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Recognition · Anerkennung

Is your degree recognised in Germany?

Recognition is the step most people skip and later regret. Check it before you spend money on anything else.

For a university degree, start with anabin, the German states' database of foreign universities and degrees. If your university is rated "H+" and your degree is listed as "entspricht" or "gleichwertig" (equivalent), that is usually enough to show your degree. If either is missing, you can apply to the ZAB for a statement of comparability, which costs €208.

Step 1: check anabin

  1. Open anabin.kmk.org and choose the section for institutions (Institutionen).
  2. Find your country and your university. Note its rating: H+ means the institution is recognised as a university in Germany's sense; H+/- means only some programmes are; H- means it is not.
  3. Then open the section for degrees (Abschlüsse) and find your exact degree. You are looking for "entspricht" or "gleichwertig" next to a German degree type.
  4. Save or print both entries. Visa and recognition authorities ask for them.

Step 2: if you are not listed, a ZAB statement

The Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) issues a statement of comparability (Zeugnisbewertung) for foreign university degrees. The fee is €208. ZAB starts work only after the fee is paid and does not publish a fixed processing time, so apply early.

Source: zab.kmk.org · checked 6 Nov 2026

Diploma holders (DAE and other vocational qualifications)

anabin and the ZAB statement are about university degrees. A diploma such as a DAE is a vocational qualification and is assessed differently. For the Opportunity Card, a vocational qualification must last at least two years and be state-recognised in the country where you earned it. To work in Germany in a regulated or skilled role, the German recognition procedure for your occupation applies.

The federal portal anerkennung-in-deutschland.de has a Recognition Finder: enter your occupation and the place you want to work, and it names the authority responsible. Start there rather than with an agent.

The protected title "Ingenieur"

In Germany the job title "Ingenieur" is protected by state law. With a foreign degree you may need permission to use it, from the authority of the federal state (and district) where you live or work. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the Bezirksregierung Arnsberg grants it for its own district; other districts may have a different authority. You can work as an engineer at a company without holding the title; the permission is about calling yourself "Ingenieur".

Source: Bezirksregierung Arnsberg · checked 6 Nov 2026

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a famous university is automatically H+. Check it.
  • Checking only the university and not the degree, or the other way round.
  • Paying someone to "get your degree recognised". You apply yourself; the authority decides.
  • Leaving recognition until after a job offer arrives.

General information, not legal advice. Rules change. Check the official source linked above; for your own case, the German mission decides.

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