How does the recognition of foreign qualifications work?

If you have completed vocational training abroad and would now like to work in Germany, it is often necessary to have this training recognized. Recognition of your vocational training from abroad is important so that you can work in your profession in Germany. The process can vary depending on the profession and federal state. It is best to first contact the specialized advice centers that can help you with this.

How does the recognition of foreign vocational training work?

The first step towards recognition of your training is to contact an advice center. These institutions will help you to understand the necessary documents and complete all applications. In general, you must submit your training certificates and possibly also proof of professional experience . These documents should be officially certified and translated into German. The responsible recognition officer will then check whether your training corresponds to the German reference training.

To have your foreign professional qualification recognized in Germany, you must complete the following steps:

1. Find out which authority is responsible: Find out which German authority is responsible for recognizing your specific qualification. You can find information on this on the website "Recognition in Germany".
2. Collect the required documents: Gather all the necessary documents such as diplomas and certificates, as well as proof of your professional experience. These documents must be translated into German by a certified translator.
3. Submit application: Complete the application form for recognition and attach all required documents. The form can usually be downloaded from the website of the competent recognition authority. Ask the relevant advice centers to help you fill out the application to avoid unnecessary costs and save time. 
4. Pay the fee: Pay the application fee, which varies depending on the profession and the complexity of the assessment process.
5. Wait for assessment: The recognition authority will assess your qualifications to determine their equivalence to German standards.
6. Meet additional requirements (if necessary): If your qualification is not fully equivalent, you may need to fulfill additional requirements, such as taking an exam or completing an adaptation qualification.

These steps should give you a clear overview and help you navigate the process of having your foreign professional qualifications recognized in Germany.

Duration and costs of the recognition procedure

The duration and costs of the recognition procedure can vary greatly. They depend on the type of training, the complexity of the equivalence check and the completeness of the documents submitted. However, with the help of advice centers, both the duration and the costs can often be significantly reduced. In general, you should expect it to take several weeks to months, and fees can range from a few hundred to over a thousand euros.

Well-paid jobs for career changers during the recognition procedure 

While your recognition procedure is ongoing, you can also work as a career changer in various sectors. Many companies are open to applicants with extensive work experience, even without a formal German education. For information on well-paid jobs without training that are ideal for career changers, read the articles on well-paid jobs without training and career changer jobs without training here.

Finding jobs after successful recognition of your training

If your training is recognized, you have a much better chance of finding suitable and well-paid jobs. WorkerHero helps you discover the best job opportunities, whether you're looking in Berlin, Hamburg or anywhere in Germany. Our platform makes the job search easier, whether your education is recognized or not. We offer many different job ads that match your skills and experience.

The recognition of your foreign vocational training can be the key to a successful career in Germany. With the right information and support from advice centers, you can make this process efficient and successful. WorkerHero is there to help you, from advice on the recognition procedure to finding a job on the German job market.