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Apply for recognition as a dietetic assistant with professional qualification from a third country

Would you like to work as a dietitian in Germany? Learn how to have your professional qualifications recognized and obtain permission to use the professional title here.

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Detailed description

To work as a dietitian in Germany, you need a government permit. Only with this permit can you use the professional title "dietitian" or "dietary assistant" and practice in this profession.

If you acquired your professional qualification in a third country, you must have your foreign professional qualification recognized to obtain a permit. Third countries are all countries that are not part of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • You want to work as a dietitian in Germany.
  • You have a comparable professional qualification from a third country.
  • Their professional qualifications are equivalent.
  • The professional qualification is equivalent if there are no significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification.
  • You are reliable for work and have no criminal record.
  • You can work mentally and physically in the profession.
  • You have German language skills at the required level. This is usually level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Documents required

  • Proof of identity (identity card or passport)
  • if your name has changed through marriage: marriage certificate
  • CV
  • Proof of your professional qualifications (e.g. certificates, professional certificates)
  • Training certificates
  • Evidence of your relevant professional experience or knowledge
  • If applicable: promise of a job or employment contract
  • Proof of your personal suitability: criminal record extract or certificate of good conduct from your country of origin.
  • Proof of your health suitability: Medical certificate.
  • Proof of your German language skills: Language certificate

Which documents are required in your specific case depends on your specific circumstances. The responsible office will tell you which documents you need to submit and when. They will also tell you which documents you need to submit as a simple copy, a certified copy, or the original.

Please note

The permit procedure also includes an assessment of equivalence (recognition procedure). You can request a separate notification of the assessment results.

Deadlines

No

Procedure

  • You submit your application to the responsible authority.
  • The responsible authority will examine your application and request any missing documents or information from you.
  • The responsible body will compare whether your professional qualification is equivalent to the German professional qualification.
    • If the competent authority identifies significant differences, you may be able to compensate for these by providing evidence of your professional experience, other knowledge, skills or competencies.
    • If you are unable to compensate for the significant differences, you can take compensatory measures (for example, an adaptation course or a knowledge test).
    • You can also forgo an equivalence assessment and take a compensatory measure directly.
  • If your professional qualifications are equivalent or you have been able to compensate for any significant differences, and you meet the other requirements, your foreign professional qualification will be recognized. The responsible authority can confirm the result in writing.
  • You will receive permission to use the professional title.

Processing time


  • up to 2 months in the accelerated procedure

  • up to 4 months in the regular procedure

Fees

225,00 EUR - 600,00 EUR


plus 42.00 EUR for the certificate

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

§§ 1, 2 Dietitians Act





§§ 1, 16, 16b and 16c, Annex 1 to Section 1 Paragraph 1 of the Training and Examination Ordinance for Dieticians




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Keywords: Foreign qualification Equivalency assessment Recognition in Germany adaptation course foreign degree professional qualification work permit Permission to use the professional title professional recognition Access to occupation adaptation period notice of recognition recognition procedure Aptitude test Certificate of Equivalence healthcare profession Professional Qualifications Assessment Act Directive 2005/36/EC LPA

Last updated: 28.10.2025