Work as an occupational therapist in Germany: recognition, visa and contract from one source
DIH ProErgo accompanies occupational therapists from abroad from the first WhatsApp message to the first day at work. And we help practices and clinics in Germany that have been searching for months.
Free for applicants · Success-based for employers · Reply within 48 hours
Two paths, one goal: occupational therapy in Germany
DIH ProErgo brings occupational therapists from abroad and employers in Germany together. Both sides get a clear plan, fixed contacts and honest timelines.
You want to work as an occupational therapist in Germany
We check your degree, accompany recognition, language course and visa and place you with a practice or clinic that suits you. Free for you, with a dedicated contact on WhatsApp.
- Bachelor, diploma or vocational qualification in occupational therapy
- German from A2 to start, B2 for the licence
- Employment contract before you travel, help with housing and registration
You are looking for occupational therapists
Pre-screened candidates from abroad, complete process management from recognition to onboarding, success-based fee and advice on funding for the adaptation period.
- Practices, rehab clinics, paediatrics, neurology, geriatrics, psychiatry
- First feedback within 48 hours, profiles in 2 to 4 weeks
- Replacement if a candidate leaves early, details in the first call
Why occupational therapists are in demand in Germany
The Federal Employment Agency lists occupational therapy as a shortage occupation in its 2025 skills-shortage analysis: the shortage indicator is 2.7 out of 3, and vacancies stay open for 90 days on average, in many regions much longer. Practices cut treatment hours, clinics cannot fill therapy slots, waiting lists grow.
At the same time, occupational therapy is a protected profession in Germany under the Occupational Therapists Act (Ergotherapeutengesetz). Anyone trained abroad needs a state licence. We know this path from hundreds of procedures for therapists and nurses since 2020, and we walk it with you step by step.
- Recognition under the Occupational Therapists Act, adaptation period or knowledge test
- Accelerated skilled-worker procedure under § 81a Residence Act
- German course to B2 with professional vocabulary and exam preparation
- Employers experienced in onboarding international colleagues
Five steps to Germany
Every step has an owner and a time frame. Authority processing times are outside our control; we still state them openly.
WhatsApp consultation
Degree, experience, German level, preferred region. You get an honest assessment and a timeline.
1 to 3 daysDocuments and language
Certified translations, CV in German format, German course to B1/B2 with professional vocabulary.
2 to 6 monthsEmployer and contract
We introduce you to suitable practices or clinics. Video interview, employment contract with salary and location before you travel.
2 to 4 weeksRecognition and visa
Application to the state authority, deficit notice, accelerated skilled-worker procedure under § 81a through the employer.
2 to 4 monthsArrival and start
Housing, registration, bank account, health insurance. Start as therapist in recognition, adaptation period or knowledge test, full licence.
6 to 12 months overallWhat occupational therapists can expect in Germany
Salary and security
Starting salaries in practices are usually between €2,700 and €3,200 gross, in clinics by collective agreement (TVöD) above that. Permanent contracts are the norm, 28 to 30 days of leave are standard.
Professional variety
Paediatrics, neurology, hand therapy, geriatrics, psychiatry, work therapy: in Germany occupational therapy is established in practices, rehab clinics, hospitals, schools and sheltered workshops.
Family and future
With the skilled-worker residence permit, spouses and children can join you. Permanent residence is possible after a few years. We explain the requirements.
The three most common questions
Is the placement really free for occupational therapists?
Yes. Applicants pay DIH ProErgo no placement fee. The employer in Germany pays our fee, success-based after the contract is signed (employer-pays principle). Translations, authority fees and language exams are costs within the process; we tell you in advance which ones apply and which subsidies exist.
How much German do I need as an occupational therapist in Germany?
The state authorities usually require German B2 for the professional licence. For entry into the adaptation period many authorities accept B1 if the path to B2 is documented. We assess your level in the first conversation and plan your language course with you.
How long does it take from application to working in Germany?
Typically 6 to 12 months: documents and language course, application to the recognition authority, contract with the employer, visa in the accelerated skilled-worker procedure, arrival. With B2 already in hand it is faster; without any German it takes longer.
Ready for the first step?
Message us on WhatsApp or send your application. You will receive feedback within 48 hours with an honest assessment of your chances.