Degree Recognition in Germany: What HR Needs to Know
Ensuring your employee’s foreign degree is recognized in Germany is a crucial step in many visa and work permit applications. The recognition process confirms whether a foreign qualification is equivalent to a German degree, which is often required for regulated professions, Blue Card applications, or to strengthen a work visa application.
Why Degree Recognition Matters
Having a recognized degree is essential for your employee’s eligibility for certain work permits, such as the EU Blue Card or the Work Visa for Qualified Professionals. For regulated professions (e.g., healthcare, engineering, teaching), recognition is mandatory before your employee can practice in Germany. For non-regulated professions, while recognition is not legally required, it can significantly improve job prospects and increase the success rate of work visa applications.
Degree recognition is often a prerequisite for:
Visa and residence permit approval
Access to regulated professions
Eligibility for Blue Card EU
Salary classification and professional equivalence
Failing to assess or prove the equivalency of a qualification can lead to rejections or prolonged immigration timelines.
The Two Recognition Systems
What is Anabin?
The Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) is the authority responsible for evaluating foreign qualifications in Germany. One of their key services is the Anabin database, an extensive online resource listing foreign degrees and higher education qualifications that have been previously assessed for equivalence to German standards.
If your employee’s degree or university is not listed in Anabin, you will need to request a formal evaluation, known as a Statement of Comparability. This document serves as official proof that a foreign qualification is comparable to a German degree, which can be critical for visa and work permit applications.
Having a recognized university-level qualification can also streamline the relocation process, especially for employees moving with family, by simplifying visa and residence permit applications.
How Does Degree Recognition Work?
The recognition process involves submitting relevant academic documents, such as degree certificates and transcripts, which must be properly legalized and, if necessary, translated. The evaluation considers the level, content, and duration of the foreign qualification in relation to German standards.
Processing times can range from several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity and completeness of the application. Successfully recognized degrees significantly enhance a professional’s eligibility for work permits and facilitate smoother integration into the German workforce.
In summary, degree recognition in Germany is a vital step for international professionals aiming to obtain a work visa. Leveraging resources like Anabin and obtaining a Statement of Comparability when necessary ensures that qualifications are properly validated, paving the way for successful relocation and employment.
Academic Degree Recognition
For university degrees (e.g., Bachelor, Master, PhD):
Use the Anabin database to check equivalence
If the university and degree type are listed as "H+" and "equivalent", recognition is typically straightforward
Required for Blue Card and skilled work visas
Helpful link: anabin.kmk.org
Vocational Training Recognition
For non-academic professions (e.g., electricians, nurses, IT specialists without formal degrees):
Apply through the Zentrale Stelle für die Anerkennung ausländischer Berufsqualifikationen
Involves a case-by-case review and sometimes adaptation training
When Recognition Is Required
Not every case needs formal recognition. But it’s mandatory for:
Regulated professions (doctors, teachers, engineers, etc.)
Visa categories requiring proof of qualifications
Blue Card if degree is not from a German university
Optional but recommended for:
Transparent job classification
Internal HR documentation
How Long Does the Process Take?
Typical timelines:
Anabin database check: Instant (if result is clear)
Formal application: 4–12 weeks depending on profession and completeness of documents
What HR Can Do to Support and make the relocation smoother?
Check Anabin during hiring process
Provide document checklists early
Inform talents about possible delays
Offer assistance through relocation partners
Summary & Key Takeaways
Degree recognition is critical for many immigration pathways
Know the difference between academic and vocational tracks
Use Anabin for fast assessments
Plan early to avoid visa delays
How relokate Supports Employers and Talent
We guide you and your employees through every step of the degree recognition process:
Advising on the best recognition pathway for your employee’s qualifications
Providing a checklist and support for the document collection, translation, and legalization
Ensuring all requirements are met for a successful visa or work permit application.
Ready to Simplify Your Hiring and Relocation?
Book a call with us or reach out via our contact form to discover how we can streamline your international hiring strategy and ensure compliant, efficient visa outcomes.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided here and on relokate’s website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.