Which professions need recognition in Germany? Important information for employers

If companies in Germany want to hire skilled workers from abroad, they must check whether a Recognition of foreign qualifications is required. In many professions, recognition is mandatory before a work permit can be issued or employment can be taken up. This guide helps employers to understand the right steps and make the process easier for foreign skilled workers.

1. which professions require recognition?

In Germany there are Regulated professionsfor which recognition is mandatory, and Non-regulated professionsfor which recognition may be voluntary or advisable.

1.1 Regulated professions (recognition mandatory)

For these professions, German legislation stipulates that foreign skilled workers must have their qualifications recognized before they are allowed to work in Germany.

Examples of regulated professions:

• Health and nursing professions: Doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nursing staff, physiotherapists
• Social and educational professions: Educators, teachers, social workers
• Technical and engineering professions: Architects, engineers
• Legal professions: Lawyers, patent attorneys, notaries
• Safety-related professions: Air traffic controllers, ship masters, dangerous goods officers

Practical example:
A hospital in Germany would like to employ a nurse from Turkey. As the profession is regulated, she must have her qualifications recognized before she is allowed to work.

1.2 Non-regulated professions (recognition voluntary, but useful)

In most other professions, recognition is not mandatory. The employer can decide for themselves whether the foreign qualification is sufficient.

Examples of non-regulated professions:

• IT specialists
• Commercial professions (e.g. accountant, sales, marketing)
• Craft trades (e.g. carpenters, bakers, mechanics)
• Industrial and production professions

Practical example:
A German IT company hires a software developer from Brazil. As the profession is not regulated, the employer decides for himself whether his training and experience are sufficient for the position.

2 Why is recognition important?

The recognition of a foreign qualification brings advantages for employers and employees:

• Legal security: In regulated professions, recognition is mandatory in order to avoid fines or work bans.
• Easier to obtain a work permit: For third-country nationals (non-EU citizens), a recognized qualification can make it easier to obtain a visa and work permit (e.g. EU Blue Card).
• Comparability: Employers receive an official assessment of how the foreign qualification corresponds to the German system.
• Attractiveness for customers and authorities: Recognized degrees increase a company's credibility and market opportunities.

3. recognition procedure: Step-by-step guide for employers

Step 1: Check whether recognition is required

• Regulated professions: Recognition is mandatory.
• Non-regulated professions: Recognition is voluntary, but often helpful.

Where to check?
Companies can use the platform to "Recognition in Germany" (www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de) to see whether the profession is subject to recognition.

Step 2: Find the responsible recognition body

Depending on the profession, there are different places for recognition:

• IHK-FOSA: Recognition of commercial and technical professions
• Chambers of Crafts (HWK): Recognition of skilled trades
• State authoritiesRecognition of regulated professions such as doctors, teachers, educators
• ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education)Evaluation of academic degrees

Practical example:
A construction company would like to hire an engineer from Mexico. Recognition is handled by the Chamber of Engineers of the respective federal state.

Step 3: Apply for recognition

The application can be submitted by the employee himself or with the support of the employer. The required documents are

• Typical documents for recognition:
•  Certificates and diplomas
•  Overview of subjects and lessons
• Professional experience and work experience
•  Proof of identity (passport or ID card)
• Language certificates if applicable (e.g. for nursing staff)

The processing time can be between several weeks and several months vary depending on the profession and federal state.

Practical example:
A Polish architect wants to work in Germany. She applies to have her diploma recognized by the Chamber of Architects and has to pass an equivalence test.

4. special cases: Partial recognition and adaptation measures

If the qualification is not fully recognized, there are two options:

• Adaptation qualifications: The employee can catch up on missing knowledge in Germany through courses or examinations.
• Deficit notice: Indicates which contents are still missing and how these can be compensated.

Practical example:
A Serbian dentist only receives one Partial recognition and must have a Knowledge test before he is allowed to practice in Germany.

5. costs and financing of recognition

Costs for recognition

- Average costs: 200 - 600 € depending on profession and federal state
- Additional costs for translations and, if necessary, adaptation measures

Funding opportunities:

• Recognition grant for low-paid skilled workers
• Support from employers or the Federal Employment Agency

6. employer tips for a smooth recognition process

• Plan early: Recognition can take several months. Start the process before the employee enters the country.
• Consider language skills: In many professions (e.g. nursing, education, medicine), knowledge of German is essential. B2 level required.
• Use recognition as a visa requirement: For skilled workers from third countries, recognition can facilitate access to the EU Blue Card facilitate.
• Examination by the IHK or HWK: For non-regulated professions, the IHK-FOSA or the Chamber of Crafts carry out an equivalence check.