# Dental licence in Germany: guide for foreign-trained dentists

> Answer a few questions and see your route to the Approbation (the German licence to practise dentistry): the steps, the documents, the language requirement, the competent authority with its official link, who runs the Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam) and the legal basis with a verbatim quote. Every item comes from an official source.

Source: https://hajto.de/en/tools/dental-licence-germany  
Last updated: 2026-10-18T21:44:49Z  
German version: https://hajto.de/zahnarzt-approbation-ausland.md

Publisher: Munich Dental Academy. As of 18 October 2026: every source was read on this date; each Land shows its own check date.

**Important: not legal advice:** This overview is general information from Munich Dental Academy and **not legal advice**. It does not replace information from the competent licensing authority or dental chamber. Only the laws in force and the authority's decision in your individual case are binding. The date and sources show the legal status used. New rules apply to third-country qualifications for applications from 1 November 2026; please check the current position with your authority.

## How the Approbation works with a foreign degree

To work as a dentist in Germany you need the Approbation, the licence to practise dentistry. You apply for it to the competent authority of a federal state (Land). Which route applies depends on where you completed your training.
Qualifications from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland that are listed in Annex V point 5.3.2 of Directive 2005/36/EC and were issued after the reference date given there are recognised automatically: there is no individual equivalence check, but you still have to apply. For applications filed by 31 October 2026 the decision is due at the latest three months after the complete documents arrive (§ 86 ZApprO). Other training from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, and a third-country diploma that another EU/EEA state or Switzerland has already recognised, goes through an equivalence check. Professional experience and formally recognised lifelong learning can offset differences; otherwise an aptitude test (Eignungsprüfung) on the differences found follows. From 1 November 2026 these EU/EEA/Swiss routes are governed by § 12a ZHG (new version) instead of § 2.
For third-country qualifications the law changes on 1 November 2026 (Act of 22 July 2026, BGBl. 2026 I No. 225). Applications filed by 31 October 2026 continue under the old rules: the authority checks your documents to see whether your training is equivalent, and if it finds substantial differences you take the Kenntnisprüfung, a knowledge test on the content of the German state final exam. For applications from 1 November 2026 the Kenntnisprüfung is the default. A document-based equivalence check happens only if you choose it within four weeks of applying; the choice is binding for the whole procedure, and if substantial differences are found a Kenntnisprüfung still follows. The competent Land changes too: if you live in Germany, you apply in the Land of your habitual residence; if you live abroad, in the Land where you intend to practise. Until 31 October 2026 it is the Land where you intend to practise.
On every route you must show the German needed to practise. The law sets no level; in the Länder's practice it is general German at B2 plus a Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam) oriented at C1, usually run by the Landeszahnärztekammer (state dental chamber). With a third-country degree you can apply for a time-limited licence under § 13 ZHG while the Approbation procedure runs, for at most two years in total.
The guide above shows, for your situation, the steps, the documents, the language requirement, the competent authority with its official page, who runs the Fachsprachprüfung, and the legal basis with a verbatim quote. Each Land shows when it was checked and whether two sources (verified), one source (partial) or none (not verified) back the entry. We show a fee only where two sources state the same amount. Not covered: visas and residence permits, actual processing times and exemptions from the Fachsprachprüfung; the authority decides on those.

## EU/EEA/Switzerland with automatic recognition: until 31.10.2026 (old rules)

Dental qualification listed in Annex V point 5.3.2 of Directive 2005/36/EC and issued after the reference date given there (or a European Professional Card).

**Rules for applications filed by 31 October 2026**

The Act of 22 July 2026 has a transitional rule only for third-country applications (§ 24 ZHG, new version). Whether an application filed by 31 October 2026 but decided later is decided under the old or the new rules, please clarify with the authority. Please also ask the authority whether § 24 covers a third-country qualification already recognised in another EU state.

**Steps**

1. Apply for the Approbation to the competent Land authority.
2. No individual equivalence check: the listed qualification counts as training under the ZHG.
3. Prove health fitness, good conduct and German (Fachsprachprüfung per Land practice).
4. Decision at the latest three months after the complete documents arrive.

**Documents**

Documents for training abroad (§ 2(6) ZHG old version, via § 84(3) ZApprO). The Länder add their own forms and often further documents; translations by publicly appointed or authorised translators.

- Certificate of conformity from the issuing state
- Proof of identity
- Tabular CV of training and employment
- Officially certified copy of the qualification, if applicable proof of professional experience
- Third country: certificate that you may practise in the issuing country
- Proof of good conduct (e.g. criminal record certificate) and of health fitness, no older than three months when submitted
- Translations into German

**Legal basis**

- [§ 2 Abs. 1 Satz 2 ZHG (Fassung bis 31.10.2026)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/zhg/__2.html)
  > „eines nach dem 27. Januar 1980 ausgestellten, in der Anlage zu diesem Gesetz aufgeführten zahnärztlichen Ausbildungsnachweises“
- [Art. 21 Abs. 1 Richtlinie 2005/36/EG](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32005L0036)
  > „verleiht diesen Nachweisen in Bezug auf die Aufnahme und Ausübung der beruflichen Tätigkeiten in seinem Hoheitsgebiet dieselbe Wirkung wie den von ihm ausgestellten Ausbildungsnachweisen.“

**Decision deadlines**

Decision on the Approbation at the latest three months after the complete documents arrive (§ 86 ZApprO).

The ZApprO still refers to § 2(2) and (3) ZHG (old version). An ZApprO amended for the law of 22 July 2026 could not be found on the check date.

## EU/EEA/Switzerland with automatic recognition: from 01.11.2026 (new rules)

Dental qualification listed in Annex V point 5.3.2 of Directive 2005/36/EC and issued after the reference date given there (or a European Professional Card).

**New legal position from 1 November 2026 (BGBl. 2026 I No. 225); the Länder's administrative practice may still adapt**

**Steps**

1. Apply for the Approbation to the competent Land authority.
2. No individual equivalence check: the listed qualification counts as training under the ZHG.
3. Prove health fitness, good conduct and German (Fachsprachprüfung per Land practice).

**Documents**

- Only if the title of your qualification does not match the one listed for your state in Annex V point 5.3.2: a certificate from the competent authority or body of the issuing state that the training meets the minimum requirements of Art. 34 of Directive 2005/36/EC and is equivalent to the listed qualifications (§ 12a(2) ZHG, new version).
- The documents required may in future be set out in the ZApprO; no amended ZApprO existed on the check date. Until then, the competent Land authority's forms and document lists apply.

**Legal basis**

- [§ 12a Abs. 1 Satz 1 Nr. 2 ZHG (Fassung ab 01.11.2026, Art. 4 Nr. 9 G v. 22.07.2026)](https://www.recht.bund.de/eli/bund/bgbl-1/2026/225)
  > „eines zahnärztlichen Ausbildungsnachweises, der im Anhang V Nummer 5.3.2. der Richtlinie 2005/36/EG aufgeführt und nach dem dort genannten Stichtag ausgestellt ist,“
- [Art. 21 Abs. 1 Richtlinie 2005/36/EG](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32005L0036)
  > „verleiht diesen Nachweisen in Bezug auf die Aufnahme und Ausübung der beruflichen Tätigkeiten in seinem Hoheitsgebiet dieselbe Wirkung wie den von ihm ausgestellten Ausbildungsnachweisen.“

## EU/EEA/Switzerland without automatic recognition: until 31.10.2026 (old rules)

Training in the EU/EEA/Switzerland that does not qualify for automatic recognition; also a third-country diploma already recognised by an EU/EEA state or Switzerland.

**Rules for applications filed by 31 October 2026**

The Act of 22 July 2026 has a transitional rule only for third-country applications (§ 24 ZHG, new version). Whether an application filed by 31 October 2026 but decided later is decided under the old or the new rules, please clarify with the authority. Please also ask the authority whether § 24 covers a third-country qualification already recognised in another EU state.

**Steps**

1. Apply for the Approbation to the competent Land authority.
2. Equivalence check: the authority compares the training with the German one; professional experience and formally recognised lifelong learning can offset differences.
3. If substantial differences are found: formal notice at the latest four months after all documents are in, then an aptitude test (Eignungsprüfung) on those differences.
4. The aptitude test can have a written, an oral and a practical part; the authority decides which ones apply.
5. Prove health fitness, good conduct and German.

**Documents**

- Documents under § 2(6) ZHG old version incl. proof of content and length of training

**Legal basis**

- [§ 2 Abs. 2 ZHG (Fassung bis 31.10.2026)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/zhg/__2.html)
  > „Ist die Voraussetzung des Absatzes 1 Satz 1 Nummer 4 nicht erfüllt, so ist Antragstellern, die ihre Ausbildung für die Ausübung des zahnärztlichen Berufs“
- [§ 2 Abs. 2 Satz 10 ZHG a. F. – in EU/EWR/CH anerkanntes Drittstaatsdiplom](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/zhg/__2.html)
  > „und ein anderer der in Satz 1 genannten Staaten diesen Ausbildungsnachweis anerkannt hat.“
- [§§ 89 ff. ZApprO (Eignungsprüfung)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/zappro/__89.html)
  > „Der mündliche und der praktische Abschnitt der Eignungsprüfung dürfen nur abgelegt werden, wenn der jeweils vorangegangene Abschnitt bestanden wurde.“

**Qualification issued before the reference date (acquired rights)**

Acquired rights (§ 20a ZHG): if your qualification from another EU/EEA state or Switzerland was issued before the reference date that applies for recognition, the Approbation is also granted. If the training does not meet the minimum requirements of Art. 34 of Directive 2005/36/EC, the authority may ask for a certificate from the issuing state that you practised as a dentist, actually and lawfully, for at least three consecutive years in the five years before the application. The authority of the Land where you intend to practise decides. This also applies from 1 November 2026 (§ 20a(1) and § 12a(4) ZHG, new version).

**Decision deadlines**

Decision at the latest three months after the complete documents arrive, one month longer where equivalence is assessed (§ 86 ZApprO). Notice on substantial differences at the latest four months after all documents are in (§ 2(2) ZHG, old version).

The ZApprO still refers to § 2(2) and (3) ZHG (old version). An ZApprO amended for the law of 22 July 2026 could not be found on the check date.

## EU/EEA/Switzerland without automatic recognition: from 01.11.2026 (new rules)

Training in the EU/EEA/Switzerland that does not qualify for automatic recognition; also a third-country diploma already recognised by an EU/EEA state or Switzerland.

**New legal position from 1 November 2026 (BGBl. 2026 I No. 225); the Länder's administrative practice may still adapt**

**Steps**

1. Apply for the Approbation to the competent Land authority.
2. Equivalence check: the authority compares the training with the German one; professional experience and formally recognised lifelong learning can offset differences.
3. If substantial differences are found: an aptitude test (Eignungsprüfung) on those differences (§ 12a(7) ZHG, new version).
4. Prove health fitness, good conduct and German.

**Documents**

- The documents required may in future be set out in the ZApprO; no amended ZApprO existed on the check date. Until then, the competent Land authority's forms and document lists apply.

**Legal basis**

- [§ 12a Abs. 4 bis 7 ZHG (Fassung ab 01.11.2026)](https://www.recht.bund.de/eli/bund/bgbl-1/2026/225)
  > „die Approbation zu erteilen, wenn die Gleichwertigkeit der Berufsqualifikation gegeben ist.“
- [§ 12a Abs. 7 Satz 3 ZHG (Fassung ab 01.11.2026) – in EU/EWR/CH anerkanntes Drittstaatsdiplom](https://www.recht.bund.de/eli/bund/bgbl-1/2026/225)
  > „der in einem Drittstaat ausgestellt ist und den ein anderer der in Absatz 1 Satz 1 genannten Staaten anerkannt hat.“

**Qualification issued before the reference date (acquired rights)**

Acquired rights (§ 20a ZHG): if your qualification from another EU/EEA state or Switzerland was issued before the reference date that applies for recognition, the Approbation is also granted. If the training does not meet the minimum requirements of Art. 34 of Directive 2005/36/EC, the authority may ask for a certificate from the issuing state that you practised as a dentist, actually and lawfully, for at least three consecutive years in the five years before the application. The authority of the Land where you intend to practise decides. This also applies from 1 November 2026 (§ 20a(1) and § 12a(4) ZHG, new version).

## Third country – application by 31 Oct 2026 (old rules)

Training outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, application filed on or before 31 October 2026. These applications stay under § 2(2) and (3) ZHG old version (§ 24 ZHG new version).

**Rules for applications filed by 31 October 2026**

**Steps**

1. Apply for the Approbation to the authority of the Land where you intend to practise.
2. Document-based equivalence check of the training.
3. If substantial differences are found, or if the application could only be examined with unreasonable effort in time or substance because documents cannot be produced for reasons outside your control: Kenntnisprüfung (knowledge test) on the content of the state final exam.
4. Kenntnisprüfung: written, oral and practical part, in this order; in German; a sitting within six months of the notice.
5. Prove German (Fachsprachprüfung), health fitness and good conduct; then the Approbation is granted.

**Documents**

Documents for training abroad (§ 2(6) ZHG old version, via § 84(3) ZApprO). The Länder add their own forms and often further documents; translations by publicly appointed or authorised translators.

- Proof of identity
- Tabular CV of training and employment
- Officially certified copy of the qualification, if applicable proof of professional experience
- Third country: certificate that you may practise in the issuing country
- Proof of good conduct (e.g. criminal record certificate) and of health fitness, no older than three months when submitted
- Translations into German

**Legal basis**

- [§ 2 Abs. 3 ZHG (Fassung bis 31.10.2026)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/zhg/__2.html)
  > „in Absatz 2 Satz 1 genannten Staaten (Drittland) ausgestellt ist, die Approbation zu erteilen, wenn die Gleichwertigkeit des Ausbildungsstandes gegeben ist.“
- [§ 24 ZHG (Fassung ab 01.11.2026) – Übergangsregel](https://www.recht.bund.de/eli/bund/bgbl-1/2026/225)
  > „gilt § 2 Absatz 2 und 3 in der bis zum 31. Oktober 2026 geltenden Fassung weiter.“
- [§§ 104–118 ZApprO (Kenntnisprüfung)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/zappro/__104.html)
  > „Jeder nicht bestandene Abschnitt der Kenntnisprüfung kann jeweils zweimal wiederholt werden.“

**Decision deadlines**

Decision at the latest three months after the complete documents arrive, one month longer where equivalence is assessed (§ 86 ZApprO). Notice on substantial differences at the latest four months after all documents are in (§ 2(2) sentence 8 with (3) sentence 2 ZHG, old version).

The ZApprO still refers to § 2(2) and (3) ZHG (old version). An ZApprO amended for the law of 22 July 2026 could not be found on the check date.

## Third country – application from 1 Nov 2026 (new rules)

Training outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, application from 1 November 2026. The default is the Kenntnisprüfung; a document-based equivalence check happens only if chosen within four weeks of applying. The choice is binding for the whole procedure.

**New legal position from 1 November 2026 (BGBl. 2026 I No. 225); the Länder's administrative practice may still adapt**

**Steps**

1. Apply to the authority of the Land of habitual residence (residents of Germany) or of the Land where you intend to practise (non-residents).
2. Decide within four weeks of applying: Kenntnisprüfung (default) or document-based equivalence check. The authority must explain the choice and its consequences.
3. Route A (default): Kenntnisprüfung on the content of the state final exam.
4. Route B (if chosen): document-based equivalence check; if substantial differences are found, a Kenntnisprüfung is still required. It is also required if the application could only be examined with unreasonable effort in time or substance because documents cannot be produced in full for reasons outside your control.
5. Prove German (Fachsprachprüfung), health fitness and good conduct; then the Approbation is granted.

**Documents**

- The document list of § 2(6) ZHG (old version) is dropped with the new § 2; the documents required may in future be set out in the ZApprO. No amended ZApprO existed on the check date; until then, the competent Land authority's forms and document lists apply.

**Legal basis**

- [§ 12b ZHG (Fassung ab 01.11.2026, Art. 4 Nr. 9 G v. 22.07.2026)](https://www.recht.bund.de/eli/bund/bgbl-1/2026/225)
  > „Eine in einem Drittstaat erworbene abgeschlossene Berufsqualifikation erfüllt die Voraussetzung des § 2 Absatz 1 Satz 1 Nummer 4, wenn“
- [Art. 6 G v. 22.07.2026 – Inkrafttreten](https://www.recht.bund.de/eli/bund/bgbl-1/2026/225)
  > „Dieses Gesetz tritt vorbehaltlich des Absatzes 2 am 1. November 2026 in Kraft.“
- [§ 16 Abs. 1a ZHG (Fassung ab 01.11.2026) – Zuständigkeit](https://www.recht.bund.de/eli/bund/bgbl-1/2026/225)
  > „ist der Antrag an die zuständige Behörde des Landes zu richten, in dem der zahnärztliche Beruf ausgeübt werden soll.“

## Language requirement

For every route: the German needed to practise. In Land practice: general German at B2 (CEFR) and professional language oriented at C1, usually proven by the Fachsprachprüfung of the Landeszahnärztekammer. The levels are not in the ZHG; they come from the 2014 key points of the 87th Health Ministers' Conference.

## Which Land is competent

For training abroad, the authority of the Land where the dentist intends to practise decides (§ 16(2) ZHG, old version).

Residents of Germany: authority of the Land of habitual residence. Non-residents: authority of the Land where they intend to practise (§ 16(1a) ZHG, new version).

## Kenntnisprüfung (knowledge test)

Kenntnisprüfung (ZApprO as of 18 Oct 2026): prosthodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery and the conservative dentistry group; also emergency medicine, pharmacology, hygiene and legal questions. Written: treatment plan in 45 minutes. Oral: 60 to 90 minutes. Each part can be retaken twice. Offered at least twice a year.

## Temporary licence under § 13 ZHG (third country)

Completed dental training from a third country; time-limited licence that can be restricted, e.g. while the Approbation procedure runs. Not for EU/EEA/Swiss qualifications (exception: special interest, § 13(1a)).

The authority of the Land where you intend to practise decides on this licence (§ 16(2) ZHG).

- Apply to the authority of the Land where you intend to practise; state where and how you will practise.
- The licence can be restricted to certain activities and workplaces; at most two years in total (exceptions under § 13(3)).

## All 16 federal states at a glance

The authority and Fachsprachprüfung entries were checked for third-country qualifications (federal portal, third-country search). For EU/EEA/Swiss qualifications please confirm the competent body with the authority.

### Baden-Württemberg

- Status: verified (two sources); Checked on: 18 October 2026
- Competent authority: Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart, Referat 98 – Landesanerkennungsstelle für Gesundheitsberufe ([Official page](https://rp.baden-wuerttemberg.de/themen/bildung/ausbildung/seiten/zahnmedizin-ausland/)) (verified (two sources))
- Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam): Landeszahnärztekammer Baden-Württemberg ([Landeszahnärztekammer Baden-Württemberg](https://lzk-bw.de/zahnaerzte/auslaendische-berufsausbildung/fachsprachenpruefung)) (verified (two sources))
  - Registration: The Regierungspräsidium registers you once your application is complete.
- Language requirement: General German B2, Professional language C1 (verified (two sources))
- Fachsprachprüfung fee: €450 (as of 01/2026)
- The Regierungspräsidium's dentistry page says 'language exam at the Ärztekammer'; its FAQ and the LZK BW name the Landeszahnärztekammer. We follow the FAQ and the chamber.

### Bavaria

- Status: verified (two sources); Checked on: 18 October 2026
- Competent authority: Regierung von Oberbayern – ZAABY (Zentrale Anerkennungsstelle für Approbationsberufe in Bayern) ([Official page](https://www.regierung.oberbayern.bayern.de/aufgaben/37198/318083/leistung/gebaeude/35176/index.html)) (verified (two sources))
  - For training outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland confirmed by the Regierung von Oberbayern itself; for EU/EEA/Swiss qualifications the federal portal (Anerkennungs-Finder, EU qualification) names the same office.
- Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam): Bayerische Landeszahnärztekammer (Durchführung durch die eazf GmbH) ([Bayerische Landeszahnärztekammer (Durchführung durch die eazf GmbH)](https://blzk.de/blzk/site.nsf/gfx/verfahrensordnung-sprachtest.pdf/$file/verfahrensordnung-sprachtest.pdf)) (verified (two sources))
- Language requirement: General German B2, Professional language C1 (verified (two sources))
- Fee: please ask the competent body: [Bayerische Landeszahnärztekammer (Durchführung durch die eazf GmbH)](https://blzk.de/blzk/site.nsf/gfx/verfahrensordnung-sprachtest.pdf/$file/verfahrensordnung-sprachtest.pdf)

### Berlin

- Status: verified (two sources); Checked on: 18 October 2026
- Competent authority: Landesamt für Gesundheit und Soziales Berlin (LAGeSo), Landesprüfungsamt für Gesundheitsberufe ([Official page](https://www.berlin.de/lageso/gesundheit/berufe-im-gesundheitswesen/)) (verified (two sources))
- Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam): Zahnärztekammer Berlin ([Zahnärztekammer Berlin](https://www.zaek-berlin.de/zahnaerzte/berufsrecht.html)) (verified (two sources))
  - Registration: Register with the chamber only after applying to LAGeSo.
- Language requirement: General German B2, Professional language C1 (verified (two sources))
- Fachsprachprüfung fee: €450 (as of 17 March 2026)

### Brandenburg

- Status: verified (two sources); Checked on: 18 October 2026
- Competent authority: Landesamt für Arbeitsschutz, Verbraucherschutz und Gesundheit (LAVG), Dezernat G1 ([Official page](https://lavg.brandenburg.de/lavg/de/gesundheit/akademische-heilberufe/anerkennung-auslaendischer-ausbildung/)) (verified (two sources))
- Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam): Landeszahnärztekammer Brandenburg ([Landeszahnärztekammer Brandenburg](https://lavg.brandenburg.de/lavg/de/gesundheit/akademische-heilberufe/anerkennung-auslaendischer-ausbildung/)) (verified (two sources))
  - Registration: Register with the form via LAVG.
- Language requirement: General German B2, Professional language C1 (verified (two sources))
- Fachsprachprüfung fee: €470 (as of 17 March 2026)

### Bremen

- Status: verified (two sources); Checked on: 18 October 2026
- Competent authority: Die Senatorin für Gesundheit, Frauen und Verbraucherschutz ([Official page](https://www.gesundheit.bremen.de/gesundheit/berufe-im-gesundheitswesen/anerkennung-auslaendischer-approbationen-in-heilberufen-46175)) (verified (two sources))
- Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam): Zahnärztekammer Bremen ([Zahnärztekammer Bremen](https://zaek-hb.de/anerkennung-auslndischer-abschlsse)) (verified (two sources))
  - Registration: The Senatorin registers you after the Approbation application.
- Language requirement: General German B2, Professional language C1 (verified (two sources))
- Fee: please ask the competent body: [Zahnärztekammer Bremen](https://zaek-hb.de/anerkennung-auslndischer-abschlsse)

### Hamburg

- Status: verified (two sources); Checked on: 18 October 2026
- Competent authority: Sozialbehörde – Amt für Gesundheit (Landesprüfungsamt) ([Official page](https://www.hamburg.de/resource/blob/31672/faa705f396b9780238f0e778e55b7e17/dent-antrag-approbation-drittstaaten-data.pdf)) (verified (two sources))
- Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam): Zahnärztekammer Hamburg ([Zahnärztekammer Hamburg](https://www.hamburg.de/resource/blob/31678/5f2183b1062739f2f9f3545da771f874/anmeldung-fachsprachenpruefung-zahnaerztekammer-data.pdf)) (verified (two sources))
- Language requirement: General German B2, Professional language C1 (verified (two sources))
- Fee: please ask the competent body: [Zahnärztekammer Hamburg](https://www.hamburg.de/resource/blob/31678/5f2183b1062739f2f9f3545da771f874/anmeldung-fachsprachenpruefung-zahnaerztekammer-data.pdf)

### Hesse

- Status: verified (two sources); Checked on: 18 October 2026
- Competent authority: Hessisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Pflege (HLfGP), Dezernat IV.2 ([Official page](https://hlfgp.hessen.de/akademische-gesundheitsberufe)) (verified (two sources))
- Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam): Landeszahnärztekammer Hessen ([Landeszahnärztekammer Hessen](https://www.lzkh.de/)) (verified (two sources))
  - Registration: You must first apply to the HLfGP for the Approbation or licence.
- Language requirement: General German B2, Professional language C1 (verified (two sources))
  - Hesse requires the B2 certificate when you apply.
- Fee: please ask the competent body: [Landeszahnärztekammer Hessen](https://www.lzkh.de/)

### Lower Saxony

- Status: verified (two sources); Checked on: 18 October 2026
- Competent authority: Niedersächsischer Zweckverband zur Approbationserteilung (NiZzA), Abteilung 1 ([Official page](https://www.nizza.niedersachsen.de/)) (verified (two sources))
- Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam): Zahnärztekammer Niedersachsen (ZKN) ([Zahnärztekammer Niedersachsen (ZKN)](https://zkn.de/zahnaerzte-und-praxisteam/zahnaerzte-und-zahnaerztinnen/anerkennung-auslaendischer-berufsqualifikationen/)) (verified (two sources))
  - Registration: No own registration; NiZzA registers you after the advance payment.
- Language requirement: General German B2, Professional language C1 (verified (two sources))
- Fee: please ask the competent body: [Zahnärztekammer Niedersachsen (ZKN)](https://zkn.de/zahnaerzte-und-praxisteam/zahnaerzte-und-zahnaerztinnen/anerkennung-auslaendischer-berufsqualifikationen/)
- NiZzA: Fachsprachprüfung generally required for all doctors and dentists.

### Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

- Status: verified (two sources); Checked on: 18 October 2026
- Competent authority: Landesamt für Gesundheit und Soziales (LAGuS), Landesprüfungsamt für Heilberufe ([Official page](https://www.lagus.mv-regierung.de/LPH/Auslaendische-Bildungsabschluesse/)) (verified (two sources))
- Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam): Zahnärztekammer Mecklenburg-Vorpommern ([Zahnärztekammer Mecklenburg-Vorpommern](https://zaekmv.de/fachsprachenprfung)) (verified (two sources))
- Language requirement: General German B2, Professional language C1 (partial (one source))
  - C1 only stated by the federal portal; no Land source names C1.
- Fee: please ask the competent body: [Zahnärztekammer Mecklenburg-Vorpommern](https://zaekmv.de/fachsprachenprfung)

### North Rhine-Westphalia

- Status: verified (two sources); Checked on: 18 October 2026
- Competent authority: Bezirksregierung Münster – Zentrale Anerkennungsstelle für Gesundheitsberufe (ZAG) ([Official page](https://www.brms.nrw.de/themen/gesundheit-und-soziales/zentrale-anerkennungsstelle-fuer-gesundheitsberufe/approbation)) (verified (two sources))
- Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam): Zahnärztekammer Nordrhein oder Zahnärztekammer Westfalen-Lippe (je nach Kammerbereich) ([Zahnärztekammer Nordrhein oder Zahnärztekammer Westfalen-Lippe (je nach Kammerbereich)](https://www.zahnaerzte-wl.de/pages/anerkennung-auslaendischer-abschluesse)) (verified (two sources))
- Language requirement: General German B2, Professional language C1 (verified (two sources))
- Fee: please ask the competent body: [Zahnärztekammer Nordrhein oder Zahnärztekammer Westfalen-Lippe (je nach Kammerbereich)](https://www.zahnaerzte-wl.de/pages/anerkennung-auslaendischer-abschluesse)

### Rhineland-Palatinate

- Status: verified (two sources); Checked on: 18 October 2026
- Competent authority: Landesamt für Soziales, Jugend und Versorgung (LSJV), Dienstort Koblenz ([Official page](https://lsjv.rlp.de/themen/gesundheit/gesundheitsberufe/approbationen-fuer-akademische-heilberufe)) (verified (two sources))
- Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam): Landeszahnärztekammer Rheinland-Pfalz ([Landeszahnärztekammer Rheinland-Pfalz](https://lzk.de/)) (verified (two sources))
  - Registration: Apply to the LSJV first; main residence in Rhineland-Palatinate and online application to the chamber.
- Language requirement:
  - Landeszahnärztekammer Rheinland-Pfalz: when you apply, you must prove with a certificate from a language school that you have the language skills at C1 level needed to take the exam.
    > „Bewerber/innen müssen deshalb bei Antragstellung durch ein Zertifikat einer Sprachschule nachweisen, dass sie über die zur Prüfungsdurchführung erforderlichen Sprachkenntnisse auf C1-Niveau verfügen.“ (Hinweise zur Überprüfung der fachbezogenen Deutschkenntnisse (08/25), https://lzk.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Downloads/Zahn%C3%A4rzte/Ausl%C3%A4ndische_Zahn%C3%A4rzte/Hinweise_Sprachpruefung_08_25.pdf)
  - Federal portal "Anerkennung in Deutschland": German at level B2; usually also a Fachsprachprüfung at level C1.
    > „Sie brauchen Deutschkenntnisse auf dem Sprachniveau B2 des Gemeinsamen Europäischen Referenzrahmens für Sprachen“ (Anerkennungs-Finder: Zahnärztin/Zahnarzt in Mainz (Drittstaat), https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/de/interest/finder/result?location=13199&profession=447&zipSearch=0&nationality=Drittstaat&qualification=Drittstaaten&arrangement=Nein&whereabouts=Ausland)
    > „Sie müssen meistens auch eine Fachsprachenprüfung auf dem Sprachniveau C1 machen.“ (Anerkennungs-Finder: Zahnärztin/Zahnarzt in Mainz (Drittstaat), https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/de/interest/finder/result?location=13199&profession=447&zipSearch=0&nationality=Drittstaat&qualification=Drittstaaten&arrangement=Nein&whereabouts=Ausland)
  - **Please have this confirmed by the chamber before you register**
  - Sources conflict
- Fee: please ask the competent body: [Landeszahnärztekammer Rheinland-Pfalz](https://lzk.de/)
- Before applying from abroad, the LSJV requires counselling by the ZSBA.

### Saarland

- Status: partial (one source); Checked on: 18 October 2026
- Competent authority: Landesamt für Soziales – Zentralstelle und Landesprüfungsamt für akademische Heilberufe (Referat E2) ([Source: Anerkennung in Deutschland – Portal der Bundesregierung (BIBB im Auftrag des BMBFSFJ)](https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/de/interest/finder/result?location=47355&profession=447&zipSearch=0&nationality=Drittstaat&qualification=Drittstaaten&arrangement=Nein&whereabouts=Ausland)) (partial (one source))
  - Single source: the federal recognition portal.
- Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam): please ask the licensing authority ([Source: Anerkennung in Deutschland – Portal der Bundesregierung (BIBB im Auftrag des BMBFSFJ)](https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/de/interest/finder/result?location=47355&profession=447&zipSearch=0&nationality=Drittstaat&qualification=Drittstaaten&arrangement=Nein&whereabouts=Ausland)) (not verified)
- Language requirement: General German B2, Professional language C1 (partial (one source))
  - Federal portal only.
- Fee: please ask the competent body: [Anerkennung in Deutschland – Portal der Bundesregierung (BIBB im Auftrag des BMBFSFJ)](https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/de/interest/finder/result?location=47355&profession=447&zipSearch=0&nationality=Drittstaat&qualification=Drittstaaten&arrangement=Nein&whereabouts=Ausland)

### Saxony

- Status: verified (two sources); Checked on: 18 October 2026
- Competent authority: Landesdirektion Sachsen ([Official page](https://www.lds.sachsen.de/soziales/?ID=8105&art_param=684)) (verified (two sources))
- Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam): Landeszahnärztekammer Sachsen ([Landeszahnärztekammer Sachsen](https://www.zahnaerzte-in-sachsen.de/)) (verified (two sources))
- Language requirement: General German B2, Professional language C1 (verified (two sources))
- Fee: please ask the competent body: [Landeszahnärztekammer Sachsen](https://www.zahnaerzte-in-sachsen.de/)

### Saxony-Anhalt

- Status: verified (two sources); Checked on: 18 October 2026
- Competent authority: Landesamt für Soziales, Jugend und Gesundheit Sachsen-Anhalt – Landesprüfungsamt für Gesundheitsberufe ([Official page](https://las.sachsen-anhalt.de/themen/landespruefungsamt-fuer-gesundheitsberufe/akademische-gesundheitsberufe/studium-im-ausland-berufserlaubnisse-und-approbationen)) (verified (two sources))
- Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam): Zahnärztekammer Sachsen-Anhalt ([Zahnärztekammer Sachsen-Anhalt](https://www.zaek-sa.de/zahnaerzte/fachsprachpruefung/)) (verified (two sources))
- Language requirement: General German B2, Professional language C1 (verified (two sources))
- Fee: please ask the competent body: [Zahnärztekammer Sachsen-Anhalt](https://www.zaek-sa.de/zahnaerzte/fachsprachpruefung/)

### Schleswig-Holstein

- Status: verified (two sources); Checked on: 18 October 2026
- Competent authority: Schleswig-Holsteinisches Institut für Berufliche Bildung (SHIBB), Sachgebiet 50 – Akademische Gesundheitsberufe, Kiel ([Official page](https://www.schleswig-holstein.de/DE/landesregierung/ministerien-behoerden/SHIBB/Behoerde/05_Gesundheitsberufe/Dezernat_5_SG50_Vorstellung_tbs)) (verified (two sources))
  - The SHIBB has been responsible since 1 January 2026. Some pages still name the former office (the Landesamt in Neumünster).
- Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam): Zahnärztekammer Schleswig-Holstein ([Zahnärztekammer Schleswig-Holstein](https://www.schleswig-holstein.de/DE/landesregierung/ministerien-behoerden/SHIBB/Behoerde/05_Gesundheitsberufe/aGesundheitsberufe/Akad.Gesundheitsberufe/Zahnarzt/ZahnarztHauptartikel)) (verified (two sources))
- Language requirement: General German B2, Professional language C1 (verified (two sources))
- Fee: please ask the competent body: [Zahnärztekammer Schleswig-Holstein](https://www.schleswig-holstein.de/DE/landesregierung/ministerien-behoerden/SHIBB/Behoerde/05_Gesundheitsberufe/aGesundheitsberufe/Akad.Gesundheitsberufe/Zahnarzt/ZahnarztHauptartikel)
- According to SHIBB the Kenntnisprüfung takes place before the Zahnärztekammer Hamburg.

### Thuringia

- Status: verified (two sources); Checked on: 18 October 2026
- Competent authority: Thüringer Landesverwaltungsamt ([Official page](https://landesverwaltungsamt.thueringen.de/)) (verified (two sources))
- Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam): Landeszahnärztekammer Thüringen ([Landeszahnärztekammer Thüringen](https://www.lzkth.de/zahnaerzte/auslaendische-zahnaerzte/fachsprachenpruefung)) (verified (two sources))
- Language requirement: General German B2, Professional language C1 (verified (two sources))
- Fee: please ask the competent body: [Landeszahnärztekammer Thüringen](https://www.lzkth.de/zahnaerzte/auslaendische-zahnaerzte/fachsprachenpruefung)

## Frequently asked questions

### Which authority do I apply to?

To the authority of one federal state. Until 31 October 2026 it is the Land where you intend to practise (§ 16(2) ZHG, old version). For applications from 1 November 2026: if you live in Germany, the Land of your habitual residence; if you live abroad, the Land where you intend to practise (§ 16(1a) ZHG, new version).
### What changes on 1 November 2026?

For third-country qualifications, the Kenntnisprüfung (knowledge test) becomes the default. A document-based equivalence check happens only if you choose it within four weeks of applying, and the choice is binding. Applications filed by 31 October 2026 stay under the old rules (§ 24 ZHG, new version). Source: BGBl. 2026 I No. 225.
### Which German level do I need?

The law requires the German needed to practise and sets no level. In the Länder's practice it is general German at B2 and a Fachsprachprüfung oriented at C1, usually run by the Landeszahnärztekammer. When you must prove it differs by Land: Hesse, for example, wants the B2 certificate with the application, and in Schleswig-Holstein the Fachsprachprüfung comes before the application.
### What is the Kenntnisprüfung?

A test on the content of the German state final exam. Under the ZApprO (as of 18 October 2026) it covers prosthodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery and conservative dentistry, plus emergency medicine, pharmacology, hygiene and legal questions; it has a written, an oral and a practical part, is held in German, and each part can be retaken twice.
### Can I work while my application is processed?

With a third-country degree, the authority can grant a licence under § 13 ZHG on application. It can be restricted to certain activities and workplaces and is limited to two years of practice in Germany in total (exceptions under § 13(3)).
### How much does the Fachsprachprüfung cost?

We show a fee only where two sources state the same amount. That is the case for Baden-Württemberg €450 (as of 01/2026), Berlin €450 (as of 17 March 2026), Brandenburg €470 (as of 17 March 2026). For every other Land please ask the competent body; the guide links its page.
### How long does the procedure take?

For applications filed by 31 October 2026 the authority decides at the latest three months after the complete documents arrive, one month longer where equivalence is assessed (§ 86 ZApprO). The amended ZHG in force from 1 November 2026 sets no decision deadline of its own; § 86 ZApprO is unchanged so far. Please ask the authority which deadline applies to your application. Actual processing times and waiting times for exam dates are not covered here: there is no official, current source for them.

Practise the vocabulary: trainer: https://hajto.de/en/tools/dental-german-vocabulary-trainer.md