Recognition of professional qualifications: These were the most sought-after professions in 2024

In 2024, more applications for recognition of foreign professional qualifications were submitted in Germany than ever before . A total of around 71,000 applications were received. Of these, 55,332 were for professions regulated by federal law, and another 15,600 were for professions governed by state law. These figures clearly demonstrate that there is a great demand for qualified professionals from abroad – and the recognition of their professional qualifications is a key step for a successful start in Germany.

Recognition applications were particularly popular in nursing and healthcare professions . According to data from the Federal Institute for Vocational Training (BIBB) , nurses and general practitioners led the field with 22,425 applications. Doctors followed with 10,857 applications, followed by engineers (5,061 applications). These figures clearly demonstrate the areas in which Germany is particularly dependent on international specialists – especially in medicine, nursing, and technology.

Federal law or state law – what does this mean for your recognition?

Anyone seeking recognition of their professional qualifications in Germany will quickly encounter the terms "federal law" and "state law." But what's the difference? Germany is a federal state, meaning some professions are regulated by the federal government, others by the individual states. This also applies to the recognition process for foreign qualifications.

Around 30 regulated professions —including teachers , early childhood educators, and physiotherapists—fall under the jurisdiction of the federal states. This means that the procedure and the responsible authority can vary from state to state. Professions such as doctor, nurse, or engineer, on the other hand, are mostly regulated by federal law. It is therefore important for applicants to check in advance which law applies to their profession. This allows for a more targeted and efficient process.

These professions will be particularly in demand in 2024

A look at the statistics shows that nurses , doctors , and engineers lead the list of applications for recognition. They are followed by teachers, kindergarten teachers, physiotherapists, dentists, electrical engineers, pharmacists, and finally, cooks. These top 10 reflect not only the high demand for skilled workers, but also the diversity of opportunities the German labor market offers international applicants.

Especially in nursing and healthcare, there are excellent opportunities for qualified professionals from abroad . Germany is desperately seeking staff in hospitals, nursing facilities, and medical practices. Technical professions and the education sector also offer stable prospects – especially for applicants with good language skills and recognized qualifications.

Conclusion: Good opportunities for international specialists

The record number of recognition applications in 2024 demonstrates that Germany remains an attractive destination for skilled workers from all over the world. Those who want to build their professional future here should start early with the recognition of their qualifications. It is crucial to know whether the profession falls under federal or state law in order to choose the right procedure. VISAGUARD supports skilled workers every step of the way – from application and document review to matching them with suitable employers. With the right preparation and support, nothing stands in the way of a successful professional future in Germany.