Pursuing a medical residency (Facharztausbildung) in Germany after MBBS is a structured, well-paid, and internationally respected pathway for doctors. The entire training typically lasts 4–6 years, depending on your chosen specialty.
Unlike India, you don’t need NEET-PG to begin this journey. Instead, your focus will be on clearing the German language exams (FSP) and, in some cases, the Knowledge Exam (Kenntnisprüfung – KP) to obtain Approbation — the full German medical license.
Once licensed, you begin working as an Assistenzarzt (Resident Doctor), earning an average gross salary of €4,850–€6,340/month, plus on-call allowances (based on 2023–25 wage agreements).
👉 B2 → C1 Medizin → FSP → (KP, if required) → Approbation → Assistenzarzt → Facharzt
In Germany, postgraduate medical training is known as Facharztausbildung — the pathway to become a board-certified specialist (Facharzt). Only after completing this training and passing the Facharztprüfung (Specialist Exam) can you officially use the title “Facharzt” in your chosen specialty.
In essence, Residency, Medical PG, and Facharztausbildung all refer to the same professional journey — just under different terms.
Based on our experience guiding Indian and international MBBS graduates:
✅ No Entrance Exam like NEET-PG – focus on German language and licensing steps.
✅ Paid Training – you earn from day one; no tuition fees.
✅ Access to Competitive Specialties – dermatology, radiology, cardiology, surgery, etc.
✅ Work-Life Balance – structured 40-hour work weeks in many hospitals.
✅ Global Opportunities – EU-recognized qualification and long-term career security.
To apply for medical residency in Germany, you’ll need:
Duration | Specialty Examples |
48 Months (4 Years) | Biochemistry, Physiology, Anatomy |
60 Months (5 Years) | Family Medicine, Anaesthesiology, Ophthalmology, Gynaecology, ENT, Dermatology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Radiology, etc. |
72 Months (6 Years) | General, Vascular, Cardiac, Orthopaedic, and Plastic Surgery; Urology; Internal Medicine with sub-specialties such as Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Oncology, etc. |
(Source: German Medical Association – Weiterbildungsordnung)
You’ll work as an Assistenzarzt in a hospital under senior specialists, following a structured training plan (Weiterbildungskatalog).
Your progress is recorded in a Logbuch — documenting rotations, procedures, and evaluations — which must be signed by supervisors.
Pro Tip: Keep your Logbuch updated regularly; it’s essential for your Facharztprüfung approval.
Residents in Germany earn a gross monthly salary between €4,850 and €6,340, depending on year of training and hospital type (municipal, university, or private).
Additional income may include:
Our team helps applicants interpret Tarifverträge (collective wage agreements) to understand actual net take-home pay after tax and social security.
After completing Facharztausbildung and passing the final exam, you earn the Facharzttitel, recognized across the EU — opening doors to senior roles, consulting, or academic positions in Germany and beyond.