Certified translation of the certificate of licensure
Need a licence to practise medicine (Approbationsurkunde)? No problem! As a professional translation agency, we support you with precise certified translations that are recognised by authorities and institutions. Our experienced specialist translators know the specific requirements for medical documents and ensure that all technical terms and legal wording are rendered correctly.
Have your licence to practise medicine translated nowTable of contents
What is a licence to practise medicine (Approbationsurkunde)?
The Approbationsurkunde is essentially your "licence to practise" for doctors, dentists and pharmacists – it is the official confirmation that you are allowed to work in your profession. After completing your studies and practical year, you receive this certificate from the competent authority in Germany. It is your official proof that you possess all the required qualifications.
If you want to work abroad – whether for a research project, a position in a hospital or a humanitarian mission in Africa – you have to prove your qualification. For this, you need a certified translation of your licence to practise medicine.
Why you need a certified translation of your licence to practise medicine
A simple translation is unfortunately not sufficient for official purposes. Foreign authorities, hospitals and medical councils require a certified translation – in other words, a translation with an official confirmation by a state-appointed translator. The translator guarantees with their signature and stamp that the translation is correct and complete.
Imagine you are applying for your semester abroad in Barcelona. The Spanish health authority must be sure that you are truly a qualified physician – your certified translation creates this trust. Certified translations have a special legal status because they are produced by a sworn translator.
Recognition in the EU
Your licence to practise medicine can be recognised in the EU, but a certified translation is essential for all official recognition procedures with the competent authorities.
International mobility
Planning to work outside Europe? Certified translations of your licence to practise medicine are essential for visa applications and the recognition of your qualification.
Legal assurance
Only a certified translation by a publicly appointed and sworn translator is recognised by foreign authorities and institutions.
Which documents do you need to apply for a licence to practise medicine?
Your licence to practise medicine is the be-all and end-all if you want to work as a doctor abroad. It confirms your basic authorisation to practise medicine. In addition, further documents are often required – and we at Beglaubigung24 translate them for you:
| Type of document | Description | Particularities |
|---|---|---|
| Licence to practise medicine (Approbationsurkunde) | Official authorisation to practise medicine | Recognised in all EU countries with a certified translation |
| Medical degree certificate | Certificate proving that you have passed the state examination | Essential for recognition abroad |
| Specialist qualification certificates | Proof of specialist medical qualifications | Required for specialised medical positions |
| Doctorate certificate (Dr. med.) | Doctoral degree and academic distinctions | Important for academic and research positions |
| Applications and declarations | Declarations regarding pending criminal or investigation proceedings | Frequently required for recognition procedures |
| Curriculum vitae | Chronological CV including date and signature | Formal requirement in many countries |
| Personal documents | Birth certificate, marriage certificate, proof of identity | Basic identification documents for dealings with authorities |
| Medical certificate | Proof of your medical fitness | Must be no more than 3 months old at the time of licence issuance |
| Evidence of additional qualifications | Further training certificates and specialisations | Improve your chances in the international job market |
| Employment references / job contracts | Proof of professional experience in hospitals and practices | Demonstrate your practical experience and competence |
| Medical references | Internship references and performance records | Document your clinical experience gained during training |
| University degrees | Degree certificates from your medical studies | Fundamental documents for any application |
For medical students: check our guide to studying a semester abroad to see which documents you need for your studies abroad.
Additional documents for your recognition procedure
Depending on the country, you often need additional documents:
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- Police certificate of good conduct
- Proof of language skills for the medical field
- Certificates for continuing education and CME points
Country-specific requirements
Depending on where you want to work as a doctor, different requirements apply to your documents. Here is an overview of the most important regions:
Working in the EU
In EU countries, things are relatively straightforward. The EU has a system for the mutual recognition of professional qualifications. Nevertheless, you will need a certified translation of your licence to practise medicine into the respective national language for the recognition procedure.
In Sweden, for example, you additionally need proof of language skills at C1 level. In Spain, you have to submit your documents to the competent regional health authority. France usually requires a "Certificate of Conformity" in addition to the translated licence.
Working in North America
The USA and Canada have strict requirements. For the USA, in addition to the certified translation of your licence to practise medicine, you also need ECFMG certification. To obtain this, you have to pass several exams (USMLE). Canada has a similar system with the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examinations.
Both countries require an apostille for your translated documents – an international certification confirming the authenticity of your certificate. We can also help you organise this.
The entire process can take several months – so start preparing early if you want to work in this region.
Our simple translation process
At Beglaubigung24, we have made the translation process as straightforward as possible. You receive your certified translation in just 4 steps:
Online order
Select the language combination (e.g. German–English) and the number of pages of your licence to practise medicine that need to be translated. The entire order process only takes a few minutes.
Upload your document
Upload your original licence to practise medicine as a scan or photo. The translation can only start once all documents have been received in full. Our platform ensures the highest data security.
Translation by experts
Our specialist translators for medical terminology create a legally compliant, certified translation of your licence to practise medicine. Every translation goes through a rigorous quality assurance process.
Receive your certified translation
You receive your certified translation as a digital PDF file by e-mail and as a hard copy by post – complete with stamp and signature of the sworn translator. The digital version is available after just 3–4 business days, and you receive the hard copy within 5–6 business days.
Your benefits with Beglaubigung24
We specialise in the translation of medical documents and offer you a wide range of advantages:
Medical expertise
Our translators are specialists in medical terminology and are familiar with the specific requirements of the healthcare sector.
Legal compliance guaranteed
All translations are carried out by publicly appointed and sworn translators and are recognised by all authorities.
Express service available
If needed, we offer an express service for urgent recognition procedures – with delivery within 24 hours in some cases.
100% online processing
No paperwork – place your order conveniently online and upload your documents digitally. You receive your translation both digitally and by post.
More than 20 language combinations
We offer translations in all relevant language combinations for your international career.
Excellent reviews
Thousands of satisfied customers confirm the high quality of our translation services.
Frequently asked questions about certified translations of licences to practise medicine
Are certified translations of licences to practise medicine recognised throughout the EU?
How long does it take to translate my licence to practise medicine?
Do I have to send in the original of my licence to practise medicine?
Which languages can I choose for the translation of my licence to practise medicine?
What is the difference between a normal and a certified translation?
Do I need a separate certified translation for each EU country?
Order now!
With our expertise in the medical translation field, we ensure that your licences to practise medicine are translated precisely and professionally – for smooth recognition both in Germany and abroad.