Health Authorities in Germany
A Gesundheitsamt is Germany's local public health authority, operating at county or city level. The country's approximately 400 health authorities carry out duties under the Infection Protection Act (IfSG) and respective state laws, including infection control, hygiene monitoring, school entry examinations, official medical certificates and the social psychiatric service. This directory lists all health authorities in Germany by federal state and city, with address, phone number, opening hours and direct contacts.
Directory last updated: March 2026Health Authorities
A Gesundheitsamt is Germany's local public health authority, operating at county or city level. The country's approximately 400 health authorities carry out duties under the Infection Protection Act (IfSG) and respective state laws, including infection control, hygiene monitoring, school entry examinations, official medical certificates and the social psychiatric service. This directory lists all health authorities in Germany by federal state and city, with address, phone number, opening hours and direct contacts.
Frequently asked questions about Health Authorities
What is a Gesundheitsamt (health authority)?
A Gesundheitsamt is a local public health authority in Germany, responsible for health protection, disease prevention, infection control, hygiene monitoring and social-medical services within a specific county or independent city.
What are the main responsibilities of a health authority?
Key responsibilities include infection control and reporting, monitoring of food businesses and drinking water, child and adolescent health services, school entry examinations, social psychiatric services, counselling on addiction and mental health, and issuing official medical certificates.
How do I find the right health authority?
Your responsible health authority is determined by your place of residence. Every county and independent city in Germany has its own Gesundheitsamt. On Sanoliste, you can find all health authorities sorted by federal state and city, with address, phone number and opening hours.
What documents do I need when visiting a health authority?
The required documents depend on your reason for visiting. For school entry examinations, you will need a vaccination record and any previous medical findings. Official medical certificates require photo identification. For infection reports, details from the treating physician are usually sufficient.