About one in eight doctors in Germany do not have German citizenship - Germany's healthcare now depends on foreign-trained doctors more than ever

Germany's medical workforce is changing rapidly, with foreign-trained doctors playing an increasingly vital role. Over the past decade, the number of overseas physicians working in the country has more than doubled. New figures also show a rise in part time jobs and an ageing profession.

In 2024, 64,000 foreign doctors were practising in Germany, up from 30,000 in 2014. They now make up 13% of the medical profession, compared to just 7% a decade ago. Medicine remains the second most recognised foreign occupational qualification in the country, after nursing.

Since 2014, around 65,000 doctors with foreign citizenship have obtained German medical licences. North Rhine-Westphalia saw the highest number of recognised foreign medical degrees in 2024. That year alone, about 7,600 qualifications in human and dental medicine gained full approval.

The overall share of immigrant doctors has also climbed. Today, 121,000 physicians in Germany—nearly a quarter of the workforce—were born abroad. Meanwhile, the number of first-year medical students has grown by 30% over the past ten years.

Working patterns have shifted too. Doctors now average 40.3 hours per week, roughly six hours more than the national average. Yet part time jobs have nearly doubled, rising from 15% in 2014 to 28% in 2024. Age is another factor: nearly a third of physicians (31%) are now 55 or older.

The data highlights a growing reliance on foreign-trained doctors to fill gaps in Germany's healthcare system. With an ageing workforce and rising part-time employment, the trend suggests overseas medical professionals will remain essential. The increase in recognised qualifications also reflects efforts to integrate international talent into the sector.