Authority for Schools, Family and Vocational Training

Teachers with professional qualifications from the EU, EEA or Switzerland - apply for recognition

Prerequisites

• You would like to work as a teacher in Hamburg.
• You have a professional qualification as a teacher from the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
• Your professional qualification is equivalent to the professional qualification required in Hamburg.
  • Important criteria are the content and duration of the training. The responsible body will also consider your professional experience, other qualifications, and other qualifications when assessing equivalence.
• If your professional qualifications deviate too much from the required professional qualifications, you can complete a compensatory measure.

Documents required

If you want to have your professional qualifications as a teacher recognized, you will need various documents. These may include:

• Application form
• Proof of identity (passport or identity card)
• Marriage certificate if your name was changed through marriage
• CV
• First school leaving certificate, if necessary with a declaration of loss
• Evidence of your professional qualifications, such as certificates, diplomas or professional documents
• Evidence of the content and duration of your training, for example a diploma supplement, transcript of records or examination regulations
• Evidence of other qualifications, such as professional training or seminars
• Evidence of your professional experience as a teacher
• If you have already submitted an application for recognition: details of the body to which you submitted the application
• If applicable: Proof or declaration that you would like to work as a teacher in Hamburg, for example applications for positions

The responsible authority will inform you which documents you must submit, either as originals or copies. Please note:

• You will need to have some copies officially certified.
• Do not send originals by mail.
• Submit the documents in the original language and a translation. The translations must be prepared by a publicly appointed or authorized translator.
• Additional documents are often required for employment in schools. You submit these when you complete a compensatory measure or are hired:
  • Language certificate: A language certificate confirming your German language skills
  • Proof of personal suitability: Certificate of good conduct from Germany or your country of origin (for example, criminal record extract)
  • Proof of health suitability: medical certificate
• The responsible office will support you with any questions and inform you about the next steps.

Please note

• If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for a teaching qualification. This is valid for a specific teaching position and gives you the same rights as those with a German qualification.
• For a position in the school system, you must meet additional requirements:
  • You have the required German language skills. The responsible authority will inform you of your language level.
  • You are reliable and have no criminal record.
  • Your health is suitable for the job.
• There are several ways to work as a teacher without recognition of your qualifications. These include:
  • Lateral entry, side entry or direct entry
  • Working at private schools, international schools or as a substitute teacher
  • Lessons in your native language or in special needs classes (for example, German as a foreign or second language)
  • Activities in adult education
• The responsible authority will advise you on the details and next steps.

Deadlines

no

Procedure

• You can submit the application with the required documents to the responsible authority by mail or electronically.
• The responsible authority will review your application and documents. If necessary, they will request additional documents or information from you.
• You will receive confirmation that your application has been received.
• The responsible body will check whether your professional qualification is equivalent to the professional qualification required in Hamburg.
• You will receive a notification about the recognition of your professional qualification.
• If there are significant differences between your professional qualifications and those required in Hamburg, you may be able to complete a compensatory measure.
  • The responsible authority will inform you about possible compensatory measures.
  • If you have successfully completed a compensatory measure, you will receive full equality.
• With equal treatment you can apply for teaching positions.

Processing time

• You will receive confirmation that your documents have arrived within one month at the latest. You will be notified if any required documents are missing, and if so, which ones.


• If all required documents are submitted, the process will take a maximum of three months. The competent authority may extend the process if necessary.

Fees

Costs may arise. These costs depend on the effort required to review the documents. The responsible authority will inform you of the costs. Additional costs may also arise, for example, for translations or certification of your documents. These costs vary from individual to individual.

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

Professional Qualifications Assessment Act (BQFG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bqfg/




Hamburg Law on the Determination of the Equivalence of Foreign Professional Qualifications (HmbBQFG)


https://www.landesrecht-hamburg.de/bsha/document/jlr-BQFGHA frame