German Pharmacist's 15-Month License Nightmare Over a Missing Certificate Date
Fatma Balla, a pharmacist working in Germany since 2021, faced a 15-month delay in receiving her professional license. The Hessian State Office for Health and Care (HLfGP) accused her of practicing without authorisation, leading to a criminal complaint for suspected fraud. Despite passing her professional language exam in November 2023, she was later summoned by police and warned of a potential career ban.
Balla had been working under a licensed pharmacist's supervision while awaiting her full certification. As part of the recognition process, she submitted an interim certificate from her employer—one that lacked an issue date. The HLfGP questioned its validity and reported her to prosecutors.
Instead of receiving her license in early 2025, Balla was contacted by the Darmstadt court about a possible professional ban. Her lawyer was denied access to case files for seven months, even after her work permit expired in mid-November. The prolonged uncertainty left her unable to practice legally.
Criminal proceedings against Balla were dropped in January, with the HLfGP confirming her certificate would be issued shortly. She criticised the authority's lack of transparency and consultation, calling for more respectful treatment of foreign professionals. Her lawyer noted that at least 20 other EU applicants for pharmacist licences in Germany have faced similar allegations over document irregularities since 2023.
The case highlights delays and procedural issues in Germany's professional recognition system. Balla's experience reflects broader challenges for foreign-trained pharmacists seeking licences. With the fraud allegations now dismissed, she awaits her official certification after three years of waiting.
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