Service Finder

back

Permission to use the professional title of speech and language therapist for professional qualifications from third countries Issuance

Service Description

The profession of speech therapist is regulated in Germany. This means that in order to work as a speech therapist in Germany, you need a state license. With this permit, you can use the professional title "speech therapist" and work in the profession.

If you have a professional qualification from a so-called third country, you can also obtain a state permit from the competent authority in Germany. Third countries are all countries that do not belong to the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.

In order to obtain the permit, you must have your foreign professional qualification recognized.

In the recognition procedure, the competent authority compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification and checks the equivalence. The equivalence of the professional qualification is an important prerequisite for the granting of a state license.

In addition to the equivalence of the professional qualification, you must also meet other requirements for the permit to be issued. Further requirements include, for example, sufficient German language skills and health suitability.

If your professional qualification originates from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, other regulations apply.

You can also apply for the procedure from abroad.

Process flow

Application

You submit an application for permission to use the professional title "speech therapist" to the competent authority. You can submit the application with the documents to the competent authority or send it by post. Do not send any originals. Sometimes you can also send the application electronically. The responsible office will inform you.

Examination of equivalence

The competent authority will then check whether you meet all the requirements. An important requirement is the equivalence of your professional qualification. The competent body will compare your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification as a speech and language therapist. The professional qualification is equivalent if there are no significant differences between your foreign professional qualification and the German professional qualification.

Possible results of the examination

If your professional qualification is equivalent, your foreign professional qualification will be recognized. The competent authority can confirm the result in writing. You must still meet the other requirements. You will then receive permission to use the professional title "speech therapist".

Are there any significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification? You may be able to compensate for the differences through your professional experience, other knowledge or skills (lifelong learning). You must provide evidence of your professional experience. Knowledge and skills must be certified by an authority in the country in which you acquired the knowledge or skills.

However, it may be that the significant differences cannot be compensated for by this knowledge. In this case, your foreign professional qualification will not be recognized. You will then not be allowed to work as a speech therapist in Germany.

However, the competent authority will tell you the main differences and why you cannot compensate for the main differences with your professional experience.

In most cases, you can take a compensatory measure. This will allow you to compensate for the main differences.

Compensatory measures

There are various compensatory measures:

  • Adaptation course: The adaptation course lasts a maximum of three years.
  • Knowledge examination: The knowledge examination tests your knowledge in certain subjects and areas. The knowledge test comprises an oral and practical part.

You can choose between an adaptation period or a knowledge test.

If you successfully complete the compensation measure and meet all other requirements, you will receive permission to use the professional title of "speech therapist".

Who should I contact?

Please contact the Thuringian State Administration Office.

Competent authority

Thuringian State Administration Office

Requirements

  • You have a professional qualification as a speech and language therapist from a third country.
  • You want to work as a speech therapist in Germany.
  • Personal suitability: You are reliable to work as a speech therapist and have no criminal record.
  • Health suitability: You are mentally and physically fit to work as a speech therapist.
  • You have German language skills at the required level. This is normally language level C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Which documents are required?

The responsible office will tell you which documents you need to submit. Important documents are generally

  • Proof of identity (identity card or passport)
  • Marriage certificate (if your name has changed due to marriage)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Proof of your professional qualifications (e.g. certificates, professional certificate)
  • Proof of training
  • Proof of your relevant professional experience as a speech and language therapist
  • Proof of other relevant knowledge for working as a speech and language therapist
  • You do not yet live or work in the EU, the EEA or Switzerland? Then you must provide proof: You want to work in the profession in Germany. Proof can be: Job applications, proof of your application for an entry visa for gainful employment or personal declaration

You usually submit these documents later. The responsible office will inform you when you should submit the documents:

  • Proof of your personal suitability: criminal record extract or certificate of good conduct from your country of origin. The certificate must not be older than 3 months at the time of application.
  • Proof of your health suitability: Medical certificate. The certificate must not be older than 3 months at the time of application.
  • Proof of your German language skills: Language certificate

The responsible office will let you know which documents you need to submit as a simple copy, a certified copy or the original.

What are the fees?

The procedure costs money. The responsible office will inform you of the costs. The costs generally depend on the time and effort required for processing.

The fee range is at least 80.00 to 590.00 euros.

Additional costs may be incurred (e.g. for translations, certifications or compensatory measures). These costs vary from case to case.

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

None.

Sometimes documents are still missing from the procedure. The responsible office will then inform you by when you must submit the documents.

Processing duration

Processing Time: 4 Months
The responsible office will inform you if any documents are missing. If the documents are complete, the procedure will take a maximum of 4 months.

Legal basis

What else should I know?

Notification of equivalence

The equivalence check (recognition procedure) also takes place during the licensing procedure. You can apply for a separate notification of the result of the assessment.

Procedure for ethnic German repatriates

As a late repatriate, you can go through the recognition procedure either in accordance with the laws mentioned here or in accordance with the Federal Expellees Act. You can decide for yourself. The responsible office will advise you on which procedure is right for you.

Further Information

Author

Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Technically approved by

Thuringian Ministry for Social Affairs, Health, Labor and Family (TMSGAF)

Professionally released on

04.02.2025

Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6Plus)

No competent authority found

Please enter your location.