Germany is a leading destination for skilled professionals worldwide, but foreign qualifications must be recognized before you can work in your profession. If your qualifications are only partially recognized, you may need to complete additional training in Germany. To do so, you will require a visa for the recognition of foreign qualifications under Section 16d para. (1) of the Residence Act (AufenthG). This visa allows you to undertake qualification measures that help you achieve full recognition of your professional skills.
Requirements for a Visa for the Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
To obtain this visa, you must meet the following conditions: This includes demonstrating that your foreign qualification has been assessed and found to be partially equivalent, enrolling in a recognized qualification program, and meeting financial and language requirements.
Additionally, if your qualification measure involves workplace training, your employer must outline a structured professional development plan, which may require approval from the Federal Employment Agency (BA).
Proof of Partial Recognition
- You must have already applied for qualification recognition.
- A competent German authority must have issued a recognition notice stating that your qualification is partially equivalent but requires additional training or education.
Confirmation of Enrollment in a Qualification Measure
- You must be registered in a recognized qualification measure in Germany.
- If the program involves on-the-job training, the employer must provide a professional development plan detailing the necessary training steps and salary provisions.
- The Federal Employment Agency (BA) must approve qualification measures involving workplace training.
Proof of German Language Proficiency
- A minimum A2 level of German proficiency (CEFR) is generally required.
- Some qualification measures may require a higher language proficiency level.
Proof of Financial Means
- You must demonstrate the ability to cover your living expenses in Germany.
- This is usually proven through a blocked bank account with at least €1,091 per month (as of 2025) or a declaration of commitment.
Opportunities Provided by the Visa for the Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
Once in Germany, you will receive a residence permit valid for up to 24 months to complete your qualification measures. If necessary, this permit can be extended for an additional 12 months in cases such as exam retakes or certification delays.
Work Opportunities During Qualification Measures
While completing your qualification measures in Germany, you may have the opportunity to gain work experience and support yourself financially. The visa for the recognition of foreign qualifications allows for part-time employment under certain conditions.
Depending on the nature of your work, you may have limitations on the number of hours you can work per week unless the job is directly related to your qualification measure. Understanding these regulations ensures that you can make the most of your time in Germany while advancing your professional career:
- You can work up to 20 hours per week in a job unrelated to your qualification measure.
- If employed in a profession related to your target qualification, there are no hour restrictions, but the employment must be approved by the Federal Employment Agency (BA).
Options After Completing Your Qualification Measure
Once you have successfully completed your training and received full recognition of your qualifications, you have the option to remain in Germany to find employment:
Residence Permit for Job Seekers
After successfully completing your qualification measure and receiving full recognition of your professional skills, you may need additional time to find suitable employment in Germany. The residence permit for job seekers allows you to remain in the country while searching for a qualified job that matches your newly recognized credentials. This permit provides flexibility and an opportunity to transition smoothly into the German job market without having to leave the country.
- You may apply for a residence permit for job seekers (Section 20 (3) No. 4 of the Residence Act).
- This permit allows you to stay for up to 12 months while searching for a qualified job.
- During this period, you are permitted to work in any job.
Transition to Other Residence Permits
If you secure a job, admission to a university, or vocational training after completing your qualification measure, you can apply for:
- Residence Permit for Skilled Workers
- EU Blue Card
- Residence Permit for Vocational Training
- Residence Permit for Study Purposes
Special Case: Visa for the Implementation of a Skills Analysis
If your qualifications cannot be recognized due to missing or incomplete documents, you can apply for a visa for a skills analysis. This allows you to undergo an evaluation to demonstrate your practical knowledge and skills.
Requirements for a Skills Analysis Visa
For individuals whose foreign qualifications cannot be fully recognized due to missing or incomplete documents, a skills analysis visa provides an opportunity to demonstrate their professional expertise. This visa allows candidates to undergo an assessment in Germany, where their practical skills and knowledge are evaluated to determine their competency in a given field.
Meeting the requirements for this visa is essential to ensuring a smooth recognition process and the ability to work in Germany:
- The competent recognition body in Germany has determined that a skills analysis is necessary.
- You have applied for and been accepted into a skills analysis program.
- You can financially support yourself during your stay, proven by a blocked bank account (€1,091 per month in 2025) or a declaration of commitment.
- You possess the required German language skills (usually A2 or higher, CEFR).
The skills analysis visa is valid for up to six months. If additional compensation measures are required, your stay may be extended accordingly.
Conclusion
The visa for the recognition of foreign qualifications is an excellent opportunity for skilled professionals to bridge knowledge gaps and gain full recognition of their credentials in Germany. Whether through training programs, workplace learning, or skills analysis, this pathway enables professionals to integrate into the German job market effectively. If you are considering applying for this visa, ensure that you meet the necessary requirements and have a well-structured plan to complete your qualification measures successfully. Once fully recognized, numerous work and residency options become available, allowing you to build a successful career in Germany.
