Recognition of foreign qualifications (Anerkennung): what you need to know
Many professionals from abroad do not know whether they need recognition in Germany, where to apply and what to write in their CV while recognition is pending. Here is an overview with links to the official authorities.
1. Do I need recognition?
It depends on whether your profession is regulated in Germany.
- Regulated professions may only be practised with recognition: for example nurse (Pflegefachfrau/-mann), doctor, pharmacist, teacher at a state school, state-recognised educator (staatlich anerkannte Erzieherin). Without recognition you cannot work in the profession.
- Non-regulated professions, for example most trades and industrial professions or IT, can be practised without recognition. A recognition notice still helps: the employer knows exactly what your level is.
- For a visa as a skilled worker from a non-EU country you usually need a recognised or comparable qualification, even if the profession itself is not regulated.
The Anerkennungs-Finder on the official portal shows whether your profession is regulated and who is responsible.
2. Who is responsible?
- Health professions (nurses, doctors, therapists): the authority of the federal state
- Skilled trades (Handwerk): the chamber of crafts (Handwerkskammer)
- Industrial and commercial professions: IHK FOSA
- Teachers and educators: authorities of the federal state
- University degrees without a regulated profession (for example computer science, economics): not recognition in the narrow sense, but an assessment via the anabin database or a Zeugnisbewertung from the ZAB
3. How the process works
- You submit an application with documents on your training and experience, usually as certified copies and translations. You can also apply from abroad.
- The authority compares your qualification with the German reference profession in content and length. Work experience can make up for differences.
- Result: full equivalence, partial equivalence (stating what is missing) or none. In regulated professions, instead of partial equivalence a compensation measure is usually set: an adaptation course or an exam.
- You can make up what is missing with further training (Anpassungsqualifizierung), often while working.
- Fees, depending on the profession, are often a few hundred euros, plus translations. On a low income you can get a grant, the Anerkennungszuschuss; apply for it before your recognition application.
If you are still abroad, the central service ZSBA gives free advice. In Germany the advice centres of the IQ programme help. Addresses and all details: anerkennung-in-deutschland.de. This page is not legal advice.
4. Recognition status in your CV
Employers want to understand right away how your qualification compares to the German one. State your qualification with the country and the current stage, briefly and honestly (the CV itself is in German):
More examples by profession: nursing, skilled trades, IT.
5. Good to know
- In non-regulated professions you can apply for jobs right away, before recognition
- Protected job titles only after recognition is complete
- Apply for the Anerkennungszuschuss before the recognition application
- References and work certificates can make up for differences in training
Describe your experience in your language.
cvfix states your qualification and recognition status correctly in your CV and does not use job titles you are not yet entitled to.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to have my foreign qualification recognised in Germany?
Only in regulated professions such as medicine, nursing or teaching is it mandatory to work in the profession. In non-regulated professions it is voluntary but helps when applying. For a skilled-worker visa from a non-EU country you usually need a recognised or comparable qualification.
Where do I apply for recognition?
It depends on the profession: health professions at the authority of the federal state, trades at the Handwerkskammer, industrial and commercial professions at IHK FOSA. The Anerkennungs-Finder on anerkennung-in-deutschland.de shows the responsible office.
What does partial equivalence mean?
The authority found substantial differences to the German profession and describes in the notice what is missing. After further training (Anpassungsqualifizierung) you can apply for full equivalence.
Can I apply for jobs before recognition is complete?
Yes. In non-regulated professions right away, in regulated professions for example for jobs where the employer supports you through an adaptation course or exam. State your current recognition status honestly in your CV.
How do I state my recognition status in my CV?
Your qualification with the country, then the stage in one sentence, for example “Teilweise Gleichwertigkeit mit Kfz-Mechatroniker/in festgestellt (HWK, 2026), Anpassungsqualifizierung läuft”. German job titles only if you are entitled to them.
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