Services

Recognition & Formalities

Recognition determines whether someone may practise their profession in Germany – and it is the step where most procedures get stuck. We review the documents before they are submitted and stay in contact with the authorities until the decision arrives.

We take care of the recognition of foreign professional qualifications, coordinate visa applications and residence permits, and accompany the entire administrative process. This also includes applying for work permits and communicating with responsible authorities such as the ZAB or the chambers of crafts.

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Who this service is for

Employers who want to hire a professional from abroad, and international professionals who want to use a qualification obtained abroad in Germany.

How it works

  1. 1

    Review the documents

    Certificates, diplomas, proof of work experience: we check what exists, what has to be translated and certified, and what is missing. Incomplete applications are the most common reason for long procedures.

  2. 2

    Identify the competent authority

    Who is responsible depends on the profession and the federal state: the Central Office for Foreign Education for university degrees, chambers such as the IHK or the Chamber of Crafts for vocational professions, and the relevant state authority for healthcare professions. We clarify this in advance instead of finding out by trial and error.

  3. 3

    File and follow up

    We file the application, answer queries from the authority and keep you informed. Once the documents are complete, the competent authority normally decides within three months.

  4. 4

    Support adaptation measures

    If the qualification is only partially recognised, the decision states which differences have to be compensated – for example through an adaptation course or an examination. We organise the right measure and stay involved until full recognition.

Frequently asked questions

How long does recognition take?
The competent authority normally decides within three months once all documents are complete. The longer part is usually collecting, translating and certifying the documents beforehand.
What does partial recognition mean?
The decision states that the foreign qualification largely, but not fully, corresponds to the German one and names the substantial differences. These can be compensated through an adaptation course or an examination – so the decision is not a no, but an intermediate step.
Does recognition have to be completed before entry?
Not in every case. For some pathways it is enough to have started the procedure and complete the rest in Germany. Which pathway is open in a specific case is something we check at the very beginning, because the entire timeline depends on it.

More services

Back to the overview

International Recruitment

We place international professionals who are a perfect fit for your company. Our services include complete preparation and legal support.

Integration & Support

We accompany international professionals after their arrival in Germany and support them with all important formalities and professional integration.

Preparation in Country of Origin

We prepare candidates for working in Germany, including language qualification and knowledge of German culture.

Support During Employment

We provide six months of integration support to ensure that both employees and employers work together successfully.

Professionals for All Sectors

We recruit professionals from various industries, including medicine, engineering, nursing, and more. Qualification and motivation are our focus.

Does this match your situation?

Tell us what you need and we will come back with an honest assessment of whether and how we can help. Free of charge and without obligation.

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