PharmacyServicesinGermany—ApothekeGuideforForeigners

Can I get prescription drugs in Germany with a foreign prescription?

EU prescriptions are generally accepted at German pharmacies under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive. Non-EU prescriptions (e.g. from the UK, USA) are not automatically accepted — a German Arzt (doctor) must issue a new German Rezept. If you are a legal resident, register with a Hausarzt (GP) as your first step.

How does health insurance affect pharmacy costs in Germany?

GKV (statutory health insurance) patients pay a Zuzahlung (co-payment) of typically €5–€10 per prescription, regardless of the drug's actual price — the insurer pays the rest. PKV (private health insurance) patients pay the full pharmacy price upfront and submit a claim to their insurer for reimbursement. Annual co-payment limits apply for GKV patients.

Are German pharmacies open 24 hours?

Most German pharmacies follow standard business hours (typically 8:00–18:30 Mon–Fri, 9:00–14:00 Sat). However, by law (§23 ApoG), a rotating Notdienst (emergency service) is maintained in every district 24/7. The nearest Notdienstapotheke is posted on all pharmacy doors and accessible via the app "Apothekensuche" or die-apobank.de.

Can a pharmacy business be established by a foreigner in Germany?

Under §7 ApoG, a pharmacy (Apotheke) in Germany can only be owned and operated by a pharmacist (Approbierter Apotheker) personally. Corporate ownership is not permitted (unlike most EU countries). Foreign pharmacists must have their qualification recognised in Germany via the relevant Approbationsbehörde.

What is the eRezept (electronic prescription) in Germany?

From January 2024, Germany introduced mandatory electronic prescriptions (eRezept) via the gematik infrastructure. Patients receive their prescription as a QR code (via Gematik app or on paper) which is scanned at the pharmacy. This replaces the traditional pink paper Rezept (rosa Kassenrezept) for GKV patients.

What medications can I buy without a prescription in German pharmacies?

Apothekenpflichtige Arzneimittel (pharmacy-only OTC drugs) can be bought without a prescription at any Apotheke — including stronger ibuprofen formulations, antihistamines, and many others. Freiverkäufliche Mittel (general OTC) such as low-dose pain relievers and wound care products are also sold in drugstores (dm, Rossmann) and supermarkets. The pharmacist provides mandatory consultation for pharmacy-only products.

How are prescription drug prices set in German pharmacies?

For GKV-reimbursable drugs, prices are fixed under the Arzneimittelpreisverordnung (AMPreisV) — all pharmacies charge the same price for the same product. Generic substitution (Aut-idem) is mandatory for GKV prescriptions unless the doctor explicitly excludes it. For OTC products outside the reimbursement system, pharmacies set their own prices.

Can I import medication from abroad for personal use in Germany?

Personal import is permitted in limited quantities: up to a 3-month supply is generally tolerated. Controlled substances require a BfArM import certificate regardless of quantity. Always carry a doctor prescription when bringing medication into Germany and declare at customs if quantities exceed clearly personal amounts.

What is the Apothekenbetriebsordnung and why does it matter?

The Apothekenbetriebsordnung (ApBetrO) governs all operational aspects of German pharmacies: minimum staffing, medication storage conditions, required equipment, and quality management. An Approbierter Apotheker must be present during opening hours. Violations can result in regulatory closure orders from the supervising Landesbehörde.

How does medical cannabis work in Germany?

Medical cannabis has been available on prescription since 2017 for patients with serious conditions (chronic pain, MS, chemotherapy side effects) where standard treatments have failed. GKV may reimburse costs after approval. From April 2024, recreational possession of up to 25g is also legal for adults, but recreational cannabis is not sold in pharmacies — only via licensed non-commercial Social Clubs (Cannabis-Anbauvereinigungen) or personal home cultivation (up to 3 plants).