Degree Recognition in Germany: How to Check Comparability
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The recognition of a degree in Germany depends on your purpose: studying, working, obtaining a visa, applying for a Blue Card, or gaining access to a regulated profession. In some cases, it is sufficient to check the university and degree in Anabin; in others, an official Zeugnisbewertung / Statement of Comparability from ZAB is required; and for regulated professions, a separate recognition procedure (Anerkennung) through the competent authority is necessary.
First, set a goal
Before checking your degree, answer these three questions:
- Why do you need a degree in Germany? For admission to a program, employment, a visa, a Blue Card, professional development, or admission to a regulated profession.
- What is your qualification? A university degree, vocational training, a high school diploma, or a mixed educational background.
- Is the profession regulated or not? For regulated professions, simply confirming the level of your degree is usually not enough.
These questions are important because there is no single, universal procedure in Germany that applies to all documents and all professions.
What Is a Regulated Profession?
A regulated profession is a job that cannot be performed in Germany without official authorization or recognition of qualifications. Such fields often include medicine, nursing, pharmacy, teaching, and certain engineering and legal professions. The list and requirements depend on the specific profession and the federal state.
If the profession is regulated, you need to look not just for a degree evaluation, but for the competent authority that oversees that specific profession. To do this, use the Anerkennung in Deutschland portal and its Recognition Finder.
How Do Anabin, ZAB, and Anerkennung Differ?
| Tool | What it’s for | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Anabin | Check the status of a foreign university and information about foreign educational documents | When you need to understand how the German system evaluates your university or type of degree |
| Statement of Comparability / Zeugnisbewertung from ZAB | Obtain an official document that describes a foreign university degree and its level within the German system | When an employer, government agency, embassy, or visa application process requires an official document of comparability |
| Recognition in Germany | Find the procedure for recognizing professional qualifications and the competent authority | When you want to work in your profession, especially if it is a regulated profession |
How to Check a Degree via Anabin
Anabin is the KMK/ZAB information portal for foreign educational documents. It helps you determine whether a university is recognized as a higher education institution and how the type of degree is classified.
Usually, two elements are checked:
- University status. In Anabin, universities are assigned the statuses H+, H-, and H+/-. H+ usually means the institution is recognized as a university; H- means it is not recognized; H+/- requires further verification.
- Degree type. Even if the university has the appropriate status, you need to check the Abschluss / degree type itself, because the evaluation depends not only on the name of the university.
If your university or degree is not listed in Anabin, this does not always mean automatic rejection. In such situations, an individual assessment through ZAB or consultation with the competent authority is often required.
When Do You Need a Statement of Comparability from ZAB?
A Statement of Comparability, or Zeugnisbewertung, is an official document issued by ZAB for foreign university degrees. It compares the degree to the level of the German education system and can be used when communicating with employers, government agencies, embassies, and other organizations.
ZAB states that such a document helps demonstrate the comparability of a foreign university degree with a German qualification. However, it does not replace professional recognition for a regulated profession and, on its own, does not grant the right to enroll in a university, pursue further education, or work in a profession that requires separate authorization.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Find the exact German name for your purpose
For employment, it is important to identify the profession in which you wish to work in Germany. For studying, determine the program level and the university’s requirements. For a visa, identify the requirements for the specific category of residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel).
2. Check whether the profession is regulated
Open the Recognition Finder on the “Anerkennung in Deutschland” portal and search for your profession. If the portal indicates that the profession is regulated, follow the instructions for the competent authority. These will specify the required documents, the procedure, and possible outcomes.
3. Check the university and degree in Anabin
For a university degree, check the status of the institution and the type of degree. Save screenshots or PDF downloads only if a specific agency or employer accepts them; some procedures specifically require an official Zeugnisbewertung from ZAB.
4. Decide whether you need a ZAB evaluation
If Anabin does not provide unequivocal confirmation, if the degree is needed for a visa application, if an employer requests an official document, or if an agency explicitly requires a Statement of Comparability, submit an application through ZAB.
5. For a regulated profession, prepare a separate application package
The competent authority may request your diploma, a transcript, proof of work experience, course hours, translations, a language certificate, and other documents. Requirements vary by profession and state, so you should check the official website of the specific authority.
Common Mistakes
Do not confuse degree recognition with professional recognition. A university degree may be comparable to a German level, but professional recognition is still required for a regulated profession.
Check only the university. For a visa or an employer, it may be important not only that the university has H+ status, but also how a specific type of degree is evaluated.
Do not use outdated instructions. Procedures, portals, and document requirements change. Before submitting your application, check the current pages on ZAB, Anabin, and Anerkennung in Deutschland.
Translate documents without first checking the requirements. Some authorities only accept translations in a specific format or require certified copies.
Official Resources
- Anerkennung in Deutschland — the German government’s portal for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications.
- Recognition Finder — search for a regulated profession and the competent authority.
- Anabin — the KMK/ZAB database of foreign educational documents.
- Statement of Comparability от ZAB — an official evaluation of a foreign university degree.
Conclusion
If you want to find out whether your degree is comparable to a German level, start with Anabin. If you need an official document for an employer, government agency, or visa application, check the requirements for a Statement of Comparability from ZAB. If your goal is to work in a regulated profession, first look into the recognition (Anerkennung) process and the competent authority, because a simple diploma verification does not replace professional licensing.
