Legal foundations

Professional recognition in Germany has various legal foundations. We introduce the most important ones here.

Federal Recognition Act

The Federal Professional Qualifications Assessment Act (BQFG) and the sectoral laws under legislation relating to occupations regulate the recognition of professions under federal jurisdiction.

Federal state recognition legislation

The federal professional qualifications assessment acts (BQFG) of the federal states and sectoral laws under legislation relating to occupations regulate the recognition of professions under federal state jurisdiction.

EU Recognition Directive

The EU Recognition Directive is the basis for the recognition of regulated professions within the European Union.

Skilled Immigration Act

The Skilled Immigration Act makes immigration easier and accelerates immigration for skilled workers from third countries.

Recognition after Brexit

Since 1 January 2021, the regulations for professional qualifications from third countries have applied to the recognition of British professional qualifications in Germany.

Find out more