Recognition of further training to obtain a specialist veterinarian or additional qualification in accordance with the further training regulations of the Lower Saxony Chamber of Veterinarians for qualifications from third countries

• Chamber Act for the Healthcare Professions (HKG) - §§ 34 ff.
• Further training regulations of the Lower Saxony Chamber of Veterinarians - § 5 WbO

• Curriculum vitae with details of completed further training and professional experience
• Proof of identity (identity card or passport)
• Proof of German license to practice medicine or professional license and proof of equivalent level of training
• Proof of further training and certificates of professional practice
• Additional evidence to verify equivalence
• Written declaration as to whether you have already submitted an application for recognition to another veterinary association.
• Further documents to be submitted can be found in the linked training regulations of the Lower Saxony Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons.

If your documents are not in German, you must submit German translations of your documents. The translations must be made by translators who are publicly appointed or authorized.

• You must already have a valid state professional license (Approbation) as a veterinarian or a professional permit in Germany.
• You must provide proof of the equivalence of your professional qualification as a specialist veterinarian.
• The scope of the proof can be found in the linked further training regulations of the Lower Saxony Chamber of Veterinarians.

Before submitting the application, you must already have a license to practice as a veterinarian or a professional permit in Germany.

You apply for recognition of your further training title as a specialist veterinarian at the relevant state veterinary chamber:

• First, you submit your application and the required documents to the veterinary chamber of the federal state in which you wish to work.
• You may be asked to submit any missing documents.
• The competent body will check whether your qualification is equivalent. It is equivalent if there are no significant differences between your foreign qualification and the German further training qualification.
• If your qualification is recognized as a specialist veterinarian, you can use the specialist title in Germany. You will receive a notification.

If significant differences are found, the equivalence of your qualification as a specialist veterinarian will not be certified:

• You will receive a statement of reasons.
• You can begin further training to acquire the designation at an authorized institution (which would employ you).

You can take legal action against the decision of the competent authority within a certain period of time (for example, by lodging an appeal). The decision will then be reviewed. Details can be found in the information on legal remedies at the end of your decision. We recommend that you first speak to the responsible office before taking legal action against the decision.

• Appeal
• Further information on how to lodge an appeal can be found in the notification of your application
• Appeal to the administrative court

Forms available: No.Written form required: Yes.Informal application possible: Yes.Personal appearance required: No. Online services available: No.

• Title: Information on the recognition of foreign professional qualifications on the Recognition in Germany portal
• Publicly appointed translators in Germany

Recognition of the qualification always depends on the respective state law and the standards of the competent veterinary association of the place of residence or intended place of residence.

Chamber of Veterinarians of Lower Saxony

• There are many advisory services. You can find these on the Recognition in Germany portal. Ask an IQ advice center for personal advice on this procedure and your qualification. The advisors will also help you with your documents before you submit your application. The advice is free of charge. You can also call the hotline of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. The hotline will answer your questions on the subject of "Working and living in Germany".