BIBB Logo
An offer from the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training

Documents for the application

Documents for the application

Here you can find answers to the questions:

  • Which documents do I need for my recognition application? 
  • o I need to have my documents translated into German?
  • Do I need certified copies?

 

The documents you need for your recognition application depend on the following questions:

  • Which professional qualification do you have?
  • Which country do you come from?
  • Where did you gain your qualification?
  • Where do you want to work in Germany?
Ein Dokument „im Original“ sollte amtlich beglaubigt werden.
Ein Dokument „im Original“ sollte amtlich beglaubigt werden.

Certified copies and German translations
If the competent authority requires “original” documents, then you should submit officially certified copies. Do not send originals. In most cases you are required to submit a German translation of your documents. Publicly appointed and authorized translators must prepare these translations.

Documents which are always necessary are shown in the following list. Further documents may be necessary in individual cases. These documents must normally be submitted as copies or sent electronically. In some cases, the competent authority may request officially certified copies.

It is essential that you find out from your competent authority which documents must be submitted. You can find your competent authority via the Recognition Finder. Alternatively, please seek advice!

Do you no longer have all the documents relating to your professional qualification? If so, you may be able to provide evidence of your professional competencies in a skills analysis. The skills analysis is available for dual training occupations, master craftsperson occupations and advanced training occupations. There are also options for regulated professions: You can complete an adaptation period or take a test.

 

Always necessary

Document

Translation into German

Notes

Document

Application

Translation into German

Deutsches Formular/auf Deutsch verfassen

Notes

In the case of virtually all competent authorities, you will be given a specific form for the recognition application. You must complete the form and send it to the competent authority.
You are also able to apply in writing without a form, in German and including the following content: “I hereby apply for recognition of my professional qualification as …“

Document

Proof of identity

Translation into German

No

Notes

If the proof of identity is in a different alphabet such as Cyrillic script, then you may require a transcription into Latin script. If you are married and have changed your name, you also require evidence of the change of name, e.g. marriage certificate.
The following documents are accepted as proof of identity:
 

  • German personal identification or passport
  • All European personal identification cards
  • International passports
  • Electronic residence permits
  • Where required, residence documents such as proof of arrival, temporary residence permit, suspension of deportation

Document

Evidence of your professional qualification

Translation into German

Yes

Notes

This might be, for example:

  • Diploma certificate
  • Degree certificate
     

Document

Evidence of the content and duration of your vocational qualification

Translation into German

Yes

Notes

This might be, for example:

  • List of subjects and grades achieved during vocational education and training
  • Study record
  • Diploma supplement
  • Transcript of records
     

Mostly necessary (if applicable):

Document

Translation into German

Notes

Document

Brief curriculum vitae

Translation into German

prepare in German

Notes

The CV should summarise in tabular form your:

  • Training courses (vocational training, academic training)
  • Advanced training
  • Advanced training

Document

Evidence of your professional experience

Translation into German

Yes

Notes

This might be, for example:

  • Employment references
  • Time books
     

Document

Other certificates

Translation into German

Yes

Notes

This might be, for example:

Document

Statement regarding applications already made

Translation into German

No

Notes

Have you already applied for recognition in Germany? If so, you must state in writing the competent authority to which you applied. If you have not yet submitted an application, you must also state this in writing.

Document

Proof that you want to work in Germany

Translation into German

In most cases yes

Notes

Only for persons from third countries. The proof of the intention to work can be provided, for example, by:

If you already live in Germany a registration certificate is sufficient in most cases.

 

Necessary depending on the occupation:

Document

Translation into English

Notes

Document

Evidence of medical fitness

Translation into English

Certification from Germany or translation

Notes

Evidence of medical fitness is necessary primarily for regulated professions in the following sectors:

  • Public health
  • Public safety
  • Social services and education
     
In most cases a current doctor's certificate is required.

Document

Evidence of personal aptitude / reliability

Translation into English

Certification from Germany or translation

Notes

Evidence of personal aptitude is necessary primarily for regulated professions in the following sectors:

  • Public health
  • Public safety
  • Social services and education
     

Document

Proof of professional liability insurance cover

Translation into English

Certification from Germany or translation

Notes

This evidence is sometimes necessary. This applies to regulated professions in the area of public health or safety and in particular to establishing a business in Germany. The competent authority may require professional liability insurance with a specified sum insured.
This proof can be provided, for example, by: 

  • Insurance policy
  • Insurance agreement
     

Document

Proof of knowledge of German at a particular level

Translation into English

Certification from Germany or translation

Notes

Necessary for many regulated professions. The level of language required is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages 

This proof can be provided, for example, by:

  • Certificate from a language school (e.g. The German Language Diploma from the Goethe Institut)

You can also provide this evidence after the recognition procedure has begun. Sometimes additional knowledge of technical German is necessary for authorisation to practice. This applies, for example, to approbation (licence to practise medicine in Germany) as a medical practitioner. This proof is provided by:

  • Specialist language examination (health professions)

Document

EU Certificate of Conformity

Translation into English

In most cases no

Notes

Necessary for medical practitioners, dentists, veterinaries, pharmacists, general nurses, midwives, and architects. Did you gain your professional qualification before your country of origin joined the EU or the EEA? If so, you need a certificate of conformity oined the EU or the EEA? If so, you need a certificate of conformity for the automatic recognition of your professional qualification You obtain these from the competent authority in your country of training or in the country where you most recently worked.

Document

BCertification of entitlement to  practice the profession in the country of training

Translation into English

Yes

Notes

Necessary for certain regulated profession. he certification confirms that you are permitted to work in your country of training.

This certification has various names, e.g.: 

  • EU certification of entitlement to practice the profession
  • Certification of the nature and duration of employment in the country of origin
  • Work record from an employer