How is my foreign university degree recognised in Germany? (ZAB / anabin)
For regulated professions (such as doctor, teacher or nurse), official recognition is mandatory. For other professions you can work directly if your degree is recognised in anabin; a ZAB statement of comparability makes job and visa applications easier.
Regulated professions: To work as a doctor, teacher, lawyer, nurse, pharmacist, psychotherapist or engineer (as a protected title), you must get official recognition (Anerkennung) from the competent authority. You can find the responsible authority with the Recognition Finder on the «Anerkennung in Deutschland» website.
Non-regulated professions: In many fields, such as economics, computer science or sociology, official recognition is not required; the employer assesses your degree. Still, it matters for visas and the Blue Card that your university and degree are listed as «H+» in the anabin database.
ZAB statement of comparability (Zeugnisbewertung): The Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) issues a document showing which German degree your qualification corresponds to. It helps with job applications, visa procedures and some Ausbildung or master's applications. You apply online and there is a fee; check the current fee and processing time on the ZAB website.
Documents: Usually certified copies of your diploma and transcript, German translations by a sworn translator, ID and, if needed, a CV. Requirements vary by authority.
Free advice: The IQ Network (IQ Netzwerk) recognition counselling centres in Berlin explain free of charge which route suits you. If you have a low income, you can also get support for recognition costs (Anerkennungszuschuss).
Where you can get help
- KMK: Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB)
Statements of comparability (Zeugnisbewertung) for foreign university degrees and the anabin database.
- Anerkennung in Deutschland
Official portal for the recognition of foreign qualifications.
- Handbook Germany: Yabancı Üniversite Diplomalarının Denkliği
Information in Turkish on the recognition of foreign university degrees in Germany.
This information is based on community experience and is not legal advice. Rules can change; check important things with the responsible office.
Guides on this topic
Similar questions
- What can help me while looking for a job in Berlin?
- What happens if I get pregnant during my Ausbildung? Can I pause it?
- My recognition was only partial. What is a compensation measure (Ausgleichsmaßnahme)?
- I want to start my own business (Gewerbe or Freiberufler). Where do I begin?
- I'm having surgery in Turkey. Will my sick leave be valid in Germany?