About recognition of foreign qualifications
Do you require recognition of your foreign qualifications? Find out here.
Are you unsure if your foreign degree is recognized in Germany? Depending on your country of origin and field, recognition of your professional qualification may be required. In this section, we will guide you through the process. Find out why, in some instances, you will need recognition of your foreign qualifications and how the recognition process works.
Why you might need recognition of foreign qualifications
Recognition is usually required for getting a work visa, especially for the EU Blue Card or the visa for qualified professionals. In Germany, there are regulated professions that you can practice only if you have certain qualifications – for example in the fields of health care, legal advice, teaching in state schools, and engineering.
Find more detailed information about the recognition of foreign degrees and vocational qualifications, and if your work in your respective profession will require a recognition of foreign qualifications and a work licence (Berufserlaubnis) in Germany here.
Did you know?
These are the differences between regulated and non-regulated professions:
Regulated Professions
Professions where the practice is legally restricted – require official recognition of your qualifications before you can work. Examples include:
- doctors
- nurses
- teachers
- engineers (in some cases).
Non-Regulated Professions
These professions do not require recognition of your qualifications. Employers decide if your qualifications meet their requirements. Examples include:
- IT specialists
- marketing professionals
- sales staff.
To find out if your profession is regulated, use this “recognition finder”.
Recognition of foreign qualifications: this is how it works
Depending on your education or profession, a respective authority will assess whether your foreign professional qualifications and experience align with the requirements for a similar job in Germany. Read more about the recognition procedure.
The procedure is also known as “equivalence assessment”. Once your documents have been submitted in full, the competent authority will usually review them within three to four months.
Our Tip
Always have these documents ready for your recognition procedure:
- Degree certificate and list of courses (transcript of records) in your qualification
- Relevant employment references
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