Equivalence of foreign professional qualifications in a craft or craft-like trade without a licence (master craftsman's examination) Determination

Would you like to work permanently in Germany in a craft or craft-like trade at master craftsman level? Then you can have your foreign professional qualification in the skilled trades officially recognised.

There are about 200 different professions in the skilled trades in Germany. Of these, 53 professions are subject to licensing. This means that you are only allowed to work independently in these professions on a permanent basis if you have the necessary professional qualifications. These 53 regulated professions are subject to specific rules. All other professions in the skilled trades are not regulated. This means that if you want to work independently in these professions on a permanent basis, you do not need a specific professional qualification.

Note: In order to work independently, you must register with the competent authority. That's a different procedure.

However, you have the right to a recognition procedure. The procedure is called "equivalence determination".

You will receive a notification of the outcome of the procedure. The notice mentions existing and possibly missing professional qualifications.

The decision allows employers to better assess your professional qualifications. For skilled workers from third countries, a recognition procedure is usually a prerequisite for the issuance of a visa. Third countries are all countries outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

The regional chambers of crafts and crafts are responsible for determining equivalence. In some cases, the Chambers of Commerce and Industry are also responsible. The responsible authorities will advise you before you submit your application and identify the right profession for you in the skilled trades.

You can also apply for equivalence from abroad.

The regional chambers of crafts are responsible for determining equivalence in the skilled crafts. In some cases, the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) are also responsible.

The competent authority will tell you which documents you need to submit. Important documents are in general:

• Proof of identity (passport or identity card)
• Marriage certificate (if your name has changed as a result of marriage)
• Curriculum vitae
• Proof of your professional qualification (e.g. certificates, professional certificate)
• Proof of education
• Certificate attesting to the nature and duration of relevant professional experience
• Have you ever submitted an application for equivalence? Then indicate to which office you submitted the application.
• Perhaps: You come from a third country and do not yet live or work in the EU, the EEA or Switzerland? Then you have to prove that you want to work in the profession in Germany. Evidence includes, for example, applications for a job, invitations to job interviews or a location note from the Central Service Centre for Professional Recognition (ZSBA).
   

The competent authority will inform you which documents you need to submit as a simple copy, as a certified copy or in the original.

You must submit your documents in German, and the translations must be carried out by publicly appointed or authorised translators.

You may need to submit further documents during the recognition process. The competent authority will inform you.

• You have a state-recognised professional qualification in a craft from abroad.
• You would like to work in the profession in Germany.

You can take legal action against the decision of the competent authority within a certain period of time (e.g. lodge an appeal). The decision will then be reviewed. Details on this can be found in the information on legal remedies at the end of your decision. You should first talk to the relevant body before taking legal action against the decision.

Application

You submit an application for equivalence to the competent authority.
You may be able to send the application electronically. The competent authority will inform you. You can also submit the application with the documents to the competent authority or send it by post. Do not ship originals.
 

Equivalence test

The competent authority will then check: Is your professional qualification equivalent to the German professional qualification? In doing so, the competent authority compares the qualifications with the help of certain criteria. Important criteria are the content and duration of the training. The competent authority will also take into account your professional experience, your other qualifications and qualifications in the equivalence test.

Possible results of the exam

You will receive a notification with the result of the procedure. You will receive recognition if your professional qualification and the German professional qualification are equivalent.

Sometimes there are significant differences between professional qualifications. The differences are listed in your notice. With this decision, you can further qualify in a targeted manner and later submit a new application for equivalence determination.

If your professional qualification is not equivalent, you will not receive recognition.

There is no deadline.

Sometimes documents are still missing from the procedure. The competent authority will then inform you by when you have to submit the documents.

The costs generally depend on the amount of work involved.

In addition, there may be additional costs (for example, for translations or certification of your documents). These costs vary from person to person.

Skills analysis

Have you completed formal training, but you no longer have all the necessary documents for the application? Then you may be able to prove your professional qualification through a skills analysis. This means that you can prove your professional skills in practice. The competent authority will inform you.
 

Procedure for ethnic German repatriates

As a late repatriate, you can either go through the recognition procedure in accordance with the laws mentioned here or in accordance with the Federal Expellees Act. This is up to you. The competent authority will advise you on which procedure is right for you.

There are many counselling services available. These can be found on the Recognition in Germany portal:

Seek personal advice from an IQ counselling centre on this procedure and your qualifications. These advisors will also help you with your documents before submitting your application. The consultation is free of charge.

You can also call the hotline of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. The hotline will answer any questions you may have about working and living in Germany.

If you are abroad: You can also use the hotline to reach the Central Service Centre for Professional Recognition (ZSBA). This offers you in-depth advice and support in the recognition process and carries out a location consultation.