Recognition of foreign qualifications: the key steps

If you completed training or a degree abroad, you can have it assessed in Germany. Recognition places your qualification in the German system – and in many professions it is a precondition for working at all.

1. Check whether your profession is regulated

In regulated professions – such as healthcare, nursing or teaching – recognition is required to practise. For non-regulated professions it is usually voluntary, but it can noticeably strengthen your application.

2. Find the competent authority

Which authority is responsible depends on the profession and the federal state. The portal “Recognition in Germany” (anerkennung-in-deutschland.de) helps you find it.

3. Gather your documents

Typically required are certificates and diplomas, proof of training content, a CV and an ID document. Documents not in German usually need a certified translation.

4. Apply and wait for the decision

The authority checks whether your qualification is equivalent to the German reference profession. Processing times vary by authority and profession.

5. Possible outcomes

Either full equivalence is confirmed – or there are significant differences. Depending on the profession, compensation measures such as an adaptation course or an exam may then be possible.