Recognition process for foreign qualifications and institutions
Do you have a foreign qualification? Find out here how to obtain the recognition.
Do you bring a foreign qualification from outside of Germany or the EU? On this page, Make it in Munich informs you which steps to take – to check if your qualification is accepted. Find out where to get important government information and who will even advise you for free!
Recognition of foreign qualifications process: what you need to know
The recognition process checks if your foreign qualification matches the equivalent German one. The results vary depending on whether your profession is regulated or non-regulated.
Full recognition: Your qualification is fully equivalent to the German reference qualification and is fully recognized
Partial recognition:
- If only parts of your vocational training are equivalent, your qualification is partially recognized
- An official notice will outline the differences compared to the German reference profession
- These differences can usually be addressed through refresher training
- After completing the training, you can submit a follow-up application to achieve full recognition.
In non-regulated professions, you can work even without recognition.
Recognition requirement: Recognition is mandatory for regulated professions like doctors, nurses, or teachers to work in Germany
Partial recognition and compensation measures: If substantial differences are found in your qualifications, the competent authority will assign a compensation measure, such as:
- an adaptation period
- additional coursework or an examination
Final recognition: After succeeding at the compensation measure, your qualification is recognized as equivalent. Additional steps, such as licensing, may be required depending on the profession. The recognition result will be confirmed through an official recognition notice.
These apply to both regulated and non-regulated professions. Types of qualification measures are tailored to your profession and level of knowledge.
Examples include:
- Job-related German language courses
- Technical or theoretical training
- For regulated professions: completing an adaptation period or passing an examination.
After a successful measure, you can submit a follow-up application to achieve full recognition.
Skills analysis for vocational qualifications
If you cannot provide all required documents for your non-academic vocational qualification, a skills analysis may be an alternative.
This option applies to:
- Dual vocational training occupations
- Master craftsperson occupations
- Advanced training occupations
The skills analysis allows you to demonstrate your practical abilities through tests, work samples, or interviews. The competent recognition body will decide whether a skills analysis is necessary.
Did you know?
Third-country nationals can apply for a visa to enter Germany and complete the skills analysis.
Visa options:
If you are from a non-EU country and substantial differences are identified during the recognition process, you can apply for a visa to complete a qualification measure in Germany.
These are your options:
The recognition partnership visa provides opportunities to work in Germany while having your qualifications assessed. This visa requires a concrete job offer or valid employment contract in the aspired profession and a written agreement between the employer and skilled worker on carrying out the aspired recognition partnership.
Visa for the recognition process of your foreign qualification: With this visa, you can attend qualification measures in Germany to obtain the full qualifications.
For more information on the recognition process, please visit this page.
Get government information
This website can help: “Anerkennung in Deutschland” (recognition in Germany) is the official government website. It provides information on how to get your professional qualifications recognized in Germany. This applies to all professions, including both academic and non-academic degrees.
WHAT YOU CAN FIND THERE:
Recognition finder
This easy-to-use online tool helps you navigate the process of getting your qualifications recognized in Germany. a) Select the German job title that best fits your skills and experience (your "reference occupation“), b) Discover if your profession requires official recognition in Germany, c) Get the contact information for a local counseling center that can answer your specific questions and guide you through the process.
Hotline:
call for questions, in both German and English.
This flyer easily explains the recognition process. It is available in many languages.
Free recognition advice from abroad
ProRecognition (page in German) offers free, personalized advice on getting your foreign qualifications recognized in Germany before you move to Munich. Here is how:
Local Support:
They have set up contact and advice centers at Chambers of Commerce in ten countries: Egypt, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, India, Iran, Italy, Colombia, Poland, and Vietnam.
Expert Advisors:
Trained counselors are available to answer all your questions about the recognition process, language requirements, visas, and even job searches in Germany.
Smooth Sailing:
They work with key partners to help you navigate the entire process, both in your home country and in Germany.
Multilingual Support:
In addition to German and English, the counselors speak the local language fluently in each country they serve.
Are you ready to find your local advisor? Use the counseling search to find a counseling center in your country.
Support institutions and resources
Are you a professional with foreign qualifications – or a skilled worker planning to settle in Munich? The following institutions provide essential resources and guidance for all professions. They help you navigate recognition procedures and immigration requirements:
- Recognition authorities:
Find detailed information and support through the Anerkennung in Deutschland portal and through The Network IQ – Integration through Qualification.
- Counseling services:
Get help from local counseling service centers, such as BAMF’s Working and Living in Germany service or the Service Center for Professional Recognition (ZSBA) at the Federal Employment Agency (BA) (page in German).
- Costs and Funding:
Learn about potential costs for the recognition process and explore funding options to support your application here.
