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
- ≈ €4,000–5,500 gross/month (higher if civil servant).
- How long it takes
- 6–12 months; often requires adaptation.
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 2026-06-30. Recognition rules vary by federal state and change over time — always confirm with the official portal linked above.