Recognition Navigator
Find out how to get your foreign degree recognized in Germany. Step-by-step guidance included. Free, no signup required.
Professional Recognition in Germany — Your Foreign Degree Counts
The Federal Recognition Act (BQFG — Berufsqualifikationsfeststellungsgesetz) has given you the right since 2012 to have your foreign professional qualifications evaluated in Germany — regardless of nationality or residence status. Recognition is possible for over 600 professions. Our Recognition Navigator shows you the way.
Regulated vs. Non-Regulated Professions
Germany fundamentally distinguishes between:
- Regulated professions: Recognition is mandatory; you cannot practice without it. Examples: physicians (Approbation under § 3 BÄO), dentists, pharmacists, lawyers, teachers, engineers (varies by state), nursing professionals (§ 40 PflBG).
- Non-regulated professions: Recognition is voluntary but recommended. You may work without it, but formal equivalence significantly improves your labor market prospects. Examples: business professionals, skilled trades (Gesellenbrief), IT roles.
The Recognition Procedure
- Application: Filed with the competent authority (varies by profession: chambers, state authorities, district governments). The information portal anabin.kmk.org helps with assignment.
- Documents: Certified copies of diplomas, proof of professional experience, identity document, translations by sworn translators if required.
- Duration: Maximum 3 months from completeness of documents (§ 14 BQFG). In practice: 2–4 months.
- Costs: EUR 100–600 depending on profession and state. Funding via the Recognition Grant (Anerkennungszuschuss, up to EUR 600) is available.
- Outcome: Full equivalence, partial equivalence (with conditions such as adaptation training or knowledge examination), or rejection.
Partial Recognition and Further Qualification
In case of partial equivalence, there are two paths: An adaptation course (practical further qualification, 6–18 months) or a knowledge examination (theoretical and possibly practical exam). Since 2024, skilled workers with partial recognition can enter Germany under § 16d AufenthG to complete further qualification on site.
Special Provisions for Refugees
Those who cannot present documents (e.g., due to flight) are entitled to a qualification analysis (§ 14 para. 2 BQFG): work sample, professional interview, or trial work instead of documents. Costs are covered by the Federal Employment Agency.
What Our Navigator Provides
- Profession matching: Which German profession matches your degree?
- Competent authority: Chamber, agency, or ministry
- Document checklist: What you need to submit
- Costs and funding options
- Timeline: From application to decision