Anyone who wants to work as a German doctor in Uruguay cannot use their German medical license directly. First, the medical degree must be recognized or revalidated through the MEC; registration with the MSP follows afterward.
This article explains the process, current processing times, and why careful preparation is important.
In short: According to information provided by phone on October 16, 2026, recognition through the MEC currently takes approximately 6 to 9 months. Once the MEC certificate has been issued, registration with the MSP generally takes around 7 to 10 days; the MSP’s automated email states a processing period of up to 20 days. These timeframes are estimates and may vary depending on the individual case.
What is this about?
Anyone who wants to move from Germany to Uruguay and work there as a doctor must first have their medical degree recognized or revalidated. Registration with the Uruguayan Ministry of Public Health is then required.
The process involves two authorities:
Ministerio de Educación y Cultura (MEC): responsible for the recognition or revalidation of foreign university degrees.
Ministerio de Salud Pública (MSP): responsible for registration and the corresponding professional authorization within the healthcare system.
A German medical license is an important basis, but on its own it does not authorize a doctor to practice medicine in Uruguay.
How long does the process take?
Processing times are an important factor when planning a move abroad and a professional restart.
According to information provided by the MEC by phone on October 16, 2026, the recognition or revalidation process currently takes approximately 6 to 9 months.
Once this process has been successfully completed, registration with the MSP follows. An MSP employee confirmed by phone on the same day that, once the required MEC certificate has been issued, the subsequent registration generally takes around 7 to 10 days. The MSP’s automated email states a processing period of up to 20 days.
These timeframes are estimates and are not guaranteed. The actual duration depends on the individual case and on processing by the responsible authorities.
Why is professional preparation useful?
The recognition of foreign medical degrees requires careful preparation. The responsible authorities have specific requirements regarding the documents and their formal presentation. Depending on the individual case, additional evidence, apostilles, translations, or further examinations may be required.
Errors or missing documents can lead to additional inquiries and delays. Structured preparation helps organize the process properly from the outset.
The subsequent registration with the MSP must also be prepared and completed correctly.
We support you on your path to practicing medicine in Uruguay
Auswandern Uruguay offers professional support with the preparation and organization of the recognition and licensing process for German doctors.
Our services may include individual preparation, compiling and reviewing the required documents, and organizational support throughout the individual stages of the process.
The exact scope of services is agreed individually. This allows you to receive support tailored to your personal situation and professional plans in Uruguay.
Would you like to work as a German doctor in Uruguay and need support with the recognition of your degree?
Contact us to discuss your situation and book our services.
Auswandern Uruguay – we support you in preparing for your professional restart in Uruguay.
Note: The recognition and revalidation of qualifications and the granting of the necessary professional authorizations are carried out exclusively by the competent Uruguayan authorities. Processing times may vary. This article is for general information only and does not replace an individual assessment.