Slower than average · #14 of 17
Approbation in Niedersachsen
NiZzA · Hannover · Last verified
Processing
7–18 months
Drittstaat realistic range
Approbation
€300
Issuing-authority fee
FSP exam
€490
Chamber fee
Processing time
What Niedersachsen says vs what applicants report.
Official (authority source)
Federal 4-month frame after complete file (NiZzA does not publish a state-specific figure)
Community / reported
Up to 1.5 years for Gleichwertigkeitsentscheidung, then 4–6 months for Kenntnisprüfung slot (Match Me Medical, Dec 2025)
Verified 12 May 2026. Plan for 7–18 months end-to-end.
Where to apply
Two different bodies.
Approbation authority
NiZzA — Niedersächsischer Zweckverband zur Approbationserteilung
Hannover
Official pageFSP chamber (separate body)
Ärztekammer Niedersachsen (ÄKN) — held in Hannover
No direct registration — FSP is scheduled via the Approbation authority.
How it works
The process in Niedersachsen.
NiZzA (not the Ärztekammer) handles all Approbation and Berufserlaubnis applications for Niedersachsen and operates a digital portal. The FSP is registered through NiZzA, not the ÄKN directly. Community reports as of December 2025 indicate up to 1.5 years for a Gleichwertigkeitsentscheidung and a further 4–6 months to secure a Kenntnisprüfung slot — consistent with the FSP pass rate of 43.7% reported for Niedersachsen (the lowest in Germany among states with published data).
Required documents
What NiZzA expects in your file.
- 01Medical degree (original or certified copy)
- 02Transcript
- 03Home-country licence
- 04Passport
- 05Tabular CV
- 06B2 general German certificate
- 07Police clearance
- 08Health certificate
- 09Sworn translations
- 10Proof of intent to work in Niedersachsen (employer commitment, registration, or equivalent)
Verify the current list with NiZzA before submitting — requirements change without public notice.
FSP in Niedersachsen
€490 at Ärztekammer Niedersachsen (ÄKN).
Three-part oral exam, standard GMK format. FSP fee €490.
Scheduling: No direct or personal registration with ÄKN — all FSP registration goes through NiZzA. Several months wait for an exam slot (per NiZzA FAQ).
Prepare for the FSP
What to know
Before you apply.
The 43.7% FSP pass rate in Niedersachsen is worth noting — prepare thoroughly regardless of where you take the exam. The NiZzA digital portal allows application tracking.
FAQ
Frequently asked.
How long does an Approbation application take in Niedersachsen?+
NiZzA states: "Federal 4-month frame after complete file (NiZzA does not publish a state-specific figure)". Community/reported data: Up to 1.5 years for Gleichwertigkeitsentscheidung, then 4–6 months for Kenntnisprüfung slot (Match Me Medical, Dec 2025). Last verified 12 May 2026.
What does the Approbation cost in Niedersachsen?+
The Approbation fee is €300. The FSP exam costs an additional €490 at Ärztekammer Niedersachsen (ÄKN). Additional costs typically include sworn translations (€500–1,500), apostilles, and document procurement.
Who issues the Approbation in Niedersachsen?+
The Approbation authority is NiZzA — Niedersächsischer Zweckverband zur Approbationserteilung, based in Hannover. Note that the FSP is run separately by Ärztekammer Niedersachsen (ÄKN) — these are two different bodies.
Where do I take the FSP for Niedersachsen?+
Ärztekammer Niedersachsen (ÄKN) — held in Hannover. Three-part oral exam, standard GMK format. FSP fee €490.
Can I apply for Approbation in Niedersachsen online?+
Yes — Niedersachsen accepts online applications. Some supporting documents may still need to be sent by post.
Do I need a job offer to apply in Niedersachsen?+
Yes. Niedersachsen requires proof of intent to work in the state — a job offer, Hospitationszusage, employer commitment, or in some cases a registered address or language course booking. Prepare this evidence before submitting your application.
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Specialist referrals
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