Recognition of a professional qualification

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about professional recognition

• What does professional recognition mean?

  Professional recognition means evaluation and – assuming a positive decision – confirmation that a professional and vocational qualification acquired abroad is equivalent to a German qualification. In a procedure that is regulated by law, an examination is carried out to determine whether or not your training is equal to comparable German training and whether professional recognition can be granted.

• When do you need professional recognition?

  Professional recognition is helpful in many occupations. In Germany, there are certain professions where it is even mandatory. This depends on the profession:

  Regulated professions

  In regulated professions, recognition of your professional qualifications is a mandatory requirement for pursuing the profession or using the professional title. Without recognition, you will not be permitted to work in the regulated profession in Germany with your professional qualifications acquired abroad.

  Regulated professions in Germany include, for instance, doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, educators and engineers.

  • List of regulated professions (in German)

  • European Commission’s regulated professions database

  Non-regulated professions

  In non-regulated professions, recognition is not a mandatory requirement for pursuing the profession. In professions like these, you can apply directly for a position on the labour market and work in the profession. It may, however, be useful to have your qualification evaluated so that employers and companies can better understand your foreign qualifications.

  In Germany, all so-called apprenticeship occupations, i.e. occupations that are trained in the dual education system are non-regulated professions.

  • Information about training occupations within the German dual system
• What is a regulated profession?

  In a regulated profession, access to the profession and the practice of the profession is bound by legal and administrative regulations to proof of a specific qualification.

  Forms of regulation also include

  • the legal protection of a professional title (e.g. engineer)
  • a licence or certificate of competence for self-employed activities or trades
  • a further training qualification (e.g. business administrator)

  Without recognition, you are not permitted to work in regulated professions in Germany with a professional qualification obtained abroad.

  • List of regulated professions

  • Database of the EU Commission with all regulated professions
• How can you acquire professional recognition?

  1. Via EA Berlin

  You can submit an application for professional recognition of your regulated profession via the online portal of EA Berlin if you wish to work in this profession in Berlin. EA Berlin will assist you in selecting the office in charge of recognition for your professional qualifications and will forward your documents directly to this office.

  The service provided by EA Berlin is free. All you will have to pay are the customary administration fees at the office in charge of recognition.

  • To the online portal of EA Berlin

  2. Via the office in charge

  You can also contact the office in charge of your professional qualification (a public authority or chamber) directly without involving EA Berlin. However, this means that you will first have to find and select the right office. That is why we have compiled an overview of the offices in Berlin in charge of recognition of regulated professions.

  You can submit an application to one of these offices via the EA Berlin online portal without involving EA Berlin.

  • Offices in charge of regulated professions

  • To the online portal of EA Berlin