Recognition of your qualification
➜ Full guide for everyone moving to Berlin: Recognition of foreign qualifications (Anerkennung ausländischer Abschlüsse) in Berlin
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The federal portal Anerkennung in Deutschland has a free “Recognition Finder” that names the body responsible for your profession, and a hotline. Use it before you spend money.
University degrees: anabin
The database anabin rates foreign universities and degrees. Your Hong Kong university should be rated H+ and your degree listed as equivalent. If not, you need a ZAB Statement of Comparability.
ZAB Statement of Comparability
Fee €208 (fee schedule since June 2024); €104 only for a re-issued copy (ZAB). Processing time at the ZAB not confirmed.
Which body decides
| Your profession | Body |
|---|---|
| Commercial, technical and industrial occupations | IHK FOSA in Nuremberg; fee €100 to €600 |
| Crafts | Handwerkskammer Berlin |
| Nursing and other health professions, doctors | Berlin health authorities; the Recognition Finder names the office |
| Teachers | Berlin education administration; the Recognition Finder names the office |
| University degrees in general | ZAB |
Regulated and non-regulated professions
Regulated professions such as nurse, doctor, teacher, lawyer need full German recognition before you may work in them. Many others do not; see the experience route on Skilled worker.
Recognition files usually need certified copies with apostille; see Documents and apostille. Ask the body which copies and translations it accepts before you pay.
A question this page does not answer? Contact us. Free orientation only, no legal advice for individual cases.