Recognition (Anerkennung)

Working in Germany: A Guide to Degree Recognition

Navigating the German labor market starts with understanding how your international qualifications are viewed. The legal basis for this is the Professional Qualifications Determination Act (Berufsqualifikationsfestellungsgesetz or BQFG), which aims to help international professionals find employment that matches their skills.

Do I need recognition?

First, a simple rule of thumb: If you obtained your degree or vocational certificate (Ausbildung) in Germany, you do not need recognition. This process is exclusively for those with foreign qualifications.

Step 1: Regulated vs. Non-Regulated Professions

Before applying for jobs, you must determine your German reference profession and check if it is "regulated."

• Regulated: You must have your degree recognized to use the title or practice. Your education must strictly match the profession. Examples are: Doctors, Nurses, Teachers, Pharmacists, Lawyers

• Non-Regulated: Recognition is often optional. You can legally work in a field different from your degree (e.g., a Marketing graduate working as a Chef). In this category fall most office jobs in , IT, sales, business and trades. 

Note on Engineering & Architecture: While these are technically regulated titles, it is often possible to work in these fields in a supportive role without formal recognition, provided you do not use the protected professional title.

Step 2: Understanding the Procedures

The path to recognition depends on the type of qualification you hold:

• Vocational Qualifications: Usually require a formal recognition procedure to verify equivalence with the German dual-education system.

• Academic Degrees (Non-Regulated): You don't "recognize" these in the traditional sense. Instead, you either  present a positive evaluation of your university and study program on the German portal Anabin or you obtain a Statement of Comparability (ZAB) to prove your degree is equivalent to a German university degree.

• Regulated Professions: These involve specific, rigorous licensing procedures (such as the Approbation for doctors) which vary by federal state.

Step 3: Why it matters for your Visa

If you are already in Germany, recognition for non-regulated jobs is often just a "nice-to-have" for your CV. However, for professionals from third countries (outside the EU), the rules are stricter:

1. Visa Requirements: To obtain a Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkraft), you generally must prove that your degree is recognized or equivalent to a German qualification.

2. Skilled Worker Status: Full recognition grants you the official status of a Fachkraft, opening up more stable residency options and better job opportunities.