How does the procedure work?
During the recognition procedure, the competent German authority checks whether your foreign professional qualification is equivalent to a German one or whether there are differences. The procedure is also known as “equivalence assessment”. Once your documents have been submitted in full, the competent authority will normally consider them within three to four months. To find out exactly how the recognition procedure works and where you can get specific information about your profession, visit the “Anerkennung in Deutschland” portal.
Result of the recognition procedure
Your foreign professional qualification is recognised if it is equivalent to the German professional qualification. If substantial differences are identified in the equivalence assessment, then it depends on the type of profession:
In the case of non-regulated professions, the professional qualification is partially recognised if parts of the vocational training are equivalent and others are not. A notice will be issued to you, stating the substantial differences compared to the German reference profession. Substantial differences are usually compensated by completing refresher training. You can then submit a follow-up application to obtain full recognition of your professional qualification.
In the case of regulated professions, the competent authority specifies a compensation measure that you will need to follow to compensate for the substantial differences. After you have successfully completed the compensation measure, the equivalence of your foreign qualification is established. The further criteria for authorisation to practise a profession are then assessed. The result of the recognition procedure is communicated in an official notice (recognition notice).
To find out if you need proof of recognition of your professional qualifications to work in Germany, see the “Who needs recognition?” section.