German credential recognition is the decisive step in whether someone pursuing skilled migration can use a foreign degree for jobs and visas. German credential recognition has two levels: academic and professional. This article distinguishes between them and guides you through the process.
German credential recognition has two levels
German credential recognition has two levels that need to be distinguished. The first is academic recognition (Anerkennung der Hochschulabschlüsse) via Anabin/ZAB, used for visa purposes and general job applications. The second is professional recognition (Berufsanerkennung) for regulated professions.
For unregulated professions (such as many IT and research roles), an Anabin H+ rating is sufficient. For regulated professions (such as healthcare, teaching, and some trades), an additional Berufsanerkennung step from the relevant state authority is required to practice.
The professional recognition process
The Berufsanerkennung process includes: submitting an application to the relevant authority in the state where you want to work (each state has its own authority), sending your credentials and documents with certified translations, and waiting for assessment and a decision. The result may be full recognition, partial recognition (requiring supplementation), or non-recognition.
If partially recognized, applicants are usually required to complete supplementary exams, courses, or supervised internships. Once completed, the profession is fully recognized. The process takes from a few months to over a year depending on the profession and state.
Notes for those interested
Those in regulated professions should start Berufsanerkennung early, since without recognition they cannot practice even with a visa. The relevant authority varies by profession and state, so find the correct authority before applying.
The Anerkennung in Deutschland website (anerkennung-in-deutschland.de) is the official portal for looking up the relevant authority by profession and state. Interested applicants should use this portal to guide the process.
You should refer to co so du lieu Anabin and Make it in Germany to check current conditions.
Summary
German credential recognition has two levels: academic (via Anabin/ZAB, sufficient for visas and unregulated professions) and professional (Berufsanerkennung, mandatory for regulated professions such as healthcare and teaching). The relevant authority depends on the state and profession. The process takes from a few months to over a year. You should use the anerkennung-in-deutschland.de portal to guide the process.
