How to work as a dentist in Germany with a foreign degree (2026)

Official fees: €580plus 4 that vary
Steps: 5from degree to licence
Language: German: B2 general plus C1 medical German (Fachsprachprüfung)
Planning time: About 2–3 years if you start German from scratch
Our estimate, not official

New from 1 November 2026: under the federal recognition law, the Kenntnisprüfung becomes the standard route for dentists with a degree from outside the EU; the document comparison only happens if you apply for it.

Where did you qualify?

Outside the EU and English-speaking countries EU, EEA or Switzerland UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand

From 1 November 2026 the Kenntnisprüfung is your standard route.

Step by step

Each fee links to the page we took it from.

1

Learn German to B2
varies

Usually required before the language exam.
2

Apply for the Approbation
set by each state

At the licensing authority of the state where you want to work.
3

Pass the Fachsprachprüfung
€580 in Lower Saxony

C1 medical German for dentists, in three parts of 20 minutes each. Lower Saxony charges an advance of €580. Source
4

Pass the Kenntnisprüfung
set by each state

Knowledge exam on the level of a dentist trained in Germany, with written, oral and practical sections.
5

Receive the Approbation
set by each state

Valid in all of Germany.

Not included: courses, translations, travel, visas and living costs.

Practise with someone who passed

One-to-one online sessions with dentists who sat these exams themselves – they know what the examiners want.

Kenntnisprüfung – Zahnärzte (dentists) tutors →Fachsprachprüfung – Zahnärzte (dentists) tutors →

Study materials

Official practice tests, books and courses for each exam, checked on the publisher's or exam body's own page.

Kenntnisprüfung – Zahnärzte (dentists) materials →Fachsprachprüfung – Zahnärzte (dentists) materials →

Stories from people who took this route

No story here yet. Took this route yourself? Share your story – it helps the next person more than any brochure.

Choose where to live

Compare Germany's 16 states side by side: immigrant population, people from your country, recorded crime and, where official data exists, hate crime. Official figures only, no scores.

Compare regions of Germany →

Settling in Germany

Renting a home, using your driving licence and the paperwork of your first months – three short guides, every rule linked to the official page.

Renting a home →Driving licence →Everyday life →

Agencies that help with this route

No agency listed for this route yet.

Recruiter, school or consultant for dentists in Germany? List your agency.

Sources

Last checked 19 October 2026. Fees and rules change – always confirm with the regulator before you pay. PassPeers is independent and not affiliated with any regulator or exam provider.