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First Information Recognition

This document provides information about the process for recognizing foreign professional qualifications in Germany. It explains that the recognition procedure involves a competent authority assessing whether a foreign qualification is equivalent to a German one based on criteria like training content and length. It can be initiated for any profession that is regulated under German law. The procedure usually takes 3-4 months and may result in full recognition, partial recognition requiring additional training, or no recognition. Contact information is provided for questions about the process.

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Ream Fahdi
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34 views3 pages

First Information Recognition

This document provides information about the process for recognizing foreign professional qualifications in Germany. It explains that the recognition procedure involves a competent authority assessing whether a foreign qualification is equivalent to a German one based on criteria like training content and length. It can be initiated for any profession that is regulated under German law. The procedure usually takes 3-4 months and may result in full recognition, partial recognition requiring additional training, or no recognition. Contact information is provided for questions about the process.

Uploaded by

Ream Fahdi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Working and Living in Germany

Your Individual Information Package


18 May 2022

Recognition procedure and regulation

In the recognition procedure, the competent authority checks whether the foreign professional
qualification is equivalent to a German qualification. This equivalence check is performed based on
defined formal criteria, such as the content and length of the training programme. It also takes account
of any relevant professional experience. In principle, a recognition procedure or an application to
assess the equivalence of the qualification can be initiated for every professional qualification that is a
regulated profession under federal or state law. Recognition is strictly required if pursuit of the
profession or use of the professional title is tied to a specific qualification. If this is the case, it is a
regulated profession. For non-regulated professions, applicants can – but do not have to – apply to the
competent authority for an assessment of their qualification’s equivalence. For nationals of a non-EU
country, recognition in a non-regulated profession may also be required for a corresponding entry visa.
The recognition procedure is usually subject to a fee. The fee level is based on the fee system of the
competent authority and varies according to the costs incurred in the individual case.

Steps in the recognition procedure and possible outcomes


1. Find a recognition office: which office is responsible for processing the application depends on
the reference occupation and the future place of residence.
2. Inform about documents and costs to be submitted
3. Collect documents for the application and send off the application.
4. Equivalence check: after receiving the documents, the competent body checks to what extent
the foreign vocational qualification corresponds to the German reference occupation. The
review usually takes 3-4 months.
5. Possible outcomes of the equivalence assessment:
• Full recognition: the foreign professional qualification is equivalent to the German
reference profession. The same rights to exercise the profession exist as for persons
with a German qualification.
• Partial recognition: there are differences between the foreign professional qualification
and the German reference profession. The differences can be compensated for by
participating in a compensatory measure (regulated professions) or in an adaptation
qualification (non-regulated professions). Subsequently, another application can be
made to obtain full recognition of the professional qualification.
• No recognition: there are substantial differences between the foreign professional
qualification and the German reference occupation that cannot be compensated for.
For further questions do not hesitate to contact the
Make it in Germany – Customer Center of the
International and Specialized Services (ZAV) of the
Federal Employment Agency.

International and Specialized Services (ZAV)


Make it in Germany – Customer Center
+49 (0)228 713-1313
make-it-in-germany@arbeitsagentur.de
www.make-it-in-germany.com

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