anabin and ZAB: is your university degree recognised in Germany?
Redaktion · 15 October 2026 · 3 min read
In short
The anabin database shows how German authorities classify your degree. For a skilled-worker visa based on a degree, your university should have the status H+ and your degree should be rated „entspricht“ or „gleichwertig“ (equivalent). If it is not listed, apply for a ZAB statement of comparability: 208 euros, about 3 months, valid indefinitely.
What is anabin?
anabin is the information portal of the Standing Conference of Education Ministers (KMK) on foreign qualifications. It helps authorities, employers and you classify a foreign qualification within the German education system. For each country it lists universities and degrees with a rating.
How to read the entry
| Entry | What you want to see |
|---|---|
| University status | H+. With H+/- it depends on the programme; H- is not enough. |
| Degree rating | „entspricht“ (corresponds) or „gleichwertig“ (equivalent) to a German degree |
| No entry or no rating | apply for a ZAB statement of comparability |
The embassies advise: if you cannot find your degree, or the entry shows no „Bewertung“ (rating) field, you need a statement of comparability (Zeugnisbewertung) from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).
What is the ZAB statement of comparability?
The statement is an official document that describes your foreign university degree and compares it with a German one. According to the ZAB it is suitable proof of a recognised university degree, for example for a skilled-worker visa.
| How it works | |
|---|---|
| Fee | 208 euros |
| New copy of an existing statement | 104 euros |
| Payment deadline | usually 3 weeks |
| Processing time | 3 months for a regular application |
| Application | online on the ZAB website |
| Validity | unlimited, throughout Germany |
Do you need the statement to get a job?
Usually not. According to the ZAB, in most professions you can apply directly on the German job market; the statement is voluntary but can help your application. In a regulated profession, such as doctor, teacher or nurse, it is not enough: there you always need recognition of your professional qualification. How that works is explained in Foreign qualification recognition in Germany.
And your German?
Recognition and language are two separate proofs. For an EU Blue Card the law asks for no German; other routes do. Which level applies to which visa is in Germany visa: which German level. If you still need your certificate, you can practise with us under real conditions, for example telc Deutsch B1 or Goethe-Zertifikat B2.
Frequently asked questions
What does H+ mean in anabin?
H+ is the status your university should have for a skilled-worker visa based on a degree. With H+/- it depends on the specific programme; H- is not enough.
How much does the ZAB statement of comparability cost?
208 euros. A new copy of a statement already issued costs 104 euros.
How long does the ZAB statement take?
3 months for a regular application. Processing starts once the fee and all documents have arrived.
Do I need a statement of comparability to work in Germany?
In most professions no; it is voluntary. In regulated professions it is not enough, you need recognition.
Sources
- anabin: information portal on foreign qualifications (KMK), checked 9 October 2026
- ZAB: statement of comparability, frequently asked questions, checked 9 October 2026
- ZAB: fees for the statement of comparability, checked 9 October 2026
- German embassy Dakar: guidance on the anabin database, checked 9 October 2026
- German embassy Minsk: guidance on anabin, checked 9 October 2026
