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Have your profession recognized
All information for foreign skilled workers on the recognition of foreign professional qualifications in Germany.
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About this Page
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
Table of Contents
1. Recognized training and residence
2. Reference occupation for recognition
3. Competent Authority Recognition
4. Documents of professional recognition
5. Recognition procedure
6. Recognition certificate
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 (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 (but can rely on other residence and employment 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 on 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 for which German occupation you want to apply for recognition. In principle, you should choose the occupation that most closely matches your foreign qualifications. You can check the content of German occupations in the BERUFE.NET encyclopedia of the Federal Employment Agency and compare it with your qualifications .
If you are unsure about the appropriate reference occupation, 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. The Chambers of Skilled 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 official documents. 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.
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. Recognition certificate
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, adjustment and compensation measures or an aptitude test are possible. A residence permit can also be issued for these adjustment measures ( deficit notice and recognition partnership pursuant to Section 16d of the Residence Act).
7. FAQ
What does professional recognition mean in Germany?
Professional recognition confirms that your foreign professional qualification is equivalent to a German reference occupation. 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 qualification 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 agencies such as VISAGUARD. 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 laborious, costly, and involve waiting times, 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.
You might also be interested in
Residence permit according to Section 18a of the Residence Act (skilled workers with vocational training)
Accelerated skilled worker procedure (Section 81a Residence Act)
Further Information
Recognition in Germany (Official Portal of the Federal Government)
“Recognition Finder” of the Federal Government
List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] Fleuß in BeckOK AuslR, § 16d Measures for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications, paras. 1-98, as of 01.04.2025
[2] Federal Employment Agency, Technical Instructions on the Residence Act and the Employment Ordinance, BA Central Office, 5731, INT 24, as of: 06/2024, Section 16d Residence Act
[3] Administrative instructions for residence in Berlin (VAB), as of 18 February 2025, Section 16d Residence Act
[4] Section 421b SGB III – Employment Promotion – (Article 1 of the Act of 24 March 1997, Federal Law Gazette I pp. 594, 595), last amended by Article 60 of the Act of 23 October 2024 (Federal Law Gazette 2024 I No. 323)
[5] Section 16d of the Act on the Residence, Employment and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (Residence Act – AufenthG) of 25 February 2008 (Federal Law Gazette I p. 162), last amended by Article 3 of the Act of 25 October 2024 (Federal Law Gazette 2024 I No. 332)