New report on the Recognition Act: bridge to employment for international professionals

The Federal Cabinet adopted today the report on the Recognition Act. Since the introduction of the Recognition Act four years ago, the number of applications has been growing significantly. In 2012-2014 some 44.000 applications for recognition of professional qualifications were submitted only in the field of federally regulated professions, 17.600 of which were filed in 2014. Those who submit an application for recognition of a qualification obtained abroad have good chances of receiving positive ruling.

The report shows that in 96% of recognition cases full or partial equivalence between the foreign professional qualification and corresponding German qualification could be established. The Federal Statistical Office will have the figures for 2015 in the fall.

The OECD in its report “Successful Integration” also points out the importance of the recognition of professional qualifications for securing skilled workforce in Germany. Thus, the Federal Ministry of Education is planning to launch a new funding program, so that people with low incomes can get financial assistance for the recognition process. The applicants willing to have their foreign credentials recognised must meet the costs for an application, translations, certified copies, and if necessary for a qualification analysis, as well as an additional training.

The report on the Recognition Act 2016 [German]

Further information [German]