B2, the MPhG, Section 81a: the legal framework in detail.

Starting point: Egypt is a third country

Egyptian physiotherapists obtain their qualification outside the EU/EEA. This triggers the recognition procedure for third countries: the training obtained abroad is assessed to determine whether it is equivalent to German training. Unlike EU qualifications, there is no automatic recognition.

Placeholder, to be confirmed before go-live: ⚠️to be confirmed (countries of origin may be named publicly)

Equivalence assessment (the MPhG)

The legal basis is the Masseur and Physiotherapist Act (the MPhG) together with the Training and Examination Regulation (PhysTh-APrV). The competent recognition authority of the relevant federal state compares the content and duration of the foreign training with the German standard. If no substantial differences are found, the professional licence to practise can be granted. If substantial differences exist, an adaptation measure may be required.

Adaptation measure: adaptation course or knowledge examination

If substantial differences are identified, applicants generally have a choice between two routes:

• Adaptation course: a practical course to make up for the differences, with a maximum duration of three years.
• Knowledge examination: a state examination (oral and practical) in which the required knowledge is demonstrated.

Which route applies depends on the authority's decision and on the individual case.

Language: German at CEFR level B2 as the standard requirement

The standard language requirement for the professional licence to practise in physiotherapy is German at CEFR level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference), and it applies nationwide. In addition, depending on the federal state, a specialist language examination may be required; whether and in what form is not regulated uniformly across the country but varies by state. There is no general C1 requirement for physiotherapists; that applies only to certain academic health professions such as doctors. We clarify the standard that applies to your location in advance.

Right of residence: Section 16d and Section 81a AufenthG

• § 16d AufenthG permits residence for the purpose of having the professional qualification recognised, including carrying out an adaptation measure. Employment related to the occupational field may be possible under certain conditions. The immigration authority determines the precise arrangements.
• § 81a AufenthG, the fast-track procedure for skilled workers: Here the employer initiates the procedure (usually by power of attorney with the competent immigration authority) and applies for preliminary approval. The aim of the procedure is a noticeably shorter processing time. For employers, this is often the decisive lever for shortening the time until employment begins.

Note: specific deadlines, fees and requirements are set by the authorities and may change.

Placeholder, to be confirmed before go-live: ⚠️to be confirmed (check current fees/deadlines before going live)

Competent bodies & further information

For binding information, the competent bodies are authoritative:

• the recognition authority of the relevant federal state (responsible for the equivalence assessment and the professional licence to practise),
• the competent immigration authority (residence and the fast-track procedure),
• the German federal government's information portal ‘Make it in Germany' as general guidance.

We coordinate the cooperation with these bodies but do not make decisions on their behalf and give no guarantees as to their outcome.