In principle, you can apply for recognition before entering Germany from abroad.
However, there are also various options for starting or completing your recognition procedure during a stay in Germany.
Citizens of member states of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland do not require a residence permit. They enjoy unrestricted freedom of movement in Germany.
Residence permits for the recognition of professional qualifications
Adjustment qualification
If you have already started a recognition procedure and the competent recognition body identifies gaps in your professional qualifications, you must compensate for these with qualification measures. This can take the form of an adjustment course or an examination. You can apply for a residence permit for the recognition of professional qualifications.
You can find further information on qualification offers on the BQ-Portal page.
The residence permit can be issued for a period of 24 months so that you can take part in a adjustment course in Germany for the recognition of your professional qualification acquired abroad. An extension of up to twelve months is possible. This can result in a maximum duration of stay of up to three years. You may work up to twenty hours a week during the training measure.
Requirements (among other):
- Entry with a German visa for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications
Exception: Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the USA or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland can travel to Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit in Germany. - Assessment notice from the authority responsible for the profession regarding the need for further professional qualifications
- Proof of participation in a suitable adaptation or qualification measure
- Proof of German language skills
Minimum level A2, for doctors and nurses B1. In individual cases, a lower language level may be sufficient if the language acquisition is part of the planned qualification measure - Proof of funding (1.027€ per month or submission of a declaration of commitment)
- Sufficient health insurance coverage
Use the Online Service Residence Permit Hamburg to apply and submit your documents.
Information on the application and the documents to be submitted can be found in the Forms section.
Recognition partnership
The recognition partnership is entered into between a prospective professional and a company in Germany.
You are a prospective professional if you would have to present recognition of your foreign qualifications for a residence permit for employment, but have not yet applied for recognition.
Both sides of the partnership - the company and you - will ensure when applying for the visa that recognition will be applied for after entry and that the procedure will be actively pursued. This means that the recognition procedure does not have to be carried out from abroad. While you are already in Germany and working here, you can start the process.
The residence permit can be issued for a period of 24 months and, if you continue to meet the requirements, can be extended for a stay of up to three years.
Requirements (among other):
- Entry with a German visa for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications
Exception: Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the USA or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland can travel to Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit in Germany. - Professional qualification acquired abroad:
You can provide evidence of at least two years of training or a university degree. This must be recognized in the country in which you received your training. You must submit proof of this from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). Click here to apply:
Evaluation of university degree
Evaluation of other professional qualifications Proof of German language skills
Minimum level A2Secured livelihood (e.g. through the employment relationship)
Sufficient health insurance coverage
Use the Online Service Residence Permit Hamburg to apply and submit your documents.
Information on the application and the documents to be submitted can be found in the Forms section.
Skills analysis
Under certain circumstances, the competent recognition body may decide that you can undergo a skills analysis. This is the case, for example, if you have completed training abroad but can no longer provide any documentation. As part of the skills analysis, you will demonstrate your practical and theoretical knowledge directly to the recognition office.
A residence permit is initially issued for 6 months, but can be extended if you have to take part in further adjustment or qualification measures to achieve full equivalence of your professional qualification.
Requirements (among other):
- Entry with a German visa for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications
Exception: Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the USA or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland can travel to Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit in Germany. - Written confirmation from the body responsible for the profession that a skills analysis will be carried out in your case
Proof of German language skills
Minimum level A2 (to be determined by the recognition body)Secured livelihood or submission of a declaration of commitment
Sufficient health insurance coverage
Use the Online Service Residence Permit Hamburg to apply and submit your documents.
Information on the application and the documents to be submitted can be found in the Forms section.
Prospects after the recognition procedure
Once your recognition procedure has been completed, you will receive full equivalence of your professional qualification or professional license and can apply for a job as a skilled worker. You can then apply for a further extension of your stay:
Work permit to look for a job:
if you do not yet have a job offer or
Residence permit for employment:
if you have a job offer for qualified employment
This gives skilled workers from countries outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland the opportunity to integrate into the German labor market.
Consultation
If you want to learn more about the recognition of foreign professions, feel free to visit one of the following contact points for a consultation.
There are various points of contact for advice on the topic of professional recognition abroad:
- Nationwide advice centers: Facilities of the IQ funding program as well as the "Working and Living in Germany" hotline of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the International Placement Services (ZAV)
- Websites with general and job-specific information on the topic of professional recognition: "Recognition in Germany", "Make-it-in-Germany", "BQ-Portal".
- Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs): The institutions involved in the "ProRecognition" project offer interested parties in selected countries the opportunity to obtain advice on the recognition of professional qualifications.
In Hamburg, you can also contact the Hamburg Welcome Center.
