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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