Pharma Jobs in Germany
The demand for pharmacists has surged significantly in recent years, largely due to demographic changes. Also, fewer young people are pursuing studies in pharmacy.
This situation has created a high level of openness towards foreign specialists in this sector. Both pharmacies and hospitals have become accustomed to welcoming pharmacists from abroad, who often undergo a qualification phase to prepare for their future roles.
1,60,000
pharma professionals
18,000+
Pharmacies.
Pharmacist Jobs in Germany
Germany offers a structured pathway for international pharmacy graduates to obtain a license to practice as pharmacists. This guide provides an overview of the requirements, documentation, and steps involved in the licensing process, along with how Glovels Overseas Consultants can assist you.
Requirements for Pharmacist Licensing in Germany
To practice as a pharmacist in Germany, international students must meet several key requirements:
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Recognized Pharmacy Degree: Your pharmacy degree must be equivalent to the German qualification of "Apotheker."
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German Language Proficiency: You need to demonstrate proficiency in German, usually at the B2 level for general language and C1 for professional language (Fachsprachprüfung).
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Practical Training: A 12-month practical training period (Praktisches Jahr) in Germany may be required if your previous professional experience is not recognized.
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Approbation: This is the state authorization to practice as a pharmacist, without which you cannot work independently in Germany.
Documentation Needed
You will need the following documents to apply for your Approbation:
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Degree Certificates: Certified copies of your pharmacy degree and transcripts.
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Language Certificates: Proof of German language proficiency (B2 and C1 levels).
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Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed CV outlining your educational and professional background.
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Passport: Valid passport.
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Application Form: Completed application form for Approbation.
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Police Clearance Certificate: Proof of good conduct from your home country.
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Medical Fitness Certificate: Certificate confirming your physical and mental fitness to practice pharmacy.
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Proof of Practical Training: Documentation of your 12-month practical training in Germany.
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Recognition Statement: Statement recognizing the equivalence of your pharmacy degree to the German qualification.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Initial Consultation and Profile Evaluation
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Consultation: Book a free counselling session with Glovels to evaluate your academic and professional profile.
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Evaluation: Our expert counsellors assess your qualifications and guide you on the next steps.
2. German Language Preparation
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Language Classes: Enrol in our German language classes, available both online and offline, to achieve the required B2 levels.
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Language School Admission: We assist you in gaining admission to a language school for the “German for Medical Professionals” course.
3. Visa Application
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Visa Process Assistance: We guide you through the visa application process, helping you prepare all necessary documentation and providing support at each step.
4. Travel to Germany
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Pre-Flight Counselling: Receive essential pre-flight counselling to prepare for your journey.
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Book Your Flight: We assist you in booking your flight to Germany.
5. Complete Professional German course.
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Complete the “German for Medical Professionals” course and complete German B2 certificate at the same time.
6. Pass the Fachsprachprüfung examination.
This occupational German exam consists of three parts, including:
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a simulated pharmacist-patient conversation (20 minutes),
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documentation related to performance of pharmacy related duties (20 minutes) and
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a simulated conversation with another pharmacist or a physician, dentist or veterinarian (20 minutes).
7. Documentation Preparation
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Gather Necessary Documents:
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Degree Certificate
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German Language Certificate (B2 level)
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Specialist Language Examination (Fachsprachprüfung) Certificate
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Police Clearance Certificate
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Medical Fitness Certificate
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Translation of Documents: Utilize our document translation services to ensure all documents are accurately translated into German.
8. Application for Approbation
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Submit Documents: Submit the required documents to the relevant German authorities.
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Assessment and Adaptation Period: Undergo the necessary assessment of your qualifications and complete any required adaptation period or knowledge test.
9. Receive Approbation
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Completion of Process: After completing the necessary steps and meeting all requirements, receive your Approbation, the license to practice as a Pharmacist in Germany.
How Glovels Overseas Consultants Can Help
Personalized Guidance
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Tailored Advice: Receive personalized guidance based on your unique profile and career goals.
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Transparent Process: Track your application status in real-time with our transparent process.
Comprehensive Services
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Language Training: Access high-quality German language classes.
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Document Translation: Professional translation services for your documents.
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Approbation Assistance: Full support throughout the Approbation application process.
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Post-Arrival Support: Comprehensive onshore support in Germany, including job search assistance and help with settling in.
By following these steps and utilizing Glovels' comprehensive support services, you can successfully navigate the pharmacist licensing process in Germany. Contact Glovels Overseas Consultants today to start your journey towards a successful career as a licensed pharmacist in Germany.
Detailed Procedure for Approbation
1. Application Submission
Submit an application for a license to practice as a pharmacist to the competent body. They will assess whether your training matches the German requirements and whether all other criteria are met.
2. Equivalence Examination
The competent body compares your foreign qualification with the German standard to determine equivalence. If significant differences are found, you may need to provide proof of professional practice or take additional examinations.
3. Possible Examination Outcomes
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Equivalent Qualification: If your qualification is deemed equivalent, you can proceed to fulfil other requirements, such as language proficiency and medical fitness.
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Non-Equivalent Qualification: If significant differences cannot be compensated, you must take a knowledge examination based on the German final exam for pharmacists.
4. Knowledge Examination
If required, take the knowledge examination, an oral test based on the final pharmacist exam in Germany. Passing this, along with meeting all other criteria, grants you the Approbation.
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FAQs
Your degree must undergo an equivalence assessment to determine if it meets German standards. If significant differences are found, additional exams or training may be required.
You must have at least a B2 level in general German and C1 level in professional German (Fachsprachprüfung).
The Approbation is the official license required to practice as a pharmacist in Germany independently.
Yes, you can start the application process from your home country, but certain steps, like practical training, must be completed in Germany.
The process involves submitting an application, undergoing an equivalence assessment, providing proof of language proficiency, completing practical training, and possibly taking a knowledge exam if required.
If your qualification is not deemed equivalent, you can take a knowledge examination or complete additional training to bridge the gaps.
The duration varies but typically takes several months to over a year, depending on individual circumstances and document completeness.
You will need your degree certificates, language proficiency certificates, CV, passport, police clearance certificate, medical fitness certificate, proof of practical training, and other relevant documents.
You may work in a supervised capacity but cannot practice independently until you receive Approbation.
It is an oral exam based on the German final examination for pharmacists, required if your qualification is not equivalent.
You may have opportunities to retake the exam or undergo additional training to meet the requirements.
Enrol in specialized language courses focusing on medical and pharmaceutical terminology to prepare for the Fachsprachprüfung.
A 12-month practical training period in a German pharmacy under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist is required.
We offer language training, document translation, practical training placement, application assistance, and onshore support in Germany.
We provide job placement assistance, accommodation support, and help with registration with local authorities in Germany.
Yes, there are fees for application processing, document translation, language courses, and exams. Specific costs vary by state and service provider.
The competent authority evaluates your application, assesses the equivalence of your qualifications, and grants the Approbation if all requirements are met.
In some cases, relevant professional experience may help bridge gaps in qualifications. You will need to provide documentation and certification of your experience.
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This certificate ensures that you are physically and mentally fit to practice as a pharmacist, which is a standard requirement in the healthcare field.
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Glovels provides continuous support and follow-up with the authorities to ensure your application is processed smoothly and timely.