Germany is a top destination for international students and professionals. But to work or continue your education here, you may need to officially recognize your foreign degree or license — a process known as “Anerkennung” (Recognition).
Below is a step-by-step guide, organized under clear headings and bullet points, to help you through this process.
1️⃣ What Is Degree Recognition in Germany?
- “Anerkennung” means the process of evaluating and approving your foreign qualifications to see if they match the German standards.
- It is mandatory for regulated professions (e.g. medicine, teaching, law) and recommended for others to increase job opportunities.
2️⃣ When Do You Need Recognition?
You need to get your qualifications recognized if:
- You want to work in a regulated profession in Germany (like doctors, nurses, engineers, or teachers).
- You’re applying for a residence/work permit as a skilled worker (§18a or §18b AufenthG).
- You plan to apply for Approbation (professional license) in medical or healthcare fields.
- You need proof of equivalence for job applications or further studies.
3️⃣ Step-by-Step Process to Convert Your Degree/Licensure
✔️ Step 1: Identify If Your Profession Is Regulated
- Use the official portal: anerkennung-in-deutschland.de
- Examples of regulated professions:
- Doctor, Dentist, Pharmacist
- Teacher, Nurse
- Lawyer, Architect
✔️ Step 2: Find the Right Recognition Authority
Each profession has a specific authority that handles recognition. Examples:
| Profession | Recognition Authority |
|---|---|
| Medical Fields | Landesprüfungsamt (State Medical Board) |
| Engineers | Chamber of Engineers / ZAB |
| Nurses | Health Department (Gesundheitsamt) |
| Teachers | Ministry of Education (Kultusministerium) |
| Vocational Fields | IHK FOSA (Chamber of Commerce) |
| Academic Degrees | ZAB (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen) |
✔️ Step 3: Collect and Translate Required Documents
You will generally need:
- Passport or ID
- Degree Certificate
- Academic Transcript / Marksheet
- Curriculum/Syllabus (course content)
- German Language Certificate (B1–C1 depending on field)
- Work experience letters (if any)
- CV/Resume
- Official translations (by sworn translator)
📌 All documents must be certified copies, and translations must be done by a beeidigter Übersetzer (official German translator).
✔️ Step 4: Submit Application and Pay Fees
- Application can be online or via post depending on the authority.
- Application fees range between €100 to €600.
- Some professions may also require proof of residence in Germany.
✔️ Step 5: Wait for the Decision
- Processing time: Usually 2–4 months.
- You will receive:
- ✅ Full recognition (Gleichwertigkeit)
- ⚠️ Partial recognition (with recommendations for adaptation)
- ❌ No recognition (with reasons and alternatives)
4️⃣ Language Requirements
German proficiency is often mandatory:
| Field | Minimum Required Level |
|---|---|
| Doctors/Dentists | B2 general + C1 Medical |
| Nurses | B2 (or higher) |
| Teachers | C1–C2 |
| Vocational Fields | B1–B2 |
| IT/Business Fields | A2–B1 (optional) |
💡 For medical or healthcare professionals, you may also need to pass a Fachsprachprüfung (medical language test) or Kenntnisprüfung (knowledge exam).
5️⃣ Special Cases by Profession
👨⚕️ Medical Professionals (Doctors, Dentists, Pharmacists)
- Apply for Approbation (permanent license) or Berufserlaubnis (temporary license).
- Must pass:
- Language exams (B2 + C1 Fachsprache)
- Knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung), if required
- Apply at the State Exam Office (Landesprüfungsamt) of your federal state.
👩🏫 Teachers
- Apply through the Ministry of Education in the state where you want to work.
- May need to take adaptation training or additional study.
- Must show German proficiency (C1–C2).
👩🔧 Vocational/Skilled Trades (Electricians, Chefs, Mechanics)
- Apply via IHK FOSA – Chamber of Commerce responsible for vocational training.
- May need:
- Work experience
- Practical tests or bridging courses
👨💻 Non-Regulated Professions (IT, Marketing, Finance)
- You can apply for a Statement of Comparability from ZAB.
- This document is not mandatory but helps with job applications and visa processes.
- Cost: around €200–€250
🔗 ZAB Website: https://www.kmk.org/zab
6️⃣ Tips to Increase Your Chances of Successful Recognition
- 🕒 Start early – the process can take months.
- 🗣️ Improve your German skills to B2 or higher.
- 📁 Keep multiple certified copies of your documents.
- 📞 Contact your recognition authority to clarify requirements.
- 💡 Seek help from IQ Netzwerk Germany for free support.
7️⃣ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Do I need recognition to study in Germany?
Not always. German universities do their own equivalency check for admission. Recognition is usually required only for working in regulated professions.
❓ Can I apply while living outside Germany?
Yes. In most cases, you can start the application from abroad. But some authorities require a German address.
❓ What if my degree is only partially recognized?
You will be given a chance to:
- Take adaptation courses
- Pass a skills or knowledge test
- Complete practical training
✅ Conclusion: Recognition Is Your First Step Toward a Career in Germany
Converting your foreign degree or licensure into a German equivalent is critical if you want to work in regulated fields or apply for a skilled visa. While the process is detailed and sometimes lengthy, it is well-structured, transparent, and fair.
With the right preparation, proper documentation, and German language skills, your qualification can be fully recognized, opening the door to a successful career in Germany.
📥 Want help with recognition for your specific profession?
I can create:
- A personalized checklist
- Help you draft your application in German
- Or assist you with finding the right authority
Just let me know!