How to get your University Degree recognized in Germany – step by step guide
Moving to Germany with a university degree earned abroad can open many career opportunities – but only if your qualifications are officially recognized.
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In Germany, this process is called Anerkennung (recognition) or Berufsanerkennung (professional recognition), and it’s essential for many regulated professions, including medicine, engineering, teaching, nursing, and law.
This guide will walk you through the exact steps to get your degree recognized, common pitfalls, and insider tips to make the process smoother.
Step 1: Understand if you need recognition
Not every profession in Germany requires formal recognition of foreign qualifications. There are two categories:
Regulated professions – You must have your degree recognized to work in these fields (e.g., doctor, nurse, lawyer, teacher, architect).
Non-regulated professions – You don’t need official recognition to work, but employers may still want proof of equivalence to a German degree (e.g., marketing, IT, design).
Step 2: Choose the right recognition authority
The authority depends on:
- Your profession
- The German state (Bundesland) where you want to work
- The type of qualification
Tip: Use the Recognition Finder on the official website to identify the right office.
Step 3: Gather your documents
Typically required:
- Valid passport or ID
- Proof of residence or visa (if already in Germany)
- Degree certificate (original and certified copy)
- Transcript of records / study modules
- Proof of work experience (if relevant)
- Language certificates (often B2 or C1 for regulated professions)
- Certified translations into German (beglaubigte Übersetzung)
Common mistake: Sending uncertified or unofficial translations – these will be rejected. Always use a sworn translator (beeidigter Übersetzer) registered in Germany.
Step 4: Submit your application
Fill out the application form from your recognition authority.
Pay the fee (usually €100–€600 depending on the profession).
Submit documents by post or, in some states, online.
Important: Keep copies of everything you send. Processing can take 3–6 months, sometimes longer for medical professions.
Step 5: Wait for the equivalence assessment
The authority compares your qualification to the closest German degree.
- Full recognition → You can work like a German-qualified professional.
- Partial recognition → You will need to complete additional training or exams (e.g., adaptation course, Kenntnisprüfung).
- No recognition → You may need to start a new qualification program in Germany.
Step 6: Complete any required adaptation measures
For partial recognition, you might need:
- Aptitude test (Eignungsprüfung) – tests specific knowledge gaps.
- Knowledge exam (Kenntnisprüfung) – common in healthcare professions.
- Adaptation period (Anpassungslehrgang) – supervised work or training in Germany.
Step 7: Receive your recognition certificate
Once all requirements are met, you’ll receive your official Anerkennungsbescheid (recognition notice). Keep it safe – you’ll need it for job applications, visa extensions, and professional registrations.
Typical challenges & solutions
Long waiting times – Apply as soon as possible, even before moving to Germany.
Missing documents – Contact your university early for certified copies.
Language barrier – Start your German course while you wait. Our German for Professionals B1–B2 course can help you prepare for workplace communication and exams.
Cost – Some German states offer subsidies for recognition-related expenses.
Final tip
Recognition is a bureaucratic process, but it’s also a career investment. The earlier you start and the better prepared your documents are, the faster you’ll be able to work in your profession in Germany.
