Recognising Polish qualifications

Directive 2005/36/EC: automatic recognition, regulated professions, language proof, where to apply in Berlin.

Whether you need recognition depends on the profession. Most jobs are not regulated: you apply with your Polish diploma and employers judge it themselves. In a regulated profession you need formal recognition or a licence before you may work or use the title. The rules for Union citizens come from Directive 2005/36/EC.

Which professions are regulated?

• Check the profession in the EU database of regulated professions: regulated professions database, and the federal portal Recognition in Germany (finds the responsible office for your profession and federal state).
• Typical regulated professions: doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, teachers, architects, lawyers, craft masters. The full German list for Berlin was not compiled.

Automatic recognition

For several professions the directive provides automatic recognition based on harmonised minimum training: doctors, dentists, general-care nurses, midwives, pharmacists, architects, veterinarians. The diploma must be listed in the directive's annex and meet the dates and conditions there. See nursing and health. Other qualifications are assessed individually; differences may need an adaptation period or an aptitude test.

Language

The competent authority may require proof of the language knowledge needed for the profession. For health professions in Berlin this is usually German around level B2, depending on the profession; check the authority.

Where to apply in Berlin

• Health professions: the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (LAGeSo).
• Other professions: the office named in Recognition in Germany.
• Free counselling: the Berlin recognition counselling services listed in the portal; Make it in Germany.

Documents

Polish public documents do not need an apostille inside the EU: Documents. Certified translations are often required. Processing times and fees differ by profession and were not checked.