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New Destatis figures show that last year, more foreign vocational qualifications were recognised than in previous years,. Especially against the backdrop of demographic change and the corona crisis, Germany is dependent on skilled workers from abroad.

On this page, companies can find information about the Skilled Workers Immigration Act (FEG), the recognition potentials of vocational diplomas from selected focus countries, practical examples of successful recruitment from abroad as well as contact points for companies.

Find out why the BQ-Portal was launched and how it contributes to securing a skilled workforce in Germany.

The BQ-Portal had the opportunity to present the results of the study “Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications Company Perspective” in Brussels twice in a row. First, the IW office in Brussels invited participants to the European Economic and Social Committee to discuss the results with representatives of the EU Commission and other European stakeholders. In addition, Members of the European Parliament, Nela Riehl and Brigitte van den Berg, invited participants for an exchange on the question: How can the transferability of qualifications within Europe be improved?

In this section we demonstrate how companies can assist the employees in having their foreign qualifications recognised. Depending on whether the skilled worker is applying from abroad or from within Germany, the options for assistance can differ.

In 2023, as in previous years, the regulated medical professions dominated in the recognition procedures for foreign professional qualifications in Germany. For the regulated professions, the rate of positive recognition ranged between 25 and 66 percent. The highest rate of decisions on full equivalence for the non-regulated professions was issued for kitchen specialists, at 89 percent.

How expensive is a recognition procedure? And what financial aid you can get? This section demonstrates the costs of the recognition procedure and the available funding options at federal and state level.

In 2022, as in previous years, the medical regulated professions will predominate in the recognition procedures for foreign professional qualifications in Germany. For the regulated professions, the rate of positive recognition ranges between 35 and 65 percent, except of the profession of the profession of geriatric nurse, which has a low success rate of 19 percent. The highest rate of decisions of full equivalence for the non-regulated professions was issued for cook, at 81 percent. This is immediately followed by the professions of restaurant specialist, industrial electricians, specialist for metal technology, and electrical systems technician with over 60 percent.