The ProRecognition Project provides counselling on recognition at a local level for skilled workers in several countries. The counselling is offered at the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad and Delegations of German Industry and Commerce.
Here you will find answers to the following questions:
ProRecognition is a project providing recognition advice abroad. It was launched in 2015 and will be funded through to the end of 2027 by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The project is aimed equally at skilled workers with vocational qualifications and at professionals with academic qualifications. It is coordinated by DIHK Service GmbH in close cooperation with the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK). The ProRecognition counselling centers are established at a number of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs).
ProRecognition provides advice, support and help for foreign skilled workers at a local level in all issues relating to recognition: Is recognition possible for me with my qualification? What is the appropriate reference occupation? How and where do I apply for recognition? Which documents are necessary? What level of German language skills do I need to have? Where can I learn German? How do I find a job? ProRecognition helps applicants to find a job and supports them throughout the entire process. The project also provides a range of offers to help prepare for migration. This includes, among other things, application training, help with writing CVs, and intercultural training. The goal of ProRecognition is to provide skilled workers with the best possible preparation for living and working in Germany and to make it easier for them to enter their professions.
Those wishing to use the advisory services should arrange an appointment in advance and find out which documents they need to bring with them. Further information about ProRecognition and about the individual counselling centers abroad is provided on the AHK and DIHK Service GmbH websites.
ProRecognition has been advising on recognition worldwide since 2015: The DIHK brochure on the conclusion of the 2nd funding phase offers success stories from 10 countries and data on project activities.
ProRecognition is currently represented at the following Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) locations: Algeria, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Morocco and Turkey.
From the start of the project in 2015 through to the end of the second project phase in 2023, the ProRecognition sites have carried out around 30,500 advisory sessions. Over 8,600 individuals have applied for recognition and 2,100 skilled workers are now working in Germany.
Note: This information is based, among other things, on voluntary feedback from the individuals who have received advice. The actual number of recognitions or statements of comparability and of jobs started in Germany may be higher.
„The recognition process was made much easier with the support of ProRecognition. The recognition advisors helped me with the application and were on hand to answer any questions I had. At the information event, they explained to us why recognition is necessary and approximately how long the process takes. We also received comprehensive support when applying for the visa. I received partial recognition and will compensate for the differences by completing a refresher training at Deutsche Bahn in Munich.“
Hamadi Samet Fatma Zohra, General nurse from Algeria
„When I took part in the introductory event with ProRecognition and the Welcome Centre Sozialwirtschaft Baden-Württemberg in July 2023, I had no idea how quickly everything would change. Without the support of ProRecognition, I probably wouldn't have made it to Germany. My counsellor helped me prepare the necessary documents and prepare specifically for the interview at the introductory event. This removed many bureaucratic hurdles and made it easier for me to start my new life.“
„I found my dream employer thanks to the joint ‘getting to know you’ event run by ProRecognition and the Welcome Center Sozialwirtschaft Baden-Württemberg. ProRecognition in Algeria was there to give support throughout the entire recognition process, from compiling the documents to helping with the visa. I am a passionate midwife and now I can be a passionate midwife in Germany too."“
José Fernando Pulido Jiménez, mechanical engineer from Colombia
„With the help of the ProRecognition team in Colombia, my family and I made the leap to Germany. We received great advice. I secured an embassy appointment for the Blue Card with ease. The support from the project was irreplaceable - I would recommend anyone with similar plans to contact ProRecognition.“
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The following persons are regarded as skilled workers under the Skilled Immigration Act:
Persons with completed vocational education and training which is equivalent to at least a two-year vocational education and training course in Germany. Foreign vocational education and training over a short period can be equivalent to qualified vocational education and training in Germany if the training shows no substantial differences or if these can be compensated for.
Persons with a higher education qualification which is comparable to a higher education qualification in Germany.
German: Anerkennungsantrag
Also: Antrag auf Anerkennung
The application for recognition is generally made via an application form. This allows individuals to apply for recognition of their foreign professional qualification.
The application for recognition is sent to the competent authority together with the necessary documents. Or it can be submitted in person. The application for recognition can be downloaded from the website of the competent authority.
Occasionally, an application for recognition is not available for download. If so, the person must apply without an application form. In this case the person must write a letter to the competent authority. The person must apply for the recognition procedure in the letter. The competent authority will provide information on how this is done.
German: Anerkennung
Also: Anerkennung der Berufsqualifikation, Gleichwertigkeitsfeststellung, Gleichwertigkeit
In this case recognition means that a foreign professional qualification is legally equivalent to a German professional qualification. This means that the foreign professional qualification is recognised in Germany. The equivalence is valid for a specific German reference occupation.
A foreign professional qualification is only partially equivalent to the German reference occupation. The reason for this is that there are substantial differences between the foreign professional qualification and the German professional qualification.
In this case, there are two options in order to still achieve full recognition:
A foreign professional qualification is not equivalent to the German reference occupation. The reason for this is that the differences between the foreign professional qualification and the German reference occupation are too great.
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