Are you a non-EU citizen already living in Germany?
In order to be allowed to work in Germany, recognition is essential for regulated professions. Non-regulated professions are not legally protected and do not require recognition.
Professions in Germany are categorized in two categories:
- Regulated professions: Recognition is essential for regulated professions. You will need recognition to be allowed to work in a regulated profession. This applies primarily to professions in the health, safety and social services sectors. Some of the regulated professions include medical practitioners, doctors, nurses, dentists, engineers and teachers.
- Non-regulated professions: Non-regulated professions are not legally protected, this means you can work without applying for professional recognition. Some examples of non-regulated professions are: motor vehicle mechatronics technician, office manager, biologist, physicist, linguist, mathematician, scientists, economist, journalist, IT specialists, business economist, computer scientist or baker.
Are you ready to have your profession recognised in Germany?
Do you have certificates of professional qualifications from your country of origin and would like to work in a regulated profession in Germany? Then you will need to get your qualification recognised!
To get your qualifications recognised, you will need to provide a final certificate or evidence of your professional qualifications. A competent authority will check and compare your professional qualification against the German reference occupation as to whether your qualification can be recognised in Germany. The result of the recognition procedure will be communicated in an official notice (Anerkennungsbescheid; recognition notice).
If you are not able to provide certificates that support your professional qualifications for example if you worked in non-regulated professions you may be able to complete a skills analysis. This also applies to a master craftsperson qualification in the trades or crafts that require a license. There are also options for regulated professions. For example you can complete an adaptation period or take an aptitude test.
If you want to have your professional qualification recognised, You must make your application for recognition to the competent authority.
The following documents are always necessary:
- Application form or application without a specified form
- Proof of identity
- Evidence of your professional qualification
- Evidence of the content and duration of your professional qualification
Following your application, the competent authority will processes your application for recognition. It usually takes a maximum of three months for you to receive a notice containing the outcome.
Can I work without recognition in Germany?
That depends on your country of origin and whether your profession is regulated. In order to be allowed to work in Germany, recognition is essential for regulated professions. Non-regulated professions are not legally protected and do not require recognition.
To find out more visit the information portal for the German government for the recognition for professional qualifications.