Hamburg Chamber of Crafts

Getting foreign vocational qualifications in skilled trades recognized

Do you have a vocational qualification from abroad? Here you can find out where you can apply for recognition of your qualification.

Detailed description

You can have a vocational training qualification from abroad officially recognized by the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK).



This procedure is called "determination of equivalence".


Your educational qualification must be officially recognized in the country where you completed your training.



For skilled workers abroad outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, a recognition procedure is usually a prerequisite for the issuance of a visa.


For qualifications from Austria and France, there is the possibility of a simplified determination of equivalence, as special agreements exist with these countries.

Further information can be found in the "Links" section.

 

Information

Prerequisites

Detailed information about the requirements can be found in the "Links" section.

Documents required

Detailed information about the required documents can be found in the "Links" section.

Please note

Detailed information can be found in the "Links" section.

Deadlines

Detailed information about the deadlines can be found in the "Links" section.

Procedure

Detailed information about the procedure can be found in the "Links" section.

Processing time

Detailed information can be found in the "Links" section.

Fees

Detailed information about the costs can be found in the "Links" section.

Payment methods available

  • Bill

Payment information

Transfer after receipt of the notification of fees after completion of the recognition process

Legal remedies

Not applicable

Legal basis

Section 40a of the Crafts and Trades Code (HWO)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/hwo/__40a.html


Section 50c of the Crafts and Trades Code (HWO)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/hwo/__50c.html


Sections 4 to 8 of the Professional Qualifications Assessment Act


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bqfg/__4.html


Section 10 of the Federal Expellees Act (BVFG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bvfg/__10.html

Forms and downloads

Links on the Internet

Address and contact information

Hamburg Chamber of Crafts

Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Please call us in advance to make an appointment. Appointments beyond these opening times are also possible after registering by telephone.

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Last updated: 06.02.2026