Do you have a vocational qualification from abroad and want to work in Berlin? Here you can find detailed information about recognition and learn what you can do next.
What Is the Difference Between Regulated and Non-Regulated Professions?
Whether recognition is necessary at all depends on the profession. In Germany, a distinction is made between regulated and non-regulated professions.
Regulated professions:Recognition is mandatory for these professions in order to be allowed to work in your profession in Germany. | Non-regulated professions:You do not need official recognition to work in this profession. |
|---|---|
Regulated professions include, in particular: Professions involving work with people Professions with special responsibility for children Professions with legal responsibility Professions involving responsibility for health and safety You can find a complete list of regulated professions here: Verzeichnis reglementierter Berufe | Berlin.de | You can apply directly for jobs or become self-employed. Most professions in Germany are non-regulated. To help an employer better assess your qualification, we recommend having your
certificate
evaluated. Examples of non-regulated professions include:
|
How Does the Recognition Procedure Work?
- Apply for recognition
Once you have prepared your documents, you submit your application to the responsible authority for your qualification.
Many applications can be submitted online. For this, you need access through BundID. - Review of documents
The responsible authority reviews your qualification and compares it with the reference profession. - The responsible authority informs you about the result
The result you receive depends on the institution. In the next step, you can find out which authority is responsible for your case.
Tip: In Germany, practical experience is especially important. Submit proof of your professional experience.
Where Do I Submit the Application?
-
Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family – Teaching Profession
The recognition authority checks whether your qualification matches a teaching profession in Berlin. Here you can find a checklist showing which documents you need:
Here you can access the online application :
Pay attention! For this, you need an account with BundID. You can find more information on our BundID page.
-
Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family – Social Pedagogy Profession
The recognition authority checks whether your qualification matches training for one of these professions in Berlin:
- childhood educator
- social worker/social pedagogue (B.A.)
- special needs educator (B.A.)
Here you can find a checklist showing which documents you need:
And here you can access the application :
-
Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family – Educator and Special Needs Educator
The recognition authority checks whether your qualification matches training for one of these professions in Berlin:
- educator
- special needs educator
Here you can find a checklist showing which documents you need:
And here you can access the application :
-
State Office for Health and Social Affairs – Academic Professions
The recognition authority checks whether your qualification matches training for one of these professions in Berlin:
- doctor
- dentist
- pharmacist
Here you can find a checklist showing which documents you need:
And here you can access the application :
Are you a veterinarian? Then you can access the application here:
-
State Office for Health and Social Affairs – Non-Academic Professions
The recognition authority checks whether your qualification matches an apprenticeship in one of the nursing professions in Berlin.
You can find a list of these professions directly in the application .
Here you can find a checklist showing which documents you need:
And here you can access the application :
-
Chamber of Industry and Commerce FOSA (Foreign Skills Approval)
The Chamber of Industry and Commerce FOSA reviews foreign apprenticeship qualifications and compares them with IHK professions. It is a joint center of 76 Chambers of Industry and Commerce and carries out the recognition procedure.
Here you can find a list of all IHK reference professions:
And here you can access the application . You can also find a checklist in the application on page 6:
-
Berlin Chamber of Construction – Engineering Professions
The Chamber of Construction reviews your foreign apprenticeship in engineering.
You may work in this profession even without recognition. However, only with recognition by the Chamber of Construction may you use the title "Ingenieurin" or "Ingenieur" ("engineer").Here you can find a checklist showing which documents you need:
Here you can access the application :
-
Berlin Chamber of Skilled Crafts – Skilled Trades Professions
The Berlin Chamber of Skilled Crafts (HWK) reviews your foreign apprenticeship and compares it with a German skilled trade profession.
It then tells you whether your qualification is equivalent and whether you have the same rights as with a German qualification.Here you can find a checklist showing which documents you need:
Our tip: Do a preliminary assessment. If the result is positive, you will receive an application form to complete.
Here you can find the instructions:
You can also find a list of skilled trade professions here.
-
Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) – Non-Regulated Professions
The Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) reviews your foreign university degree.
It explains how your degree fits into the German system and confirms your qualification.Here you can find the checklist so you know which documents you need to submit:
And here you can access the online application :
Pay attention! For this, you need an account with BundID. You can find more information on our BundID page.
Where you can submit the application depends on your profession – further below you will find a list with the relevant information for each profession.
The Recognition Finder
Still not sure what to do next or which authority is responsible for your case? On the portal "Recognition in Germany", you can find out how your profession or certificate can be recognized.
How Long Does the Recognition Procedure Take?
The recognition procedure can take several months.
Preparing your application often takes time as well. Plan enough time for:
- translations and certified copies
- collecting and organizing your documents
- advice and counseling
- clarifying financing
- processing time after the application
After you submit your application , the responsible authority reviews your documents. There are legal deadlines for making a decision. In some cases, it may take longer, for example if many applications are submitted.
What Do I Do If I Have Multiple Qualifications?
-
If You Have Multiple Academic Qualifications
If you have multiple academic qualifications, you can apply for a statement of comparability for each qualification. This is legally possible.
The responsible authority is the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB).
-
If You Have Multiple Qualifications in the Same Profession
If you have two or more qualifications in the same profession, it is often a good idea to use the higher qualification.
A university degree is not always better than a vocational qualification. Sometimes a vocational qualification is a better match for your work.
If you have multiple qualifications, first think about what you would like to do professionally in Berlin. Recognition or evaluation is especially useful for the qualification that helps you achieve this goal.
Do I Need German Language Skills for the Recognition Procedure?
For detailed information, check with the responsible authority. You can find the list here.
No proof of German language skills required
You do not need to provide proof of German language skills for:
- a statement of comparability
- digital information services
- applications for non-regulated professions
Proof of German language skills required
For regulated professions, there are requirements regarding German language skills. The language skills you need are listed in the information for the respective profession.
German for qualifications
If you take part in an adaptation measure or qualification program, you need German language skills to participate in the course, understand the content, or receive funding.
B2 level is often used as a guideline.
What Costs Arise During the Recognition Procedure?
Various costs may arise during the recognition procedure.
The fees for the
application
are fixed. Other costs depend on your situation and may vary.
Possible costs include, for example:
- application fees
- translations of documents
- certified copies of documents
- copies and postage
- fees for a statement of comparability or digital information services
- costs for adaptation courses or qualification programs
- examination fees
- travel costs or learning materials
You may be able to receive financial support:
- The Jobcenter or the Employment Agency can support the preparation and submission of the application .
- If you do not receive benefits from the Jobcenter , you can apply for financial support through the Recognition Grant.
- For compensation measures or qualification programs, the Jobcenters , the Employment Agency , and the State of Berlin may offer funding opportunities.
Important
Apply for financial support early. It is important to do this before submitting your application or before starting a measure.
Get advice about funding:
Do I Need to Have My Documents Translated?
Yes, in most cases you must have your documents translated by a sworn translator. Some responsible authorities also accept documents in English or other languages. The exact requirements are listed by the responsible authority.
You can find lists of sworn translators here:
Bundesverband der Dolmetscher und Übersetzer
You can find out which documents must be translated in the checklists of the responsible authorities.
Important documents (for example, ID documents or certificates ) that were not issued in the Latin alphabet must also be transliterated .
More Information About Recognition
All information provided here comes from the multilingual advice hotline for international skilled workers in Berlin.
Telephone
+49 30 31510-900
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Locations in this map
Willkommenszentrum Berlin
Show on mapThe Counselling Centre for Migrants, which has existed since 1981, and the Welcome Centre Berlin, which was founded in 2016, were merged in April 2021.
People with a history of migration and their relatives continue to receive competent advice on all questions of migration as well as arrival and advancement from a single source. The grown team of the Welcome Center and the cooperation partners, including the networks Integration through Qualification (IQ) and bridge, inform, advise and support individually and multilingually.
The following concerns are covered by the Welcome Centre - Counselling Centre of the Integration Officers:
- Legal advice in migration law
- Hardship counselling
- social counselling
- Advice on the recognition of professional qualifications from abroad
- Advice on training and further education, German courses and job search - Advice on setting up a business
- Advice on labour law
Language overview: https://www.berlin.de/willkommenszentru…
Consulting hours of the partners: https://www.berlin.de/willkommenszentru…
Potsdamer Str. 61
10785 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] Our consulting takes place on site, by telephone and digitally.
Opening hours:
Mon 9:00-13:00
Tue 9:00-13:00 + 15:00-18:00
Wed 9:00-13:00
Thu 9:00-13:00 + 15:00-18:00
Consultation by e-mail and arrangement of consultation appointments: beratung@intmig.berlin.de
Appointments for consultation by phone:
Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00-12:00 at (030) 9017-23172.
Personal consultation in Ukrainian and Russian
Monday 09 - 13 h
Tuesday 09 to 13 h, 15 to 18 h
Thursday 09 to 13 h, 15 to 18 h
BBeFaP
Show on mapGermany
BIbA II
Show on map- Free and independent specialist advice on the recognition of professional qualifications acquired abroad.
- Information on the procedure, costs and duration of the process
- Support in compiling the necessary documents and recommendation on the reference occupation
- Referral to the competent office in the recognition procedure
- Qualification counselling in the context of the recognition laws
- Support in researching compensatory measures
- Support in the search for further counselling services if recognition is not an option
Oranienstr. 57
10969 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] Open consultation hours:
Without appointment usually every Wednesday from 10:00 to 14:00. You can find more information on the dates of the open consultation hours at: https://www.tbb-berlin.de/projekte/bera…
Telephone consultation hours:
Tuesdays and Fridays: 10:00 - 14:00
Fahrplan Anerkennung beruflicher Abschlüsse Plus II
Show on mapFree, independent and individual counselling, information and
for people who would like to apply for recognition of a qualification acquired abroad.
qualification acquired abroad.
- Independent and confidential specialist advice
- Information on the procedure, costs and duration of the process
- Support with the compilation of the necessary documents and
Recommendations on the reference occupation - Referral to the competent body in the recognition procedure
- Advice on qualification options for obtaining professional recognition
recognition - Support in researching compensatory measures in the case of partial recognition
- Support in the search for further counselling services if recognition cannot be considered.
recognition is not an option.
The counselling centre has an additional location at the following address
to be reached at the following address: Lindowerstraße 18, 13347 Berlin
Lindower Str. 18
13347 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] Appointment under:
Tel. 030/26 34 76 05 or
E-mail: anerkennung@club-dialog.de
LaRA Plus II
Show on map- Free and independent specialist advice on the recognition of professional qualifications acquired abroad.
- Information on the procedure, costs and duration of the process
- Support in compiling the necessary documents and recommendation on the reference occupation
- Referral to the competent office in the recognition procedure
- Qualification counselling in the context of the recognition laws
- Support in researching compensatory measures
- Support in the search for further counselling services if recognition is not an option
Alt-Reinickendorf 25
13407 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] For an online consultation (by e-mail or telephone), please send us a request by e-mail.
Please note that the waiting time for an e-mail consultation is currently approx. 3 months.
To request a consultation, please first fill out the registration form: www.iq-webapp.de/anmeldung/la-red.
Telephone consultation hours:
Monday from 12 to 15, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm on 030 457989555.
Mehrsprachige Beratungshotline für internationale Fachkräfte in Berlin
Show on map[DeepL:] International professionals can obtain information and advice on questions relating to the recognition of their foreign professional qualifications. The multilingual telephone hotline is available to professionals who work or would like to work in Berlin.
The hotline advisors provide initial orientation for those seeking advice and answer basic questions. They will help you find the right recognition office or refer you to the recognition counseling centers of the IQ Netzwerk Berlin.
If further questions need to be clarified, referrals are made to other counseling services such as those of the Berlin Job Center, the Berlin Counseling Center for Education and Career, or the Welcome Center.
The project is a cooperation between the Senate Department for Integration, Labor and Social Affairs, the Berlin Senate Commissioner for Integration and Migration, the Berlin-Brandenburg Regional Directorate of the Federal Employment Agency, the Berlin Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Berlin Chamber of Skilled Crafts.
The project EMSA of the sponsor Arbeit und Bildung is a partner in the implementation.
Germany
[DeepL:] Monday - Thursday 10-15
Here you can find helpful videos that support you with the application process.
Do you want to know how to use the Anerkennungsfinder (recognition finder)? Take a look here:
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