- Working in a pharmacy needs the Approbation and strong German.
- From 1 November 2026 the knowledge test is the standard route for non-EU pharmacists.
- Industry roles usually don't need the Approbation.
- Regulatory and quality roles often hire in English.
Pharmacy is a regulated profession in Germany. To work as a pharmacist in a public pharmacy or hospital you need the Approbation. Many pharmacists also find routes into the pharmaceutical industry, which works differently.
The job market in Germany
Public pharmacies, especially outside cities, look for pharmacists. The pharmaceutical industry hires for regulatory affairs, quality and research, often in English.
How much German you need
For a pharmacy, strong German is essential, because you advise patients. Industry roles at international companies can be in English.
Work permit and recognition
For the Approbation, the new law makes the knowledge test the standard route for pharmacists from outside the EU from 1 November 2026, unless you choose the document based check (Federal Ministry of Health). Industry roles in regulatory affairs or quality usually do not need the Approbation, so the normal skilled worker or Blue Card rules apply.
What to show on your CV
- Your pharmacy or industry experience.
- Regulatory and quality systems you know.
- Your German level.
- Where you are in the recognition process.
Where these jobs are
Public pharmacies across Germany; the pharmaceutical industry in regions such as the Rhine Main area, Berlin and southern Germany.
For salary data by occupation and region, use the official Entgeltatlas of the Federal Employment Agency. For current English speaking jobs, see my live job board.
My plan for you
- Decide: pharmacy or industry. The routes are very different.
- For pharmacy, learn German to a high level. Patient advice needs it.
- For industry, target regulatory and quality roles. These often hire internationally.
- Apply for the Approbation early. Through the authority of the state where you want to work.
Common questions
Can foreign pharmacists work in Germany?
Yes, with the Approbation for pharmacy work, or in industry roles that don't need it.
Is the knowledge test required?
From 1 November 2026 it is the standard route for non-EU pharmacists, unless you choose the document based check.
Sources
I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.