FAQ

ProRecognition is a project that provides recognition und labour migration counseling abroad: it supports international skilled professionals in having their professional qualifications recognized while still in their country of origin.

The project provides information on all key requirements and pathways for employment-based migration to Germany and is building sustainable advisory structures at currently eight AHK locations worldwide (Egypt, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Colombia, Morocco, the Philippines, and Turkey).

The goal of ProRecognition is to prepare skilled professionals in a targeted way for successful living and working in Germany.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) and coordinated by DIHK Service GmbH in Berlin.

ProRecognition is primarily aimed at skilled professionals who hold a completed vocational or university qualification, live abroad, and wish to work in Germany.

The advisory service is suitable both for individuals who already have concrete plans and for those who are still exploring their options.

ProRecognition is currently represented at eight AHK locations: Egypt, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Colombia, Morocco, the Philippines and Turkey. These locations are in countries where many skilled professionals live and where there is strong interest in working in Germany.

The selection of countries is made strategically in order to reach as many people as possible while also taking the needs of the German labour market into account. The list of locations is updated from one project phase to the next.

ProRecognition focuses on the recognition of professional qualifications obtained abroad as a crucial step towards taking up employment in Germany.

ProRecognition provides:

• individual guidance on the recognition of foreign qualifications,
• support in compiling and reviewing the required documents,
• orientation on suitable professions, language requirements and qualification pathways,
• information on visa and entry procedures,
• insights into working and living in Germany.

ProRecognition does not provide:

• job matching,
• recognition decisions (these are made exclusively by the competent German authorities),
• legal advice,
• its own language courses,
• the issuing of visas.

The consultation process is clearly structured and tailored to the individual needs of each professional. Depending on the location, the consultation may take place online, by phone or in person.

• Contact: You send your documents to the responsible AHK advisory office. 
• Initial review: The advisors research the appropriate German reference profession and identify the competent authorities for the recognition procedure. 
• Individual consultation: You receive a detailed assessment of your prospects, any missing documents and the steps involved in the recognition process. 
• Support up to application submission: ProRecognition helps you prepare a complete set of documents and submit your application correctly. 
• Further guidance: If needed, you receive information on language courses, qualification measures, visa procedures and your first steps in Germany.

The more complete your documents are, the more precise the consultation can be. For a well‑founded assessment, the advisors generally require:

• degree certificates and diplomas,
• transcripts of subjects and grades,
• proof of professional experience (e.g. employment references),
• a CV,
• proof of identity.

The assessment is based on a professional analysis of your qualification carried out by our advisors. They review:

• the content and scope of your training,
• the level of your qualification,
• its comparability with German reference professions,
• the requirements of the competent recognition authority.

The assessment is non‑binding, but it helps you develop realistic expectations and choose the right pathway. You will learn whether full recognition is likely or whether additional qualifications may be required.

ProRecognition explains which types of visas are relevant to your situation, how recognition and entry procedures are connected, and which documents you need. This helps you understand the process more clearly and avoid common mistakes.

The project itself cannot issue visas or influence decisions. These are the sole responsibility of the German missions abroad.

ProRecognition offers job fairs that connect international skilled professionals with companies in Germany. In addition, companies can contact the local AHK offices directly to obtain information about potential candidates.

The published figures are based on:

• documented consultations at the AHK locations,
• voluntary feedback on recognition decisions,
• and voluntary feedback on job placements.

The data is updated regularly and serves to transparently demonstrate the impact of the project. It shows how many skilled professionals received counselling, how many applications were submitted as a result of the consultations, and how many of them ultimately (at least) successfully started a job in Germany.