.
  • Your German language skills correspond to language level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

  • Required Documents

    The responsible office will tell you which documents you need to submit, as a simple copy, a certified copy or the original.

    Important documents are

    • Proof of identity (identity card or passport)
    • Birth certificate or marriage certificate (if your name has changed due to marriage)
    • Curriculum vitae
    • Proof of your professional qualifications (e.g. certificates, diploma or professional certificate)
    • Proof of training (curriculum or study plan with details of subjects and hours, proof of practical training)
    • Proof of your relevant professional experience as an emergency paramedic
    • Proof of other relevant knowledge for working as an emergency paramedic
    • You do not yet live or work in the EU, the EEA or Switzerland? Then you must prove that you would like to work in the profession in Germany. Proof can be Job applications, proof of your application for an entry visa for gainful employment or a personal declaration
    • Proof of your personal suitability: Criminal record extract or certificate of good conduct from your country of origin. The certificate must not be more than 3 months old.
    • Proof of your health suitability: Medical certificate. The certificate must not be older than 3 months.
    • Proof of your German language skills: Language certificate

You apply for the permit at the competent authority.

The competent authority checks whether you meet all the requirements and compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification as an emergency paramedic.

If your professional qualification is equivalent, your foreign professional qualification will be recognized.

Are there significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification that you cannot compensate for through professional experience or other knowledge and skills such as lifelong learning? Then you can complete a compensation measure. The competent authority will inform you.

You can choose whether you would like to complete an adaptation period or a knowledge test:

  • The adaptation period lasts a maximum of three years.
  • The knowledge test tests your knowledge in certain subjects and areas. The knowledge test comprises an oral and practical part. The practical part of the examination is combined with an interview.

If you successfully complete the compensation measure and meet all other requirements, you will receive permission to use the job title "emergency paramedic".

  • The equivalence check (recognition procedure) also takes place during the licensing procedure. You can apply for a separate notification of the result of the examination.
  • As a late repatriate, you can go through the recognition procedure either according to the laws mentioned here or according to the Federal Expellee Act. The responsible office will advise you on which procedure is right for you.

  • Objection

Further information on how to lodge an objection can be found in the notification.

Status: 13.12.2025
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung + Bayerisches Staatsministerium des Innern, für Sport und Integration
Source: Federal Portal