Qualification recognition in Germany has long been the biggest barrier for foreign workers wanting to work in their own field. This step confirms that your qualification or vocational certificate is equivalent to German standards, and is an almost mandatory requirement for many occupations. Understanding the process clearly helps you prepare the right documents from the start.
Why qualification recognition in Germany matters
Germany divides occupations into two groups. Regulated occupations — such as medicine, nursing, teaching or certain engineering fields — require recognition before you can practise. Non-regulated occupations do not require it, but having recognition still helps employers trust your qualifications and meets the requirements of many visa categories.
This confirmation process is called an equivalence assessment. Its purpose is to compare the content and duration of your training with a reference occupation in Germany.
Who carries out the assessment: anabin, ZAB and trade chambers
For university degrees, the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) issues the equivalence assessment. You can check in advance using Germany’s recognition database to see how your degree is classified.
For vocational qualifications, the assessing body is usually the chamber of industry and commerce or the corresponding specialised authority. You should also read the article anabin: Looking Up Qualification Recognition to learn how to check before submitting your application.
Recognition outcome: full or partial
Theo the official Make it in Germany portal of the German Government, a standard assessment process usually takes about 3 to 4 months. The outcome can be full recognition or partial recognition.
If recognition is partial, the outcome will specify what is still missing compared with German standards. You can make up the gap with an adaptation course or a knowledge test, then complete the recognition. The assessment fee is usually a few hundred euros, depending on the authority and the type of qualification.
Recognition Partnership: Work First, Get Recognised Later
Starting from March 1, 2024, the Skilled Immigration Act introduced the Recognition Partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) mechanism. This mechanism allows workers and employers to jointly commit to completing the recognition procedure after arriving in Germany.
The residence permit under this route (Section 16d(3) of the Residence Act) is issued for 1 year and renewed annually, up to a maximum of 3 years to complete recognition. This allows you to start working in your skilled occupation right away, instead of waiting until the procedure is finished before entering the country.
Accelerated procedure shortens processing time
German employers can initiate the accelerated skilled worker procedure (Section 81a) directly at the immigration authority in Germany. This approach consolidates multiple steps and sets clearer processing deadlines for the application.
You can find more details in the article accelerated skilled worker procedure in Germany. This is a worthwhile option to consider once you already have an employer partner.
Advice for Vietnamese workers
This mechanism is especially suited to nurses, technicians and skilled tradespeople who hold a qualification but have not yet completed recognition. You can see an example of a regulated occupation in the article nursing visa for Germany.
The key point remains preparing your qualification documents and German language skills early, while also checking your own qualification recognition before applying. To understand the overall picture, you should also read the overview article skilled migration to Germany. The M2W team will continue to update the latest recognition procedures.
Information compiled from the Make it in Germany portal (German Government). Procedures, assessing authorities and fees may change — please check the official source before submitting your application.
Read more: Overview of migrating to Germany · German citizenship: new law for naturalization after 5 years and dual nationality
