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 in the case of qualifications from the EU/EEA/Switzerland
The qualification as a specialist veterinarian must be recognized in Germany. This means that you need recognition if you wish to use the title "specialist veterinarian" for your specialization in your chosen federal state.
Veterinarians can acquire further designations after completing their training and receiving their license to practice as a veterinarian.
The aim of further training is to impart in-depth knowledge, experience and skills that enable and entitle veterinarians to use other designations in addition to their professional title as an indication of special or other additional knowledge or skills in a specific veterinary field (specialist veterinarian) or area (additional designation). It also serves to ensure the quality of veterinary practice.
The corresponding specialist veterinarian or additional designation may only be used if the prescribed further training has been successfully completed and the designation has been recognized by the chamber.
Note: You may only use the designation after recognition for your specialization if there is a corresponding further training designation in Germany.
Who should I contact?
Responsible authorities
Tierärztekammer Niedersachsen
Timetable
Requirements
- You must already have a state professional license (Approbation) as a veterinarian or a professional permit valid in Germany.
- You must provide proof of the equivalence of your professional qualification as a specialist veterinarian.
Applications / forms
Forms available: No,Written form required: Yes,Informal application possible: Yes,Personal appearance required: No, Online services available: No
Which documents are required?
- 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 experience
- Written declaration stating whether you have already submitted an application for recognition to another veterinary association.
- Further documents to be submitted can be found in the linked further 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.
What are the fees?
Fee: 200,00 - 650,00 EURPayment in advance: noFees may apply. Please contact the responsible office. Payment method: Bank transfer, SEPA direct debit if applicable
Process flow
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 start further training to acquire the title 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.
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
Objection Deadline: 1 Month
Processing duration
Processing Time: 1 - 8 MonthsWithin 8 months of receipt of complete, verifiable documents.
Appeal
- Appeal
- Further information on how to lodge an appeal can be found in the notification of your application
- Appeal to the administrative court