The 2026 recognition rules

Germany's federal recognition law changes the road to the Approbation for doctors trained outside the EU. Here is what changes, the new Kenntnisprüfung as the Bundesrat set it on 16 October 2026, and every change since, each with its source.

The Kenntnisprüfung becomes the default

For degrees from outside the EU, the knowledge exam is now the standard way to the Approbation, instead of a long review of your documents first.

The document review becomes your choice

You may still ask for the review of your documents, but only within four weeks of applying. Approbot counts the days from your receipt.

One exam day, a fixed format

20 minutes with the patient, 30 for the report, then an oral exam of 60 to 90 minutes before a commission of three, with communication as a subject of its own.

The states still differ

Authorities, fees, waits and the language exam still vary from state to state. Approbot shows the rules of yours.

The new Kenntnisprüfung, part by part

• Doctor-patient conversation (20 min) – History and physical examination of a real or simulation patient, at most 20 minutes, supervised.
• Documentation (30 min) – A written report, at most 30 minutes, graded on structure and clarity and countersigned by the supervisor.
• Case presentation (5 min) – You present your patient to the commission.
• Oral exam (60 to 90 min) – The same day: 60 to 90 minutes per candidate, from your patient to the other subjects, communication included.

Every change, on the Reform Radar

• Nov 1, 2026: The federal recognition law takes effect. For applications received from 1 Nov 2026 the Kenntnisprüfung becomes the default route for non-EU degrees, and the document review becomes optional: you choose it within 4 weeks of applying.
• Oct 16, 2026: The Bundesrat sets the new KP format. The Bundesrat consented to the KP regulation with changes: one exam day instead of two, 20 minutes for the history and examination, 30 for the report, and the oral stays at 60 to 90 minutes. Communication becomes an exam subject. The rules apply once the ministry issues the regulation with these changes; Approbot simulates this format.
• Aug 1, 2026: Bavaria raises the KP fee. The KP fee rises for applications received from 1 Aug 2026; the new amount is not published yet. It was up to EUR 1,200.
• Jul 9, 2026: Algeria joins the Apostille Convention, but Germany objects. An apostille from Algeria is still not accepted in Germany: documents need legalisation, and the embassy does not legalise school or university certificates.
• Jul 1, 2026: Hessen FSP: four parts with a written vocabulary test. The Hessen FSP runs about 2 hours in four parts, starting with a 20-minute written vocabulary test without aids. Bring your own pens.
• Jun 1, 2026: Syrian residents apply for visas only in Amman, Beirut or Erbil. Since 1 Jun 2026; in Beirut online via the Auslandsportal, up to 8 weeks after the pre-check, EUR 75 in cash USD.
• Jan 1, 2026: Niedersachsen: new FSP and KP fees. The FSP costs EUR 595 and the KP EUR 980 (was EUR 830) from 2026.
• Jan 1, 2026: Rheinland-Pfalz: FSP fee EUR 470. The Rheinland-Pfalz FSP costs EUR 470 from 1 Jan 2026.
• Jul 1, 2025: Bavaria: ZAABY decides licences. Since 1 Jul 2025 the Regierung von Oberbayern (ZAABY) handles applications, and the FSP is booked only through it.
• Mar 1, 2025: Bavaria FSP: new rating module. Since 1 Mar 2025 the BLÄK rates the FSP with a new module; all three parts must still pass.
• Jan 1, 2025: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: FSP fee EUR 700. The ÄK MV FSP, also sat by Schleswig-Holstein candidates, costs EUR 700 from 1 Jan 2025.