Recognition of your qualification
➜ Full guide for everyone moving to Berlin: Recognition of foreign qualifications (Anerkennung ausländischer Abschlüsse) in Berlin
Start here
The federal portal anerkennung-in-deutschland.de has a free "Recognition Finder" that tells you which body is responsible for your profession, and a hotline. It is the cheapest way to learn what your qualification is worth in Germany before you spend money.
University degrees: anabin
The KMK database anabin evaluates foreign universities and degrees. Your university should be rated H+ and your degree listed as "entspricht" or "gleichwertig". If not, you need a ZAB Statement of Comparability. Keep diploma and transcript together.
ZAB Statement of Comparability
- Fee €200 for the first application, €100 for each further one. Normally about 3 months; faster for Blue Card and fast-track cases.
- How the ZAB verifies Iranian degrees (for example confirmation from the ministry or the university) was not checked; see its document list.
Which body decides, by profession
| Your profession | Body |
|---|---|
| Commercial, technical and industrial trades (IHK occupations) | IHK FOSA in Nuremberg. Fee €100 to €600, typically €350 to €450. |
| Crafts | Handwerkskammer Berlin |
| Nursing and other health professions | Landesprüfungsamt für Gesundheitsberufe, Berlin. Fees not confirmed. |
| Doctors | LAGeSo Berlin |
| University degrees in general | ZAB (Statement of Comparability) |
Regulated versus non-regulated
Regulated professions (nurses, doctors, teachers and similar) always need full German recognition before you may work in them. Non-regulated professions do not always: see the experience route on Skilled worker.
Recognition files need certified copies, legalisation where required and usually a translation. Ask the body before you pay. See Documents from Iran and, for nursing, Other routes.
A question this page does not answer? Contact us. Free orientation only, no legal advice for individual cases.