Hamburg Institute for Vocational Education and Training (HIBB)

Apply for professional recognition of a foreign qualification as a special needs nurse

Do you have a professional qualification as a special education teacher from another country? In order to work in this profession in Germany, you need professional recognition of your qualification.

Detailed description

The profession of special education teacher/caregiver is regulated in Germany. This means:



To work in this profession without restrictions, you must demonstrate specific qualifications. You can apply for recognition of your foreign professional qualifications.



In the recognition process, the professional recognition office compares your professional qualification from abroad with the professional qualification in Hamburg. This process is called: determination of equivalence.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • They have completed training or studies in the field of special education abroad.
  • You would like to work as a special education teacher in Hamburg.

Documents required

Submit clearly legible, labeled, and sorted color PDF scans. Combine related documents into a single PDF file (e.g., diploma documents). Do not send individual pages. Also submit a German translation of your documents. The translation must be certified by a sworn translator. English documents do not require a translation.



- Application form (does not apply to online procedures)


- Proof of your residence in Hamburg (e.g. registration certificate or proof of residence)


- Current and complete CV


- Proof of identity (e.g. identity card or passport)


- Name change certificate or marriage certificate (only in case of name change)


- School leaving certificate (not required for academic degrees)


- Proof of your professional qualifications (e.g. diploma, training certificate or university degree)


- Evidence of the content and duration of vocational training (e.g. subject lists, grade overview, diploma supplement)


- Evidence of your professional experience (e.g., work references or employment record book)



You don't yet live in Hamburg? Please submit your application in the German federal state where you live or work (or will work). Applications may only be submitted in one federal state. We are only responsible if you live or work (or will work) in Hamburg. Please send us supporting documentation: for example, at least two employer responses to your job applications in Hamburg or a Hamburg employment contract. We also accept the location consultation provided by the Central Service Point for Professional Recognition (ZSBA). Additionally, we request a personal statement explaining why and when you will be moving to Hamburg.

Please note

You can also submit the application for the recognition procedure from abroad.

Deadlines

No

Procedure

The authority is reviewing your application in accordance with the Hamburg Professional Qualifications Assessment Act (HmbBQFG). This procedure is called the determination of equivalence.


It will be assessed whether you have completed vocational training and whether your professional qualification is comparable in content to the German qualification. You will receive a notification with the result and further information. We are happy to advise you on your options and answer your questions. If your qualification is equivalent, you will receive state recognition. If there are significant but compensable differences, your professional qualification will be partially recognized. You can then complete one of the following compensatory measures: an adaptation course, an aptitude test, and/or practical experience.


You can apply if you live or work (or will work) in Hamburg.


Important: You may only submit your application to an official recognition body. You can apply for professional recognition by email or via the website www.Anerkennung-in-Deutschland.de. The form can be found on the HIBB website. Please note the information regarding the required documents.

Processing time

The statutory processing period is a maximum of 3 months.

Fees

There are no costs

Legal remedies

An objection may be lodged against the decision regarding the determination of equivalence within one month of notification.

Legal basis

Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications


https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32005L0036


Hamburg Professional Qualifications Assessment Act (HmbBQFG)


https://www.landesrecht-hamburg.de/bsha/document/jlr-BQFGHApG1/part/G


Training and examination regulations of the vocational school for social pedagogy and the vocational school for special needs education (APO-FSH)


https://www.landesrecht-hamburg.de/bsha/document/jlr-SozP%C3%A4dFSchulAPOHArahmen/part/R

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Keywords: Determination of equivalence professional recognition Directive 2005/36/EC Foreign qualification HBQFG HmbBQFG Hamburg Professional Qualifications Assessment Act Professional recognition of foreign qualifications Recognition diploma Recognition of foreign qualifications Diploma abroad equivalence vocational recognition Recognition of special needs educators Special education nurse professional recognition Special needs care worker

Last updated: 11.03.2026