Visa Type and Process as a Dentist
I’m a recently graduated dentist from outside the EU, aiming to move to Germany to eventually obtain full approbation. I’ve completed my B2 language exam, so I meet that requirement, but I still need to prepare for the FSP exam. I’ve heard it can take quite a while to secure an appointment, and I don’t yet feel fully ready for it.
To finance myself and continue studying for the FSP, I’m planning to work as a ZFA in Germany. However, I don't know the specific visa type I need to live and work there. I’ve also heard that visa processing times in my country are quite lengthy, which adds another layer of challenge.
I have the option of entering Germany as a tourist until July, so I was wondering if it might make sense to go there as a tourist first, with the aim of sorting out the visa process once I’m there and have a clearer idea of the steps. Has anyone navigated a similar path or has advice on how best to approach this situation? I really need to know which visa type should I get and how should I manage my process. Thank you so much in advance
Reply (1)
Hey @nazosweg , thank you for getting in touch. You could apply for a work visa under a recognition partnership. Please, check if this is an option for you: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/visa-recogni… In this case, you can work as an assistant until you get your licence to practise. You will need to find an employer to apply for this visa. I am sending you a link about finding a job in Germany, it might be helpful for you: https://handbookgermany.de/en/jobsearch-and-application You could use your tourist visa to introduce yourself in person to your potential employer if necessary. Just remember that if you come on a tourist visa, you will have to go back to your home country and apply for the recognision partnership visa from there.
Alternatively, if you cannot find an employer in Germany from your country, you can apply for an Opportunity Card and then switch from the Opportunity Card to the Recognition Partnership. Or even do the FSP directly with the Opportunity Card, get a licence to practise and work as a specialist or switch to the Blue Card (dentist shortage profession): https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/job-search-o… / https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/eu-blue-card
I am also sending you information about recognition of qualifications: https://handbookgermany.de/en/recognition We have also had a similar question on our German forum. Please read the thread: https://together-in-germany.de/de/thread/anerkennung-facharzt-kieferort… @Ina Martmann IQ-NRW West do you have any other tipps for nazosweg?
If you have any further questions, please let us know. You can also ask for advice in the forum, e.g. see if others have had similar questions or topics and write your questions below + tag the person (with @). Best Barbara and Seoyoung