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An offer from the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training

Information portal of the German government
for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications

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Documents for the application

This summary shows which documents are necessary in order to apply for recognition of a foreign professional qualification.

Here you can find answers to the questions:

  • Which documents are necessary in order to apply for recognition?
  • Do the documents need to be translated into German?
  • Are certified copies required?

 

The documents needed to apply for recognition depend on the following questions:

  • For which professional qualification is recognition being applied for?
  • Which country does the applicant come from?
  • In which country was the professional qualification gained?
  • Where does the applicant wish to work in Germany?
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Certified copies and German translations
If the competent authority requires “original” documents, then officially certified copies should be submitted. In most cases the documents must be translated into German beforehand by publicly appointed or authorised translators.

Documents which are always necessary are shown in the following list. The competent authority knows which documents also need to be submitted in individual cases. You can find the competent authorities in the Recognition Finder.

These documents must normally be submitted as copies or sent electronically. In some cases, the competent authority may request officially certified copies.

If necessary documents for the recognition are missing or incomplete, then a skills analysis can be useful. The skills analysis is available for dual training occupations, master craftsperson occupations and advanced training occupations. There are also options for regulated professions: an adaptation period or a test.

 

Always necessary:

Documents

Translation into German

Notes

Documents

Application

Translation into German

German form / complete in German

Notes

A specific form for the recognition application is available from virtually all competent authorities. Applicants must complete the form and send it to the competent authority.
Applicants 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...”

 

Documents

Proof of identity

Translation into German

No

Notes

If the proof of identity is in a different alphabet such as Cyrillic script, then transcription into Latin script is necessary. If there is a change of name by marriage, then evidence of the change of name is also necessary, 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

Documents

Evidence of the professional qualification

Translation into German

Yes

Notes

This might be, for example:

  • Diploma certificate
  • Degree certificate

 

Documents

Evidence of the content and duration of the vocational qualification

Translation into German

Yes

Notes

This might be, for example:

 

Necessary in most cases (if it applies)

Document

Translation into German

Notes

Document

Brief curriculum vitae

Translation into German

prepare in German

Notes

The CV should summarise in tabular form:

Document

Evidence of 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

Applicants must state in writing whether or not they have already submitted an application for recognition in Germany. And if yes to which competent authority.

Document

Evidence of the intention 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 applicants already live in Germany, a registration certificate is sufficient in most cases.

Necessary depending on the occupation:

Document

Translation into German

Notes

Document

Evidence of medical fitness

Translation into German

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 German

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 German

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 German

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 German

In most cases no

Notes

Necessary for medical practitioners, dentists, veterinaries, pharmacists, general nurses, midwives, and architects. Did the applicant gain the professional qualification before their country of origin joined the EU or the EEA? If so, a certificate of conformity is needed for the automatic recognition of the professional qualification. This is available from the competent authority in the country of training or from the most recent country of employment.

Document

Certification of entitlement to practise the profession in the country of training

Translation into German

Yes

Notes

Necessary for certain regulated professions. The certification confirms that the applicant is permitted to work in their country of training in their profession.
This certification has various names, e.g.:

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