The ZAB queue is the only uncontrollable factor (months). Apply earlier than needed — the evaluation never expires.
The Procedure: ZAB or the Professional Authority
Non-regulated: the ZAB Statement of Comparability (€208, 2–3 months). Regulated: an application to your state professional authority.
✓ Verified: 15/08/2026
WHAT TO DO
DOCUMENTS 4
COSTS
- €ZAB evaluation €208
3 months in the standard procedure, 2 months in the accelerated skilled-worker procedure, 2 weeks for the EU Blue Card
› Details and tips
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Max recommends:
The package is essentially always the same: degree with transcript, sworn translation, work references, passport. Prepare two certified sets — authorities love keeping copies.
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Lea recommends:
Under § 6 (3) BQFG the decision is due within three months of the complete file; the office may extend that once, and only with reasons. For longer silence, a letter citing exactly this deadline works wonders.
Useful Tools
- Anerkennung in Deutschland education
Federal portal on recognition of foreign qualifications: which authority handles your profession and what to submit.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does the procedure cost? ▾
100 to 600 € plus translations. The Anerkennungszuschuss covers 100 to 600 € of that and, in addition, up to 3 000 € per person for qualification measures. The limit is an annual income below 32 000 € gross, or below 50 000 € for married couples and civil partnerships.
How long is the authority allowed to take? ▾
§ 6 BQFG sets three periods, not one. The authority confirms receipt within one month and says at the same time which documents are missing. The three-month period for the decision starts only with the COMPLETE file. It may be extended once — appropriately, with reasons and communicated in good time; the norm provides for no second extension.
Why is my ZAB evaluation taking longer than announced? ▾
Because processing time at the ZAB begins only once all documents are present AND the fee has arrived in full. The payment deadline is three weeks; using it fully or asking for an extension also postpones the start of processing.
Who actually decides on my profession? ▾
Each profession has its authority: doctors the state licensing office, teachers the culture ministry, engineers the chamber. The portal anerkennung-in-deutschland.de finds the exact address in a minute.
Partial recognition — what does it mean? ▾
For regulated professions it is the deficit list plus the path to close it: an adaptation course or exam (Kenntnisprüfung for doctors). A normal route, not a rejection.
Can I start from abroad? ▾
Yes — all applications work from any country, and that is the right order: recognition in hand speeds up both visa and hiring.