Anerkennung
Recognition of qualifications (Anerkennung)
In Germany, some jobs are 'regulated' — you must have your foreign qualification officially recognised before you can work. For everything else, recognition is optional but makes you count as a skilled worker and unlocks the best visa routes. Pick your occupation to see exactly how it works.
Healthcare & care
Pflegefachkraft (Gesundheits- und Krankenpfleger:in)
⚖️ Regulated profession — recognition required
Arzt / Ärztin (Approbation)
⚖️ Regulated profession — recognition required
Pflegefachkraft (Altenpflege)
⚖️ Regulated profession — recognition required
Physiotherapeut:in
⚖️ Regulated profession — recognition required
Hebamme / Entbindungspfleger
⚖️ Regulated profession — recognition required
Apotheker:in (Approbation)
⚖️ Regulated profession — recognition required
Zahnarzt / Zahnärztin (Approbation)
⚖️ Regulated profession — recognition required
Medizinische:r Technolog:in für Radiologie (MTR)
⚖️ Regulated profession — recognition required
IT & tech
Fachinformatiker / Softwareentwickler
✓ Not regulated — recognition optional but useful
IT-Sicherheitsexperte / Cybersecurity
✓ Not regulated — recognition optional but useful
Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer
✓ Not regulated — recognition optional but useful
Engineering
Skilled trades
Elektroniker:in
✓ Not regulated — recognition optional but useful
Fachkraft Metalltechnik / Schweißer
✓ Not regulated — recognition optional but useful
Mechatroniker:in
✓ Not regulated — recognition optional but useful
Anlagenmechaniker:in SHK
✓ Not regulated — recognition optional but useful
Kfz-Mechatroniker:in
✓ Not regulated — recognition optional but useful
Hospitality
Transport & logistics
Education
Frequently asked questions
What is Anerkennung in Germany?
Anerkennung is the official recognition of a foreign professional qualification. For regulated professions (like nurse, doctor or teacher) it is mandatory before you can work. For other jobs it is optional, but it makes you count as a skilled worker (Fachkraft) and unlocks the best visa routes.
Which jobs need recognition to work in Germany?
Regulated professions require it — healthcare (nurses, doctors, carers), teaching, and some others. Most IT, engineering and trade roles do not require it to work, though recognising your training still helps your visa and pay.
Can I start recognition before moving to Germany?
Yes. You can begin the assessment from abroad through the official portal, and since 2024 a recognition partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) even lets you come first and finish the recognition in Germany.
Amtly app
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