Have your profession recognised for a German visa

Have your profession from a non-EU country recognised: Your keytostarting your career in Germany

Have you completed solid vocational training or studies in your home country and would like to come to Germany? Then an irrevocable rule applies: As an applicant from a third country (non-EU country), you must have your professional qualifications recognised – always. Without this recognition, it is not possible to issue a residence permit for employment in Germany. The good news is that Germany is desperately looking for qualified skilled workers like you. We will show you how to successfully master the process.

Why recognition is mandatory for you

For applicants from third countries (non-EU/non-EEA countries), the recognition of the foreign professional qualification is not an option, but a mandatory prerequisite for:

- The issuance of a residence permit for employment – no visa without recognition

- The practice of regulated professions (e.g. doctor, nurse, engineer, teacher) – nostrification is even mandatory here

- Taking up work in non-regulated professions – here, too, the immigration authorities and the employment agency require recognition as proof of your qualification

Your advantage: With a fully recognised qualification, all doors are open to you – you can work in your profession and have the best chances on the German job market.

You may face these hurdles:

The recognition process can be complex. The most common stumbling blocks are:

- Incomplete or uncertified documents – the most common reason for delays

- Missing or incorrect translations of your certificates and certificates by non-sworn translators

- Long processing times – regular processing takes about three months

- Different responsibilities – depending on the profession and federal state, a different authority is responsible

- Only partial recognition – if there are significant differences between your degree and the German reference occupation, the authority can only determine "partial equivalence". Then you must complete an adaptation qualification (e.g. knowledge test or adaptation course) in order to receive full recognition. We would be happy to support you in completing this in Germany.

This is how long the procedure takes

The standard processing time for a recognition procedure is about three months (officially around 85 days) for complete documents.

It is much faster with the accelerated skilled worker procedure according to Section 81a of the Residence Act – if you already have an employer in Germany who would like to hire you:

- The recognition authority must decide on the case within two months

- The entire process from recognition to visa takes a maximum of four months

- Your family reunification can be processed in parallel – spouse and children can enter at the same time

An alternative: the recognition partnership

Another option: With a recognition partnership, you can enter the country without prior full recognition if an employer hires you. They then jointly undertake to carry out the recognition procedure after entry – with a period of up to three years. Employment is possible from day one.

Important: This option is only available if there is an employment opportunity and the employer is actively partnering with you. We help with the forms and applications for the recognition partnership

How MOVES consulting can help you

The recognition process is associated with many imponderables – but you don't have to manage it alone. MOVES consulting accompanies you as a candidate on your way to official recognition:

• Initial consultation – we analyse your individual situation and check whether and to what extent your qualification can be recognised
• Application support – we help you to compile all the necessary documents completely and correctly to avoid delays
• Submission to the competent authority – we take over the contact with the FOSA Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Chambers of Crafts or other recognition authorities
• Support in the event of partial recognition – we will show you how to achieve full recognition with an adaptation qualification
• Visa and residence permit – we support you in applying for an EU Blue Card, residence permit or other entry documents

Our promise to you: With over 17 years of experience and a success rate of 98%, we will ensure that your proceedings are fast and legally compliant.

Start your career in Germany now!

Schedule your assessment appointment now and we'll show you how we can support you on your path to professional recognition and immigration.