Have your profession recognized

All information for foreign skilled workers on the recognition of foreign professional qualifications in Germany.

Here you learn ...

when recognition of your degree is necessary
when you can have your foreign qualification recognized
how the recognition procedure for professional qualifications works
what happens after recognition

1. Recognized training and residence
2. Reference occupation for recognition
3. Competent Authority Recognition
4. Documents of professional recognition
5. Recognition procedure
6. Certificate of recognition
7. FAQ Professional Recognition
8. Conclusion Recognition

1. Recognized training and residence

Anyone wishing to work in Germany as a skilled worker or in a regulated profession requires recognized training (proof of equivalence of qualification with a German profession, Section 18 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act). This can be either recognized academic training (in which case a residence permit is issued pursuant to Section 18b of the Residence Act or the Blue Card ) or vocational/company training (in which case a residence permit is issued pursuant to Section 18a of the Residence Act ( skilled workers with vocational training ). Those without recognized vocational or academic training generally cannot rely on skilled worker immigration rights (although they can rely on other residence and work opportunities).

While academic training is usually documented by Anabin extracts from the ZAB/KMK (State Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs), vocational training requires a recognition certificate from the responsible recognition body. This recognition certificate is issued by the recognition body at the end of the recognition process in Germany and confirms the equivalence of the training with a German reference occupation and thus the qualification as a skilled worker in accordance with Section 18 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act. The legal basis is the Professional Qualifications Assessment Act (BQFG) and supplementary specialist laws at the federal and state levels.

This VISAGUARD article provides you with all the necessary information for completing the professional/company recognition process in Germany. Please note that this article only covers company recognition. If you want to prove the equivalence of an academic qualification (e.g., a university or college degree), you must read this VISAGUARD article on the so-called Anabin procedure.

2. Reference occupation for recognition

The first step in the recognition process is to determine a suitable German reference occupation . You must therefore decide which German occupation you want to apply for recognition for. In principle, you should choose the occupation that most closely matches your foreign training. You can check the content of German occupations in the BERUFE.NET encyclopedia of the Federal Employment Agency and compare it with your training .

Contact us

Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Our specialised attorneys are always by your side. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!

Book Appointment

Reputable VISAGUARD lawyer in a suit tying his jacket.jpg

If you are unsure about the appropriate reference profession, you can book a consultation with the recognition bodies or VISAGUARD or use the “ Recognition Finder ” on the “Recognition in Germany” portal.

3. Competent Authority Recognition

Once you know which reference occupation is appropriate, you need to select the responsible recognition authority . You can also use the Recognition Finder to find the right authority or book a consultation with a recognition expert. The responsible authority for the recognition process generally depends on your (planned) place of residence, as well as the type of qualification and the profession you want to be recognized in Germany. In Berlin, for example, the Berlin State Office for Health and Social Affairs (LAGeSo) is responsible for the recognition of healthcare professions. Chambers of Crafts are generally responsible for skilled trades.

4. Documents of professional recognition

Once you have identified the correct reference profession and, with it, the responsible authority, you need to research which documents are required for the recognition process . These documents can often be found on the website of the respective recognition authority (see, for example, the documents on the recognition process for healthcare professions in North Rhine-Westphalia or the "Information Sheet on the Assessment of Foreign Professional Qualifications" from the Berlin Chamber of Crafts ).

Form of documents

Documents must generally be submitted in certified form if they are certificates. In practical terms, however, the formal requirements have been relaxed in recent years, so many clerks also accept simple copies. In some cases, authorities are even required to accept purely digital copies.

Contact us

Book Appointment

5. Recognition procedure

Upon receipt of the application, the responsible authority will review the equivalence of the foreign qualification with the German qualification. Which training components are compared depends on the reference occupation. The content, duration, and level of the training, as well as professional experience if applicable, are taken into account. Processing typically takes three to four months. The result is communicated in writing. The recognition process involves costs that can vary considerably depending on the occupation. Translations, certifications, or compensatory measures often incur additional expenses of between €200 and €500.

6. Certificate of recognition

The process can lead to full recognition if no significant differences are identified. In this case, a residence permit (visa or residence permit) can be issued directly in accordance with Section 18a of the Residence Act (AufenthG ). However, full recognition is relatively rare due to the peculiarities of the German education system. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the recognition decision (for example, because you request full recognition), you can file an appeal and file a lawsuit against the recognition decision. In this case, the recognition will be re-examined by the authority or an administrative court.

If partial equivalence is established, adaptation and compensation measures or an aptitude test are possible. A residence permit can also be issued for these adaptation measures ( deficit notice and recognition partnership pursuant to Section 16d of the Residence Act).

7. Conclusion

What does professional recognition mean in Germany?
Professional recognition confirms that your foreign professional qualification is equivalent to a German reference profession. This is a prerequisite for many residence permits under the Skilled Immigration Act.

What is a reference occupation?
A reference occupation is the German occupation against which your foreign qualifications will be compared. Selecting a suitable reference occupation is the first step in the recognition process.

How do I find the right reference job?
Use the "Recognition Finder" at anerkennung-in-deutschland.de or seek advice from VISAGUARD, for example. The BERUFE.NET portal also provides guidance.

Which authority is responsible for recognition?
The responsible authority depends on the reference profession and your place of residence. For example, in Berlin, the LAGeSo is responsible for healthcare professions, while the Chamber of Crafts is usually responsible for skilled trades.

8. Conclusion

Recognition of a foreign professional qualification is a key step for skilled workers from abroad to gain a professional foothold in Germany and obtain a suitable residence permit. Choosing the right reference profession and submitting all required documents to the responsible recognition authority is crucial. The process can be time-consuming, costly, and involves waiting periods, but successful completion opens up valuable opportunities for skilled immigration. Even with partial recognition, there are ways to achieve full equivalence through compensatory measures. Sound advice, such as from VISAGUARD or official agencies, can significantly facilitate the process.