Navigating the Defizitbescheid: What Healthcare Employers Need to Know

With workforce shortages impacting healthcare systems worldwide, Germany has emerged as a key destination for skilled international healthcare professionals. The country is projected to require an additional 150,000 nurses by 2025, and approximately 31% of doctors in Germany are aged 55 and above, highlighting an urgent need for new talent. Currently, over 6,000 Syrian doctors and thousands of other foreign-trained healthcare professionals are working in Germany, showcasing the country's reliance on international expertise.

We understand that’s a lot to take in. It’s crucial to grasp how these numbers have made their way to Germany’s healthcare landscape. For many foreign-trained healthcare workers, the journey to recognition and employment in Germany involves navigating complex regulatory processes, including the Defizitbescheid. Processing times for this document can vary widely, ranging from one month to seven months, depending on individual circumstances and the federal state. Understanding this document is crucial for both employers and candidates to ensure a seamless transition into the German healthcare system.

What is a Defizitbescheid?

The Defizitbescheid is an official notification issued by German recognition authorities, outlining the specific gaps or deficiencies in a foreign healthcare professional’s qualifications compared to German standards. It serves as a roadmap, guiding candidates on the additional training, examinations, or practical experience required to achieve full professional recognition in Germany.

For healthcare employers, the Defizitbescheid plays a critical role in workforce planning. It helps determine the timeline and necessary steps before a candidate can fully integrate into the system as a licensed professional.

Why is the Defizitbescheid Important for Employers?

1. Strategic Workforce Planning – Allows employers to estimate the time needed for a candidate to become fully licensed and plan accordingly.
2. Compliance with Regulations – Ensures adherence to German legal requirements, confirming that candidates complete any necessary qualifications before assuming full responsibilities.
3. Facilitating Adaptation – Enables employers to provide structured training programs, mentorship, and preparation for knowledge or adaptation exams.
4. Smoother Integration – Supporting candidates through their qualification process improves retention rates and fosters a stronger, more committed workforce.

How to obtain a Defizitbescheid?

To obtain a Defizitbescheid, foreign-trained healthcare professionals must submit an application for professional recognition (Anerkennung) to the relevant regulatory body in their target German federal state. This typically includes certified copies of diplomas, transcripts, proof of work experience, and language proficiency certificates (usually B2-level German for nurses and C1-level German for doctors). Authorities will then assess the equivalence of the applicant’s qualifications and issue a Defizitbescheid if gaps exist. Once received, candidates can follow the outlined step such as additional coursework, practical training, or exams in order to achieve full recognition. Employers can assist by guiding candidates through this process and providing necessary support for qualification attainment.

How TERN Simplifies the Process

At TERN, we believe in making the impossible possible by creating seamless, end-to-end recruitment and immigration solutions for international healthcare professionals. Our AI-enabled platform ensures that both employers and candidates navigate the recognition process efficiently, reducing delays and maximizing opportunities.

Here’s how we help:

• Guidance on the Recognition Process – We assist candidates in understanding their Defizitbescheid and meeting the requirements for full recognition.
• Employer Support – We help healthcare institutions integrate foreign professionals by providing insights into regulatory requirements and workforce planning strategies.
• Training and Language Support – Our partnerships with language institutes and professional training centers help bridge qualification gaps efficiently.
• End-to-End Recruitment & Immigration Services – From matching qualified candidates with healthcare institutions to facilitating visa and relocation processes, TERN ensures a smooth transition into the German healthcare sector.

For international healthcare professionals, the Defizitbescheid is a stepping stone to achieving full qualification and integration into Germany’s workforce. For healthcare employers, it represents an opportunity to strategically plan and support a diverse and skilled workforce. With TERN’s expertise, both candidates and employers can confidently navigate the complexities of the recognition process, ensuring a win-win for all stakeholders.

By addressing talent shortages with an innovative, AI-driven approach, TERN continues to bridge global healthcare gaps, propelled by a mission to empower professionals and strengthen healthcare systems worldwide.

‍