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Recognition of foreign professional qualifications in Berlin
Recognition of foreign professional qualifications in Berlin: Your key to success!
Recognition of your foreign professional qualification is an important step for your career future in Berlin. The process can be complex, but with the right preparation and support, it is manageable. Find out which authorities can assist you and what documents you need. Do you need individual advice? Contact us for a personal assessment of your situation.
The topic briefly and concisely
The recognition of foreign professional qualifications in Berlin is an important step towards improving your job market opportunities and achieving a higher salary level.
The HWK Berlin and the IHK Berlin are the main points of contact for recognition, depending on your profession. Take advantage of the free advisory services offered by the BIbA and the IHK.
The recognition process can be complex, but with the right preparation and support, you can successfully navigate it. A preliminary check at HWK Berlin can help avoid unnecessary costs and rejections. Recognition can increase your salary by up to €10,000 per year.
Do you want to have your professional qualifications obtained abroad recognised in Berlin? This article provides you with a comprehensive overview of the process, the required documents, and the key contact points. Find out more now!
Would you like to have your professional qualifications acquired abroad recognised in Berlin? This is an important step for your professional future in Germany. This article provides you with a comprehensive overview of the process, necessary documents, and key contact points so you can successfully embark on your professional journey. At Mentoc, we support you with professional translations of your documents to facilitate the recognition process.
Overview of the Recognition Process
The recognition of foreign professional qualifications is a formal act in which your qualifications acquired abroad are compared with German degrees. The aim is to determine whether your qualification can be recognised as equivalent. The legal basis for this is the Recognition Act and the Professional Qualifications Assessment Act Berlin (BQFG Bln). The IHK Berlin offers application assistance and recognition advice for professionals with foreign qualifications.
Why is Recognition Important?
For professionals, recognition offers numerous advantages. It improves your employment opportunities and enables you to achieve a higher salary level. Additionally, it facilitates integration into the German labour market. Recognition is also important for companies, as it provides access to qualified professionals and strengthens their competitiveness. The Professional Recognition Advice and Information Centre (BIbA) offers free consultations on this.
At Mentoc, we understand how crucial correct and certified translations of your documents are for the recognition process. Our officially certified translations ensure that your documents are accepted by the relevant authorities.
HWK and IHK: Your contact points for recognition in Berlin
In Berlin, there are various offices responsible for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications. The choice of the responsible office depends on your profession. Here are the main points of contact:
The Berlin Chamber of Crafts (HWK Berlin)
The HWK Berlin is responsible for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications in the craft sector. Their tasks include the preliminary review of your documents, recognition advice, and application submission. It is highly recommended to carry out a preliminary review to avoid rejections and unnecessary costs. The HWK Berlin offers comprehensive information about the recognition process in the craft sector.
The Berlin Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Berlin)
The IHK Berlin is responsible for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications in non-regulated professions. These are professions for which state licensing is not required. The IHK Berlin works closely with the IHK FOSA in Nuremberg, which is responsible for the actual equivalence assessment. The IHK Berlin offers you support with all questions regarding recognition.
Other Advisory Centres and Contact Points
In addition to HWK and IHK, there are other advisory centres that can assist you with the recognition of your professional qualifications. The Consultation and Information Centre for Professional Recognition (BIbA) offers free consultations in various languages, including German, Turkish, Arabic, Russian, and English. The Single Point of Contact Berlin provides information and support, especially for skilled workers from the EU. The recognition hotline of the IHK Berlin offers telephone consultations in German, English, Turkish, and Ukrainian.
We at Mentoc work closely with these institutions and offer you certified translations that meet the requirements of the respective offices. This ensures that your application is processed smoothly.
Step by step to recognition: How the process works
The recognition process can be complex, but with the right preparation and support, you can successfully navigate it. Here is an overview of the key steps:
Steps to Recognition
Preliminary Review (HWK Berlin)
The HWK Berlin recommends a preliminary review to determine if your application has any chance of success. For this, you need to submit certain documents, which generally must also be available in German translation. At Mentoc, we offer quick and reliable translations for this purpose.
Application Submission
The application is submitted to the responsible body (HWK or IHK). You must submit various documents, typically originals or certified copies. Be sure to submit all necessary documents in full to avoid delays. You must also disclose if you have previously applied for recognition.
Equivalence Assessment
The responsible authority assesses whether your foreign qualification is equivalent to a German reference qualification. Your educational certificates and professional experience are taken into account. If documents are missing, a qualification analysis (QA) can be conducted to determine your competencies. The IHK FOSA can carry out such a qualification analysis if necessary documents are missing.
Possible Outcomes
There are three possible outcomes of the equivalence assessment:
Full Equivalence: Your foreign qualification is recognised as equivalent to the German reference qualification.
Partial Equivalence: There are significant differences between your foreign qualification and the German reference qualification. In this case, you can complete a adaptation qualification (adaptation course) and submit a subsequent application.
No Equivalence: Your foreign qualification is not recognised as equivalent.
Duration of the Process
The regular processing time is approximately 3 months when all documents are complete. In complex cases or when a qualification analysis is required, the processing time may extend. The HWK Berlin points out that the processing time may extend if a qualification analysis is required.
At Mentoc, we support you in speeding up the application process by providing fast and accurate translations of your documents. This ensures that your application is complete and correct.
Recognition costs: How to keep track of the fees
The recognition of foreign professional qualifications is generally associated with costs. Here is an overview of the main fees and expenses:
Fees and Expenses
Application Fees
The HWK Berlin charges fees for application processing ranging from 100 to 600 Euros. The exact amount depends on the individual case. The HWK Berlin provides information about the applicable fees.
Additional Costs
In addition to the application fees, there may be additional costs, e.g., for obtaining documents, translations, certifications, a qualification analysis, or an adaptation qualification. It is important to consider these costs in your planning.
Funding Options
There are various funding options available for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications. Information on this can be obtained from the advisory centres (BIbA, IHK Berlin). The BIbA provides information on funding options.
We at Mentoc offer you transparent pricing for our translation services, so you can better plan the costs for the recognition. Contact us for a non-binding quote.
School qualifications, social and teaching professions: Pay attention to special regulations
Certain professions and qualifications have special regulations for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications. Here is an overview:
School Qualifications
The recognition of foreign school qualifications falls under the jurisdiction of the school supervisory authority. An exception is made for qualifications that grant direct professional access. In this case, the Berlin Law on the Assessment of Professional Qualifications applies. The Berlin School Act regulates the recognition of foreign school qualifications.
Social and Teaching Professions
The Social Professions Recognition Act includes changes affecting the recognition of "State-recognised Educator (B.A.)" from other federal states. For social professions, knowledge of German law and language skills are required. The Berlin Law governs the recognition of social professions.
Engineer Law
The Engineer Law contains a reciprocity clause for non-EU citizens. This means that recognition can be refused if reciprocity is not guaranteed. The Berlin Law includes a reciprocity clause for engineers.
We at Mentoc are familiar with the specific requirements of these professions and offer specialised translations for your documents.
Craft businesses and refugees: Make use of targeted support
There are special support services for specific target groups designed to facilitate the recognition of foreign professional qualifications:
Support for Berlin Craft Enterprises
Berlin craft enterprises can apply for recognition on behalf of foreign professionals (power of attorney). Additionally, there is an accelerated skilled workers immigration process that can reduce processing time to 2 months. The HWK Berlin provides information on supporting craft enterprises.
Support for Refugees and Migrants
There are special advisory services in various languages for refugees and migrants (BIbA, IHK Berlin). Ukrainians have special services offered by Club Dialog and Arbeit und Leben Berlin-Brandenburg DGB/VHS e. V. The IHK Berlin offers consultations in Ukrainian.
We at Mentoc support you with multilingual translations to facilitate communication with the responsible authorities. Our translators are familiar with the cultural specifics of various countries.
ZAB assessment: How to successfully obtain recognition for university degrees
The evaluation of university degrees is the responsibility of the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB):
Evaluation of university degrees
Responsibilities and tasks
The ZAB maintains a database of already recognized degrees and issues certificate assessments describing foreign higher education qualifications. The ZAB is responsible for the evaluation of university degrees.
We at Mentoc support you in preparing your documents for the ZAB evaluation by providing certified translations of your university transcripts and diplomas.
Successful Integration: Recognition as the Key to the Berlin Job Market
The recognition of foreign professional qualifications is an important step for your integration into the Berlin job market. Take advantage of the diverse advisory services and the support of the responsible authorities to successfully navigate the process.
Summary of the most important points
The recognition improves your job market opportunities and enables you to realize your full potential in Berlin. A variety of advisory services and responsible authorities can assist you with the recognition. The recognition of foreign professional qualifications is an important step towards integration into the job market.
Outlook on future developments
It is expected that the recognition process will be simplified and accelerated in the future. Digitization will play an important role in this. The recognition of professions in Berlin will become more efficient through digital processes.
We at Mentoc stay on the ball and continuously adapt our services to the latest developments. This way, we can always offer you the best possible support in the recognition of your professional qualifications.
Do you want to have your foreign-acquired professional qualifications recognized in Berlin and need professional support for the translation of your documents? Contact us today to receive a non-binding offer. We look forward to accompanying you on your path to success!
More useful links
The IHK Berlin offers application-accompanying recognition advice for professionals with foreign degrees.
The Beratungs- und Informationsstelle berufliche Anerkennung (BIbA) provides free consultations on professional recognition.
The HWK Berlin delivers comprehensive information on the recognition process in the crafts sector and recommends a preliminary review of your documents.
The Einheitliche Ansprechpartner Berlin provides information and support, especially for professionals from the EU, regarding the recognition of foreign professional qualifications.
The Berliner Schulgesetz governs the recognition of foreign school qualifications.
Anerkennung in Deutschland offers general information about the recognition of foreign professional qualifications in Germany.
Make-it-in-Germany provides information on the recognition of professional qualifications for international professionals who wish to work in Germany.
Berliner Senat offers information on the recognition of professional qualifications in Berlin.
FAQ
Which professions in Berlin are most frequently affected by recognition?
The most frequently affected professions are in the crafts sector, engineering, healthcare (e.g., nurses), and social professions (e.g., educators). The responsible authority depends on the respective profession.
Where can I find the responsible body for my profession?
The responsible body depends on your profession. For craft professions, the Chamber of Crafts Berlin (HWK Berlin) is responsible. For non-regulated professions, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Berlin (IHK Berlin) is responsible. The Counselling and Information Centre for Professional Recognition (BIbA) can also assist you.
What documents do I need for recognition?
Generally, you will need originals or certified copies of your educational qualifications, professional experience, and if applicable, German translations by a sworn translator. The HWK Berlin recommends a preliminary check to determine exactly which documents are required.
How long does the recognition process take?
The standard processing time is approximately 3 months if all documents are complete. In complex cases or when a qualification analysis is required, the processing time may be extended.
What are the costs of recognition?
The HWK Berlin charges fees ranging from 100 to 600 euros for applications. Additional costs may arise for obtaining documents, translations, and certifications.
What happens if my qualification is not fully recognised?
If your qualification is only partially equivalent, you can undertake an adaptation qualification (training course) and submit a follow-up application.
Is there support for craft businesses wishing to employ foreign professionals?
Yes, Berlin craft businesses can apply for recognition on behalf of foreign professionals (power of attorney). Additionally, there is an accelerated skilled worker immigration procedure that can reduce processing time.
Where can I find advice in Ukrainian?
The IHK Berlin offers advice in Ukrainian. There are also special services from Club Dialog and Arbeit und Leben Berlin-Brandenburg DGB/VHS e. V.
