Recognition of qualifications

The recognition of qualifications makes your foreign higher education or professional qualification legally equivalent to a German one. It is mandatory for certain professions, for others it can be helpful.

Regulated and non-regulated professions

Regulated professions are activities that are legally protected. To work in them in Germany, you need a very specific qualification and – regardless of your country of origin – always the recognition of your foreign professional qualification. This applies, for example, to many professions in the fields of health, law, teaching at state schools and engineering. Regulation also applies to certain ‘Meister im Handwerk’ (master craftspeople) who run a company. To find out whether your profession is regulated, go to the Recognition Finder on the Recognition of Qualifications in Germany portal.

In contrast, most professions in Germany are not regulated, i.e. they are not legally protected. Among others, these are occupations requiring dual vocational training programmes or many professions with university degree. Your qualification does not need to be recognised in Germany if you want to work as an economist, IT specialist or as a baker for example. However, it can be helpful, for example, when applying for a job or negotiating a salary. The certificate of recognition helps companies to assess your foreign qualifications at a glance.

Third countries

Within the meaning of the German residence law, third countries are states outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. If you come from a third country, recognition of your foreign professional qualifications or the equivalence of degree level qualifications is usually a requirement for acquiring a visa. The anabin database of the Central Office for Foreign Education – ZAB provides information on this.

As an IT specialist with at least three years of professional experience, you can be exempt from these regulations and, if applicable, enter the country and practice your profession without recognition.

Do you have a university degree or professional qualification from overseas? Do you want your qualifications evaluated or recognised so that you can work in your profession? The IQ Network Thuringia can deal with all your questions regarding recognition of qualifications.