Three typical paths, step by step with a realistic timeline. The people are fictional; the processes, deadlines and hurdles reflect the situation in Baden-Württemberg (October 2026).
Medical degree in Algiers, three years of internal medicine, German B1 at first contact. Goal: specialist training in internal medicine at a hospital in Rhine-Neckar.
Initial conversation with Neckar Minds (English/French). We check: country not on the WHO shortage list, qualification placeable. The profile is structured with AI support, and Karim approves it.
Translate and certify documents (checklist). In parallel, intensive course to B2. Application for Berufserlaubnis (temporary permit) and Approbation at the RP Stuttgart (Regierungspräsidium).
B2 certificate. We introduce Karim to two hospitals that offer Berufserlaubnis positions. One agrees: employment contract subject to the Berufserlaubnis.
The hospital starts the accelerated skilled-worker procedure (§ 81a). Visa via recognition partnership (§ 16d para. 3). Medical German course starts online.
Entry, registration, bank account, health insurance (see Arriving page). Start under supervision with the Berufserlaubnis.
Fachsprachprüfung (medical German language exam) C1 at the medical chamber, then Kenntnisprüfung (knowledge exam). Approbation. The training post becomes regular.
Document check, approaching hospitals, contract support, coordination with the hospital on the § 81a procedure, search for observerships and courses, reminders of deadlines. The fee is paid by the hospital. Typical hurdle: the medical German language exam; we plan for two attempts.
Degree from Semmelweis University Budapest, two years of practice experience, German B2. Goal: employed in a practice, later takeover.
Initial conversation. The EU qualification is listed, no visa needed. Profile and salary framework (fixed salary plus revenue share) discussed.
Application for Approbation at the RP Stuttgart (Dentistry Abroad) with complete documents. Registration for the Fachsprachprüfung (language exam) at the Landeszahnärztekammer (state dental chamber).
We introduce Réka to three practices in Heidelberg and Wiesloch, one of them with succession planning. Two observership days.
Language exam passed, Approbation certificate received. Employment contract signed, fee becomes due.
Start at the practice. We remain a point of contact during probation.
Selecting practices by takeover prospects, salary negotiation, observerships, support with chamber registration. Typical hurdle: incomplete documents at the RP; hence the checklist before applying.
Master's in computer science, six years of experience in machine learning, fluent English, German A2. Goal: permanent position at a medtech or software company near Heidelberg/Walldorf.
Initial conversation in English. No Approbation needed; the degree is rated as equivalent via the Anabin database (German database of foreign qualifications).
We introduce Priya to two companies: a medical technology mid-sized firm and a spin-off from the technology park. Two remote interview rounds.
Offer above the EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte) threshold for IT occupations. Employment contract subject to the visa.
The employer starts the § 81a procedure, visa appointment in India, EU Blue Card. We coordinate documents and appointments.
Entry, registration, start. German course via the employer; Priya initially works in English.
Selecting employers with English-speaking teams, aligning salary with the Blue Card threshold, initiating § 81a with the employer, arrival checklist. Typical hurdle: the visa appointment; book early.
Briefly describe your country of origin, qualification, language level and goal. In an initial conversation we tell you honestly which path fits and how long it takes.
Request an initial conversation
All three people are fictional examples. Timings are based on experience and are not a commitment; processing times at authorities can differ considerably.