Certification
Formal
Application for Professional Recognition
Application for Professional Recognition: Your key to the German job market!
Do you want to have your qualification obtained abroad recognised in Germany? This is often the first step towards a successful career. Applying for professional recognition can be complex. Do you need support with your application? Contact us for a non-binding consultation.
The topic briefly and concisely
The application for professional recognition is crucial for your integration into the German job market and significantly enhances your career prospects.
The identification of the responsible authority and the complete submission of all required documents are essential to avoid delays in the recognition process. Use the recognition finder and advisory centres.
Even for non-regulated professions, recognition is recommended as it improves your chances in the job market and can increase your salary by up to €10,000 per year. Take advantage of accelerated procedures and funding opportunities.
Learn everything you need to know about applying for professional recognition in Germany: From the required documents to the relevant authorities. Get informed now and start successfully!
The recognition of professional qualifications is a crucial step for professionals from abroad who wish to work in Germany. It ensures that your qualifications obtained abroad align with German standards. This formal process evaluates your educational credentials and work experience to determine how comparable they are to a corresponding German professional qualification. The recognition of your qualifications not only opens up better job opportunities for you but also enhances your position in the German labour market.
The significance of recognition of professional qualifications in Germany lies in the integration of professionals into the labour market. It enables employers to better assess the qualifications of applicants and ensure that they meet the requirements of the specific profession. Furthermore, the recognition of professional qualifications is often a prerequisite for practising certain professions, especially in regulated fields such as healthcare or engineering. The Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labour and Social Affairs emphasises the importance of recognising foreign professional qualifications for integration into the labour market.
The legal basis for the recognition of professional qualifications is anchored in the Recognition Act and the Skilled Workers Immigration Act (FEG). The Recognition Act aims to promote the integration of migrants into the German labour market by facilitating access to recognition of professional qualifications. In turn, the Skilled Workers Immigration Act (FEG) is intended to facilitate the immigration of qualified professionals from abroad by improving the conditions for entry and residence for the purpose of employment. From November 2023, professionals with recognised vocational training can undertake any qualified employment in non-regulated sectors, regardless of the match between their training and the position. Further information on the FEG can be found on the Bavarian Portal.
Application for Professional Recognition: How to Apply Correctly
The Application for Professional Recognition is the first step to getting your foreign qualifications recognised in Germany. It is important to fill out this application carefully and completely to avoid delays or rejections. The application can be submitted either as a formal application form or as an informal letter to the relevant authority. The official website for professional recognition in Germany provides detailed information on this.
For the application for professional recognition, you will need various documents. These include a tabular CV in German, a certified colour copy of your ID (passport or identity card) and certified colour copies of your professional and educational qualifications with German translation. Additionally, evidence of relevant work experience (references, employment books) with German translation is required. A statement in which you declare your intention to work and confirm that you have not submitted a previous application is also necessary. The IHK FOSA provides detailed information on the required documents.
The application can be submitted by post, fax, or electronically. Some competent authorities also offer the option of online submission via secure communication platforms. Please note that the IHK FOSA, for example, requires PDF format for email documents. It is advisable to inquire in advance from the competent authority which form of submission is preferred. The information on the professional recognition process on our website can help you keep track of everything.
Recognition Finder: How to Find the Responsible Office
The identification of the competent authority is a crucial step in the recognition process. The competent authority is the agency or institution responsible for assessing your foreign qualifications and deciding on their recognition. To find the competent authority, you can use the Recognition Finder on the website anerkennung-in-deutschland.de.
The responsibility depends on the type of your qualification (school, vocational, academic) as well as your reference profession and the intended place of work. The Recognition Finder guides you through a questionnaire to determine this information and display the competent authority. It is important to provide this information carefully to ensure you direct your application to the right authority. The Jobcentre also offers support in identifying the competent authority.
There are specific responsibilities for certain professions. For example, the IHK FOSA is responsible for IHK professions, while the Chamber of Crafts is responsible for crafts professions. In Bavaria, the Chamber of Crafts for Munich and Upper Bavaria is the competent authority for crafts professions. For social and early childhood education professions, ZBFS Unterfranken is responsible, offering an online procedure. It is advisable to contact a recognition advisory service before submitting an application. These advisory services can help ensure the completeness of your documents and identify funding opportunities. The Bavarian State Government emphasises the importance of recognition advisory services for the success of the recognition process.
Equivalence Review: This is how the recognition process works
The recognition process involves several steps, starting with the equivalence assessment. This evaluation compares your foreign qualification with the German reference profession. The responsible authority assesses the content and duration of your training to determine the extent to which it meets German standards. The Chamber of Crafts Munich and Upper Bavaria provides detailed information on the recognition process.
If your qualification is not fully equivalent, adaptation measures may be necessary. These can include adaptation qualifications such as internships, work experience, or further training. The aim of these measures is to demonstrate the missing equivalence within five years through a subsequent application. Alternatively, a qualifications analysis can be conducted to assess competence. The Website anerkennung-in-deutschland.de offers information on adaptation measures and qualifications analyses.
The process can take up to four months after the complete submission of documents. It is therefore important to submit all necessary documents fully and correctly to avoid delays. The information on professional recognition on our website can help you speed up the process. The Federal Employment Agency indicates that the process can take up to 4 months.
Regulated Professions: Recognition is Mandatory
In Germany, there is a distinction between regulated and non-regulated professions. For regulated professions, recognition is mandatory in order to practice the profession. This applies, for example, to professions in healthcare (doctors, pharmacists, nurses) or certain engineering professions. The legal regulations for practising these professions require formal recognition of qualifications. The Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labour and Social Affairs emphasises that recognition is necessary for regulated professions.
For non-regulated professions, recognition is not mandatory but still recommended. Even if you are allowed to practise the profession without formal recognition, obtaining recognition can improve your chances in the job market. It signals to employers that your qualifications meet German standards and enhances your credibility. Recognition may also help improve your salary and increase your career prospects. The Federal Employment Agency also recommends recognition for non-regulated professions.
Academic qualifications in non-regulated fields are generally assessed by the ZAB in Bonn, rather than through formal recognition. The ZAB issues a certificate evaluation, which aligns your foreign university degrees with the German education system. This evaluation can assist you when applying for jobs or study places in Germany. The Bavaria Portal points out that the ZAB is responsible for the assessment of academic certificates.
Faster Recognition: Utilize Accelerated Procedures
To accelerate the process of professional recognition, there are various fast-track procedures and special regulations. The accelerated skilled workers procedure (§ 81a Residence Act) shortens the recognition times for companies recruiting skilled workers from third countries. This procedure enables companies to obtain recognition of their future employees' qualifications more quickly, thereby speeding up hiring and integration. The Chamber of Crafts for Munich and Upper Bavaria provides information about the accelerated skilled workers procedure.
Since March 2024, there is the possibility of a recognition partnership, which allows professionals to enter without prior recognition and work alongside the recognition process. This significantly eases entry into the German job market. Also from March 2024, professionals with at least two years of university or vocational training and relevant work experience can enter without formal recognition, provided they receive a minimum salary. The Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labour and Social Affairs provides information about these new regulations.
For EU/EEA citizens in certain professions, the European Professional Card (EPC) is available as an alternative to traditional recognition. The EPC simplifies the recognition of professional qualifications within the EU and allows professionals to practise their profession in other EU countries. The website anerkennung-in-deutschland.de offers information on the European Professional Card.
Save costs: Financing options for recognition
The recognition process involves costs which consist of fees for checking equivalency, translations, and certification. According to the chamber of crafts, the fees for the recognition process can range from 100 to 600 euros. Additional costs may arise from qualification analyses. However, there are various options for cost coverage that can help you reduce the financial burden.
Under certain conditions, you can receive a reimbursement for translation and certification costs from the employment agency or job centre. However, prior approval is required for this. Therefore, it is advisable to clarify in advance with the employment agency or job centre what conditions must be met and what documents are needed. The Federal Employment Agency provides information on cost coverage.
Recognition advisory centres can inform you about further funding opportunities and assist you with applying. These advisory centres are familiar with the various funding programmes and can advise on which may apply to you. They can also help you compile the necessary documents and support you in the application process. The Bavarian State Government recommends seeking the services of recognition advisory centres.
Overcoming Language Barriers: How to Achieve Recognition
The recognition process can be associated with various challenges. One of the biggest challenges is language barriers. If you're not sufficiently proficient in German, filling out the application, obtaining the required documents, and communicating with the relevant authorities can be difficult. It is therefore advisable to seek advice in advance to overcome potential language barriers.
The absence of documents can also be an issue. If certain documents are missing, it can be challenging to prove your qualifications. In this case, IQ advice centers can assist you in obtaining the documents. They can also inform you of which alternative proofs are accepted. The Federal Employment Agency offers information on support for missing documents.
To have your qualifications recognized, you need certified translations of your foreign documents. These translations must be completed by publicly appointed or sworn translators. We at mentoc offer you professional and certified translations of your documents for the application for professional recognition. Our sworn translators are familiar with the requirements of the German authorities and ensure that your translations are completed quickly and reliably. Learn more about our official and certified translations. After recognition, we are happy to support you with job offers and training opportunities.
Professional recognition: Your key to success in Germany
More useful links
The Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labour and Social Affairs emphasises the importance of recognising foreign professional qualifications for integration into the labour market and provides information about relevant laws and initiatives.
The Bavaria Portal offers information on the Skilled Immigration Act (FEG) and its impact on the recognition of professional qualifications in Bavaria.
The official website for the recognition of professions in Germany provides detailed information and guidance on the recognition process.
The IHK FOSA offers detailed information on the necessary documents and the application procedure for professional recognition.
The Job Centre provides support in identifying the responsible authority and general information on the recognition of professional qualifications.
The Chamber of Crafts for Munich and Upper Bavaria offers detailed information on the process of recognition, especially for craft professions, and on the accelerated skilled worker procedure.
The Federal Employment Agency provides information on cost coverage and support with missing documents during the recognition process.
FAQ
What is the first step to getting my foreign qualifications recognised in Germany?
The first step is the application for professional recognition. You can submit this either as a formal application form or as an informal letter to the relevant authority. The website anerkennung-in-deutschland.de offers detailed information.
What documents do I need for the application for professional recognition?
You need a tabular CV in German, a certified colour copy of your ID (passport or ID card), and certified colour copies of your professional and educational qualifications with German translation. Work references and a statement of your work intention are also required.
How do I find the relevant authority for my profession?
Use the Recognition Finder on the website anerkennung-in-deutschland.de. The responsibility depends on your qualification, reference profession, and intended place of work.
What happens if my qualification is not fully equivalent?
If your qualification is not fully equivalent, compensatory measures may be necessary. These include, for example, adjustment qualifications like internships or further training.
What are regulated professions, and why is recognition mandatory here?
Regulated professions are professions for which recognition is mandatory, such as in the healthcare or engineering sectors. Legal regulations stipulate formal recognition in these cases.
Are there ways to expedite the recognition process?
Yes, there is the accelerated skilled worker procedure (§ 81a Residence Act) for companies recruiting skilled workers from third countries. From March 2024, there will also be the option for a recognition partnership.
What costs are associated with the recognition process, and are there funding options?
The fees for the recognition process can range from 100 to 600 euros. Under certain conditions, you can receive a reimbursement of costs for translation and certification from the Employment Agency or the Job Centre.
Where can I find support if I have language barriers or missing documents?
IQ advisory centres can assist you in obtaining missing documents. For certified translations of your documents, you can contact sworn translators, such as mentoc.
