You can have a training qualification from abroad officially recognized in Germany by the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK). The procedure for recognition is called: Equivalency assessment (BQFG).
In the equivalence assessment, your training qualification is compared with a specific German training qualification. Important criteria for the comparison are the content and duration of the training. You will receive a notification of the result of the procedure. The notification will list any existing vocational qualifications and any qualifications that may still be lacking.
The certificate makes your foreign training qualification transparent for employers and thus increases your chances on the labor market. For skilled workers abroad outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, a recognition procedure is usually a prerequisite for the issuance of a visa.
There are around 350 state-recognized education and training degrees in the area of the Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Germany. A list of these degrees can be found, for example, on the website of the IHK FOSA.
In order to apply for an equivalence determination, you must identify a German training qualification. This German training qualification must match your training qualification. That is why it is important to get detailed advice before you submit an application.
You submit the application to the IHK Foreign Skills Approval (IHK FOSA) in Nuremberg. In Bavaria, the IHK FOSA is centrally responsible for determining equivalency.
The application is independent of nationality and residence status; applications can also be submitted from abroad.
Accelerated procedure for skilled workers
As an employer in Germany, you can apply for an accelerated procedure for skilled workers from third countries. You apply for the procedure with the power of attorney of the skilled worker at the responsible foreigners authority at your company headquarters in Germany. In this accelerated procedure for skilled workers, the duration of the procedure for determining equivalence at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce is shortened, among other things. Additional fees will be charged depending on the specific effort required for the accelerated procedure for skilled workers. For more information, please visit the portals Make It In Germany and Recognition in Germany.