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

Official fees: Variessee the steps below
Steps: 5from degree to licence
Language: German: B2 general plus C1 pharmaceutical German (Fachsprachprüfung)
Planning time: About 2–3 years if you start German from scratch
Our estimate, not official

New from 1 November 2026: the federal recognition law (BGBl. I Nr. 225) also covers pharmacists. The Kenntnisprüfung becomes the standard route for degrees from outside the EU; the document comparison only happens on request.

Where did you qualify?

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

Pharmacy degrees from the EU, EEA or Switzerland are usually recognised automatically. You still need German.

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, with diploma, transcript, proof of identity, good standing and the documents the authority lists.
3

Pass the Fachsprachprüfung for pharmacists
set by each chamber

C1 exam at the state chamber of pharmacists in three parts: a conversation with a patient, a written part and a talk with a colleague.
4

Pass the Kenntnisprüfung
set by each state

Oral exam on pharmaceutical practice and the relevant law, at the level of a pharmacist trained in Germany.
5

Receive the Approbation
set by each state

Valid in all of Germany.

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

Prepare with our apps

Our own apps, written for exactly these exams. One-time purchase, no subscription. On a computer, use them in your browser.

Kenntnisprüfung Apotheker

Oral Kenntnisprüfung for pharmacists: pharmaceutical practice and law, with spoken model answers. App in German. Free sample questions

App Store Google Play In your browser

FSP Apotheker

Medical German exam for pharmacists: conversation with a patient, written part and talk with a colleague. App in German. Free sample questions

App Store Google Play In your browser

Practise with someone who passed

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

Kenntnisprüfung – Apotheker (pharmacists) tutors →Fachsprachprüfung – Apotheker (pharmacists) tutors →

Study materials

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

Kenntnisprüfung – Apotheker (pharmacists) materials →Fachsprachprüfung – Apotheker (pharmacists) 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 pharmacists in Germany? List your agency.

Questions

Can I work in a pharmacy before the Approbation?

Several states can grant a temporary permit to work under supervision while you complete the exams. Ask your licensing authority.

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.