You studied or completed a qualification abroad and are wondering whether it counts in Germany? In this article we walk you through how the recognition of your degree works and where to start.

What does "recognition" actually mean? 

During the recognition process, a German authority compares your qualification with a similar German one. If both are considered equivalent, you receive an official recognition notice (Anerkennungsbescheid). Most employers in Germany are not familiar with foreign qualifications. With an official recognition notice, they have a better understanding of what skills you bring to the table and can assess your abilities more accurately.

When do I need to have my qualification recognised? 

This depends on which profession you want to work in. There are two different situations:

If you want to work in a regulated profession, recognition is required by law. Without it, you are not allowed to practise the profession in Germany. This applies for example to:

• Doctors

• Nurses

• Teachers

• Lawyers

• Certain skilled trades

For all other, non-regulated professions, the process is voluntary. You can apply for jobs and work without recognition. However, it is still worth it: with an official statement of recognition, employers can assess your qualification much more easily, which can make a difference in job applications.

How do I find out which applies to me?

You can check whether your profession is regulated on BERUFENET. The list is also available in English at EU database of regulated professions.

Where do I submit the application? 

Depending on what type of qualification you have, different institutions are responsible:

School certificate

The certificate recognition offices of the individual federal states are responsible. You can find the right office for you in the Anabin database. 

Important: if you want to study in Germany, you can contact the university of your choice directly.

University degree

First, check the Anabin database. If your university and your degree are both rated positively there, your qualification is already considered comparable and you can use a printout as proof. If not, you can request an individual assessment from the ZAB. More information at make-it-in-germany.com.

Vocational qualification

Use the recognition finder. Simply enter your profession and your city, and you will immediately see who is responsible for you. You can type in your profession directly or choose it from an A-Z list if you are unsure about the German term.

How the application works: step by step

1. First, clarify the funding (more on this below): This is important before you submit the application.

2. Gather all documents: certificates, diplomas, and proof of your training.

3. Have documents translated by officially recognised translators. You can find this list on official translators.

4. Submit copies only: Please leave the originals at home. They will not be returned.

5. Submit the application to the responsible body.

How long does it take? 

The process takes some time. Here is a rough overview:

• School certificates: approx. 1 month

• Vocational qualifications: 1 to 3 months

• University degrees (depending on country): up to 6 months

The deadline only begins once all documents have been submitted in full. In practice, it can sometimes take a little longer.

What can I do while I wait? 

The waiting time can be used well. Here are some ideas:

To-do list for the waiting period

• Learn or refresh your German: Language skills open many doors. If you would like to take a German course, you can ask your Jobcenter whether the costs can be covered.

• Use career counselling: There are free counselling services all over Germany to help you plan your next steps and find suitable jobs. Also check out the workeer Network, where you will find initiatives and counselling services near you.

• Internship or volunteering: This gives you first experience in Germany and helps you build a network.

• Assess your skills: On myskills or newplan you can find out what skills and experience you already have. The tests are available in several languages and you can use the results in job applications or career counselling sessions.

• Write applications: For non-regulated professions you can already apply now. Simply mention that the recognition process is underway.

• On workeer.de you can find jobs that really suit you. 💚

What does it cost and who can help me? 

The process itself costs between 0 and 600 euros, and there are often additional translation costs. But there is financial support available:

How to get financial support

• Jobcenter or Employment Agency (Agentur fur Arbeit): If you are registered there, you can ask directly for support. They can cover the costs of the process and also further training. If they reject the application: ask for the rejection in writing.

• Recognition grant (Anerkennungszuschuss): This grant is for people who live in Germany and have limited financial means. Among other things, it can cover costs for the recognition process, translations and certifications. You apply through the Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (f-bb). All information at recognition portal. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, the IQ Network counselling centres can help. Find your nearest one via the counselling search on the same website.

• Berlin and Hamburg: Both cities offer additional funding programmes. Simply ask at your Jobcenter.

Where can I get free advice? 

There is free counselling available for the recognition process. These organisations can help:

• IQ Network: In-person advice across Germany. Find your nearest counselling centre at anerkennung-in-deutschland.de.

• Hotline "Working and Living in Germany": Free, available in German and English. Tel: +49 30 1815 1111

• Still abroad? The ZSBA (Central Service Point for Professional Recognition) supports you from the start, also in English.

What if my qualification is not recognised? 

Not every qualification is fully recognised straight away. But there are always ways to move forward:

• Partial recognition: You will receive an official notice stating exactly what qualifications are still missing. You can make up for these in a further training course, after which you can submit a new application and obtain full recognition.

• Non-regulated professions: Even with partial recognition, you can often already work in that profession.

• Different reference profession: Sometimes your qualification is compared with the wrong German profession. A counselling centre can check whether a different profession is a better match and whether this changes the outcome.