Conducting a qualification analysis – overview
As a prospective skilled worker from a third country outside the EU, you need a recognised professional qualification in order to work in Germany. If the procedure for recognising your qualification cannot be carried out – for instance, due to missing or incomplete documents – you can choose to have your professional knowledge and skills checked by means of a qualification analysis.
The competent recognition body in Germany decides on whether or not a qualification analysis is to be carried out. Information regarding the recognition procedure and the qualification analysis can be found on the Federal Government’s information portal that explains the recognition of foreign professional qualifications: Anerkennung in Deutschland.
You generally need a visa for entry, which you can apply for online using the Consular Services Portal or you can go to your local German mission. The visa will state the purpose of your entry, which authorises you to conduct the qualification analysis after you enter the country. Information regarding possible exemptions from the visa requirement can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.
The visa is issued for a maximum period of six months.
Please note:
Some German missions abroad work together with service providers to check applications. These service providers help to ensure that applications are processed quickly and smoothly and may charge a service fee for this. You will find out during the application process whether the German mission or consulate responsible for you works with a service provider and what service fee is charged.
The online application for a visa for conducting a qualification analysis
Register on the Consular Services Portal and apply online for your visa.
Visa for conducting a qualification analysis
a decision by the competent recognition body in Germany that recognition of your qualification cannot be conclusively determined via the regular recognition procedure, together with an invitation to conduct a qualification analysis, and
German language skills generally at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Further information regarding applying for and obtaining a visa
In order to take part in the qualification programmes, you must be able to prove that you can support yourself for the duration of your stay in Germany. You can provide proof of this, for instance, with a blocked account or a Declaration of Commitment. At least EUR 1,027 per month (as of 2024) is generally required. Your livelihood can also be secured through secondary employment.
During your stay, you can work up to 20 hours a week in a part-time job for the purpose of having your qualifications analysed. If you are working in the professional field in which you are seeking recognition, you may continue to do so for an unlimited period of time. In this case, approval by the Federal Employment Agency is required.
Still have questions?
Frequently asked questions and answers with more information on how to use the Consular Services Portal and the online application process can be found in our FAQ section. Take a look and see if you can find the answer to your question.
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