Education · Lehrer:in
Teacher
Schools face teacher shortages, especially in STEM. Teaching is regulated by each Bundesland and usually expects two subjects and near-native German, so recognition is demanding — but shortage subjects and career-changer (Quereinsteiger) programmes create real openings.
- Who recognises it
- The education ministry (Kultusministerium) of the federal state — teaching is regulated per state.
- German level
- C1–C2 German (you teach in German).
- Typical salary
- €5,702 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Lehrer/in – Gymnasien (sozialversicherungspflichtig Beschäftigte); a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer.
- How long it takes
- Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure.
How recognition works
- 1Apply to the state Kultusministerium for an equivalence assessment.
- 2Reach C1–C2 German and complete any adaptation/qualification measures.
- 3Explore shortage-subject or career-changer (Quereinsteiger) routes.
Documents you'll need
- Teaching degree + transcript (certified translation)
- Proof of subjects taught + experience
- German language certificate (C1–C2)
- Passport + CV
Costs & translations
Recognition fees are typically €100–600. Budget extra for certified German translations of your documents and, in some countries, an apostille/legalisation. Adaptation courses or exams can add further cost.
Come first, recognise here
For regulated jobs you can use a recognition partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft): enter Germany with a job offer and finish the recognition after you arrive, instead of waiting abroad.
Your visa routes
Last verified 2026-10-10. Recognition rules depend on the profession and the federal state, and they change. Confirm with the official authority linked above.