Would you like to live and work in Germany? Or are you looking for a job in the profession for which you obtained a qualification abroad? If so, it is important to clarify whether your professional qualification can be recognised in Germany. As part of the ProRecognition project, you can obtain comprehensive information and personalised advice on this matter at eight German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs): Egypt, Brazil, India, Colombia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Morocco and Turkey.
What is ProRecognition all about?
Since 2012, skilled professionals with a foreign vocational or academic qualification have had a legal right to have their qualifications compared and assessed against a German reference occupation. This right applies regardless of residence status. Applications can therefore already be submitted from abroad.
This is precisely where ProRecognition comes in: the project helps skilled professionals assess their chances of recognition and, where necessary, supports them throughout the entire recognition and migration process.
The aim of the project is to strengthen and establish the AHKs as central points of contact for questions relating to the recognition of foreign professional qualifications in Germany. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ). Skilled professionals can receive personalised advice at eight AHK locations – from initial guidance and an assessment of their chances of recognition to support with the application process.
Another key focus of the advisory service is guidance on the pathways under the german Skilled Workers Immigration Act (FEG). ProRecognition helps identify the most suitable route – whether via the Skilled Workers Pillar, the Experience Pillar or the Potential Pillar – tailored to personal qualifications, professional experience and individual goals.
DIHK Service GmbH coordinates the project and ensures continuous dialogue between the participating stakeholders, including German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs), Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs), the Recognition Portal, the ZAV and the IQ Network. Regular workshops address and disseminate the latest technical and legal developments, whilst strengthening networking both in Germany and abroad.
Further information
Find out more about the recognition of foreign professional qualifications on the Anerkennung in Deutschland and Make it in Germany websites.
The German government is also currently planning to set up a central ‘Work-and-Stay Agency’ to facilitate skilled migration. The aim is to make recognition procedures more transparent and efficient, and to enable applications to be submitted collectively via a digital platform in future.