Slower than average · #15 of 17
Approbation in Bayern
ZAABY · Munich · Last verified
Processing
12–20 months
Drittstaat realistic range
Approbation
€400
Issuing-authority fee
FSP exam
€550
Chamber fee
Processing time
What Bayern says vs what applicants report.
Community / reported
FOIA data (FragDenStaat): average 16.5 months from application receipt; up to 20 months in cases involving failed equivalence + Kenntnisprüfung attempts
Verified 12 May 2026. Plan for 12–20 months end-to-end.
Where to apply
Two different bodies.
Approbation authority
ZAABY — Zentrale Anerkennungsstelle für Approbationsberufe in Bayern (Regierung von Oberbayern)
Munich
Official pageFSP chamber (separate body)
Bayerische Landesärztekammer (BLÄK) — exams held in Munich only
No direct registration — FSP is scheduled via the Approbation authority.
How it works
The process in Bayern.
Since 1 July 2025, ZAABY at the Regierung von Oberbayern is the single statewide authority for all foreign-qualification Approbation applications in Bavaria. The previous five Regierungen no longer accept new foreign Approbation files. The ZAABY explicitly warns of 'very many applications and enquiries' and significant waiting times. FSP registration runs through ZAABY, not the BLÄK directly. The Kenntnisprüfung, when required, is typically available within 1–6 months of admission notification.
Required documents
What ZAABY expects in your file.
- 01Medical degree certificate (original — returned after review)
- 02Full transcript of records (certified copy)
- 03Home-country medical licence / Approbation
- 04Passport / national ID
- 05Biometric passport photo
- 06CV (tabular, German)
- 07B2 general German certificate from an approved provider
- 08Good conduct certificate (apostilled if non-EU)
- 09Proof of health / no communicable diseases
- 10Sworn translations of all foreign-language documents
- 11Personalised curriculum / Syllabus from issuing university
Verify the current list with ZAABY before submitting — requirements change without public notice.
FSP in Bayern
€550 at Bayerische Landesärztekammer (BLÄK).
Three-part oral exam: anamnesis with simulated patient (~20 min), written Arztbrief (~20 min), physician-to-physician case handover (~20 min). Standard GMK format.
Scheduling: Multiple slots per month; candidates indicate a preferred month. FSP fee €550 paid before a date is assigned — by bank transfer only, cash not accepted.
Prepare for the FSP
What to know
Before you apply.
Bavaria is popular for its hospitals and quality of life but is among the slowest states for Approbation. The 16.5-month average from FOIA data means you should plan for Berufserlaubnis-based work for at least a year. Apply to ZAABY via the Bayern Portal online. Send originals — they are returned. Do not contact ZAABY for status updates; they state this explicitly.
FAQ
Frequently asked.
How long does an Approbation application take in Bayern?+
ZAABY states: "In individual cases over one year". Community/reported data: FOIA data (FragDenStaat): average 16.5 months from application receipt; up to 20 months in cases involving failed equivalence + Kenntnisprüfung attempts. Last verified 12 May 2026.
What does the Approbation cost in Bayern?+
The Approbation fee is €400. The FSP exam costs an additional €550 at Bayerische Landesärztekammer (BLÄK). Additional costs typically include sworn translations (€500–1,500), apostilles, and document procurement.
Who issues the Approbation in Bayern?+
The Approbation authority is ZAABY — Zentrale Anerkennungsstelle für Approbationsberufe in Bayern (Regierung von Oberbayern), based in Munich. Note that the FSP is run separately by Bayerische Landesärztekammer (BLÄK) — these are two different bodies.
Where do I take the FSP for Bayern?+
Bayerische Landesärztekammer (BLÄK) — exams held in Munich only. Three-part oral exam: anamnesis with simulated patient (~20 min), written Arztbrief (~20 min), physician-to-physician case handover (~20 min). Standard GMK format.
Can I apply for Approbation in Bayern online?+
Yes — Bayern accepts online applications. Some supporting documents may still need to be sent by post.
Neighbours by speed
Faster & slower than Bayern.
Specialist referrals
Need a lawyer or sworn translator for Bayern?
We can refer immigration lawyers and Germany-based sworn translators who handle Bayern files regularly.