Berufsausübungserlaubnis

The Berufsausübungserlaubnis (professional practice permit) is a mandatory German licence required before professionals in regulated occupations — including all healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists) — may legally practise in Germany. For South African healthcare professionals arriving on the Germany Opportunity Card, the Berufsausübungserlaubnis must be obtained through the relevant German state authority (Landesbehörde), which assesses whether the South African qualification meets German professional standards. This creates a separate, often lengthy regulatory pathway on top of the visa process, making Germany’s healthcare wedge significantly more complex than the UK or Australia equivalents.

Connections

• Germany Opportunity Card — blocks healthcare professionals without this permit, [2025], source: https://www.southafricansingermany.de/
• Germany — regulatory requirement, [2025]