Foreign qualification recognition in Germany: how it works

Do you need recognition at all?

It depends on whether your profession is regulated in Germany. In a regulated profession you may not work, or not use the professional title, without recognition. In a non-regulated profession you can apply for jobs directly. Recognition still helps there, because employers can judge your qualification more easily.

Who decides on your application?

There is no single office for all professions. Depending on the profession, the competent authority may be a state authority, a chamber or a regional government office. Which one is yours depends on the profession and the place where you want to work. The federal Recognition Finder names the office and its address after a few questions.

Which documents do you need?

Section 5(1) of the Professional Qualifications Assessment Act (BQFG) lists what you submit with the application:

1. a tabular overview of your training and work history, in German,
2. proof of identity, such as your passport,
3. your foreign qualification certificates,
4. evidence of relevant work experience or other qualifications, where needed for the assessment,
5. a declaration that you have not applied for an equivalence assessment before.

Most authorities also ask for translations by sworn translators and certified copies. The exact list for your profession is in the Recognition Finder.

How long does recognition take?

Under § 6 BQFG the authority must decide on equivalence within three months. The clock only starts once all documents are complete. If something is missing, the authority tells you, and the deadline does not run until it arrives. In special cases it may extend the deadline once, with reasons. The federal portal puts the whole procedure at about three to four months.

What can the result be?

For doctors we explain the notice that lists differences in Defizitbescheid: the next steps.

What does recognition cost?

According to the federal portal, the procedure itself can cost several hundred euros, plus translations and certified copies. If you live in Germany and earn little, you can get the federal recognition grant (Anerkennungszuschuss): 100 to 600 euros for the procedure. The income limit is 32,000 euros gross a year for single people and 50,000 euros for married couples and civil partners.

What role does your German play?

In regulated professions the authority checks your German skills as well as your qualification. The level depends on the profession and often on the federal state. For nursing and medicine see German exams for nurses and German level for doctors.

If you are in the recognition procedure, you can join a job-related German course (Berufssprachkurs) of the BAMF: according to the BAMF, courses for people in the recognition procedure remain available without restriction from October 2026. They usually end with the German Test for the Workplace (DTB).

Can you apply from abroad?

Yes. You can apply while you still live outside Germany. That saves time, because the procedure runs while you plan your move.

Your next steps

1. Use the Recognition Finder: is your profession regulated, and which authority is responsible?
2. If you live in Germany: apply for the recognition grant first.
3. Collect the documents on the authority's list and have them translated and certified.
4. Submit the application and note the day your file is complete: the three months start then.
5. Plan the German certificate you will need at the same time.