How does the recognition process work for my profession?

The legal framework is the Anerkennungsgesetz (BQFG, in force since 2012), which gives you a right to have your qualification assessed within a defined timeframe. The body that handles your case depends on your profession.

For academic degrees in non-regulated jobs (engineering, sciences, business), the relevant body is *ZAB* and the outcome is a Zeugnisbewertung. For most vocational and technical qualifications, the central point of contact is *IHK FOSA* (Foreign Skills Approval). For medicine and dentistry, you apply to the state medical chamber (Landesärztekammer) plus the Approbationsbehörde. Law goes through the Justizministerium of the relevant Bundesland, and teaching through the Kultusministerium.

A typical application bundle includes certified translations (beglaubigte Übersetzungen) of your degree certificate and transcripts, evidence of relevant work experience, proof of identity, and the application form. Costs usually fall in the €100–600 range, and the official timeline is three months from when the file is complete — although that clock only starts ticking when every document is accepted.

The decision comes in one of three forms. Gleichwertigkeit means full recognition. A Defizitbescheid identifies specific gaps you can close through a Anpassungslehrgang (adaptation period combining work and training) or an Eignungsprüfung (equivalence exam). A full refusal is rare and usually only happens when the foreign training is fundamentally non-comparable.