Why is the recognition of professional qualifications important?
The recognition of professional qualifications is the process of checking whether a professional qualification obtained abroad is equivalent to a corresponding German qualification. This verification is important for several reasons:
1. access to the labor market: In Germany, recognition is a prerequisite for finding a job in many professions.
2 Facilitated integration: With recognition, skilled workers have a better chance of integrating into the labor market and society.
3.legal requirements: Recognition is mandatory for regulated professions such as doctors, teachers or nurses.
4.competitive advantage: Recognition also increases the chances of being hired by employers in non-regulated professions.
Regulated and non-regulated professions
1. regulated professions
-In these professions, recognition is required by law in order to practice the profession. Examples:
-Doctors and nursing staff
-Teachers
-Engineers (depending on the federal state)
-Lawyers and tax consultants
2. non-regulated professions
-Here, recognition is voluntary, but often helpful to improve chances on the job market. Examples:
-IT specialists
-Marketing specialists
-business economists
Steps towards the recognition of professional qualifications
1. advice and information
-First points of contact such as the Recognition portal or the "Working and Living in Germany" hotline can help to clarify whether recognition is necessary.
-Check whether the profession is regulated.
-Compilation of the required documents.
2. find the responsible office
-The responsible office depends on the profession and the federal state.
-Nurses: State health authorities.
-Skilled trades: Chambers of Crafts.
-Academic professions: Chambers of Industry and Commerce.
3. application
-Submission of an application to the competent authority.
Required documents may include:
-Proof of education (e.g. certificates, diplomas)
-Proof of professional experience
-Translations and certifications
-Curriculum vitae and passport copy
4. verification of equivalence
-The competent body checks whether the foreign qualification is comparable with the German reference occupation.
-Equivalence established: Recognition is granted.
-Partial equivalenceAdaptation measures (e.g. examinations or further training) are required.
-No equivalence: The degree is not recognized, but alternative pathways can be proposed.
5. notification received
-Once the assessment has been completed, applicants receive a notification documenting the results. This notification can be used for applications or for further steps.
- Costs: Recognition costs vary depending on the profession and federal state, but are generally between €100 and €600. Additional costs may be incurred for translations, certifications and further training.
- Duration: The processing time is usually 2 to 3 months, but can take longer depending on the complexity and workload of the responsible office.
1. highly qualified skilled workers (e.g. EU Blue Card)
- For this group, recognition is often a decisive step towards fulfilling the requirements for a residence permit.
2. refugees
- In some cases, certificates or evidence are not available. There are special procedures to check professional qualifications through practical tests or interviews.
3. partial recognition
- If only part of the qualifications are recognized, applicants can take part in adaptation courses, examinations or further training in order to obtain full recognition.
- Graduation certificates (translated and notarized)
- ✅ Proof of professional experience
- ✅ Proof of identity (passport)
- ✅ Translations by sworn translators
- ✅ Curriculum vitae
- ✅ If applicable, proof of language skillsFor more information, please visit our website: JIG.WORLD
