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

  • Application form fully completed and signed
  • Current CV
  • Identity card or passport
  • Proof of residence in Hamburg (for example, a registration certificate) or proof of employment in Hamburg
    • If you do not yet live in Hamburg, you must prove that you intend to live or work in Hamburg in the future (for example, through applications, an entry visa for employment, or a personal declaration).
  • Name change certificate or marriage certificate (if her name has changed through marriage)
  • School leaving certificate
  • Proof of your qualification: Diploma, training certificate or university degree
  • Evidence of the content and duration of the training: for example, subject lists, grade overview, diploma supplement, transcript of records, etc.
  • Proof of professional experience: for example, employment certificate or work record
  • Notices / letters from other recognition bodies or authorities (if any)

Please submit a German translation of your documents along with the original German translation. This translation should be issued by a certified translator. English documents do not require a translation.



Please submit copies, not original documents.


If you no longer have some documents, please submit a written explanation. The responsible office will then usually work with you to find a solution.

Please note

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

Deadlines

No

Procedure

  • You can apply for professional recognition in writing or online. Please include complete copies of all required documents with your application.
  • As soon as your application arrives at the responsible authority, you will receive confirmation of receipt by email.
  • Once the relevant authority has received all your documents, it will assess whether your professional qualification is equivalent to the professional qualification of a special education teacher/caregiver in Hamburg. Your professional experience and further training will also be taken into account.
  • You will receive a notification regarding the decision on your application, as well as other relevant information. You also have the option of scheduling a consultation appointment.
    • If your qualifications are equivalent, you will receive state recognition. You are then entitled to use the professional title "state-certified special education teacher" or "state-certified special education teacher." You will then have the same professional rights as a person with the German professional qualification. Your professional qualification will be recognized.
    • If there are significant but compensable differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification, your qualification will be partially recognized. You can then participate in a compensatory measure to address these significant differences. You can choose between an adaptation course or an aptitude test. If you successfully complete the compensatory measure, you will receive full recognition. Various compensatory measures are available:
      • Adaptation course: You undertake additional training at a technical school or other further education courses.
      • Aptitude test: You will take a test.
      • Practical experience: You work and gain professional experience.

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: 06.02.2026