The anabin database provides information on the assessment of higher education qualifications in Germany. An application may or must be made for a Statement of Comparability if no entry can be found in the database.
The anabin database operated by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) can initially be used to check how a higher education qualification is assessed in Germany. Application may or must be made to the ZAB for a Statement of Comparability if no entry can be found in the database. The foreign qualification should be at least bachelor’s level. Assessment of a foreign higher education qualification may be helpful or even necessary for academically trained skilled workers in non-regulated occupations.
If you already have a residence permit in Germany or come from the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you may work in a non-regulated occupation without recognition. Assessment of a foreign higher education qualification is not necessary in these circumstances either. Such an assessment may, however, be helpful, for example when applying for a job. It allows employers to have a better understanding of the professional qualification.
Assessment of a higher education qualification is important when entering Germany from a third country. If a foreign higher education qualification is demonstrably comparable to a German higher education qualification, then the person may enter Germany as a recognised skilled worker in order, for example, to look for a job or take up an employment offer. A relevant extract from the anabin database is sufficient evidence for entry to Germany.
The assessment of the ZAB also serves as evidence that the foreign higher education qualification is officially recognised by the state in which it was acquired. This evidence is required when employment takes place on the basis of “extensive practical work experience” pursuant to Section 6 of the Ordinance on the Employment of Foreigners (Beschäftigungsverordnung, BeschV).
An entry in the anabin database and the certificate evaluation do not replace the recognition procedure necessary for regulated professions.
In the anabin database, one can check how the university and the higher education qualification are evaluated in Germany. Both evaluations are important. This is because the higher education qualification is only regarded as comparable if the following requirements are met:
The Statement of Comparability is a procedure for assessing foreign higher education qualifications which is carried out by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). This checks whether the foreign higher education qualification is comparable to a German higher education qualification. The ZAB then issues an official certificate which describes the foreign higher education qualification and the possibilities for using it for professional and academic purposes. The certificate is likewise referred to as the Statement of Comparability.
The Statement of Comparability describes the nature and duration of the higher education training and names its equivalent in the German education system, such as a bachelor's or master's. It also provides information on opportunities for further study in Germany, on using an academic degree and on obtaining vocational Recognition. The Central Office for Foreign Education assesses higher education training from all countries of the world. The legal basis for this is the Lisbon Convention.
Foreign skilled workers with academic training are able to apply digitally to the Central Office for Foreign Education for the Statement of Comparability. Various documents are needed for this which may vary depending on the country of origin. In general, the following documents must be submitted:
If all documents are complete and available, the Statement of Comparability takes a maximum of three months. The Statement of Comparability costs €208, a replacement certificate €104. In the event of cancellation, up to 50 percent of the costs will be charged. This is €20 up to a maximum of €104. The digital application form and further information about the Statement of Comparability are available on the website of the Central Office for Foreign Education.
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