Documents for the application
Do you want to have your foreign professional qualification recognised? Find out here which documents are necessary for the recognition application.
Here you can find answers to the questions:
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. Ask the competent authority whether it also accepts translations from abroad.
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?
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 cofficially 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
ApplicationTranslation into German
Deutsches Formular/auf Deutsch verfassenNotes
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 identityTranslation into German
NoNotes
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
YesNotes
This might be, for example:
- Diploma certificate
- Degree certificate
Document
Evidence of the content and duration of your vocational qualificationTranslation into German
YesNotes
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 vitaeTranslation into German
prepare in GermanNotes
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
YesNotes
This might be, for example:
- Employment references
- Time books
Document
Other certificatesTranslation into German
YesDocument
Statement regarding applications already madeTranslation into German
NoNotes
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 GermanyTranslation into German
In most cases yesNotes
Only for persons from third countries. The proof of the intention to work can be provided, for example, by:
- Application for a work visa
- Contact made with potential employers
- Business idea in the case of intended self-employment
- Advisor Note on Location Counselling
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 translationNotes
Evidence of medical fitness is necessary primarily for regulated professions in the following sectors:
- Public health
- Public safety
- Social services and education
Document
Evidence of personal aptitude / reliabilityTranslation into English
Certification from Germany or translationNotes
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 coverTranslation into English
Certification from Germany or translationNotes
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 levelTranslation into English
Certification from Germany or translationNotes
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 noNotes
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
YesNotes
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
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