Anerkennungsgesetz

The Anerkennungsgesetz, or Recognition Act, is a piece of German federal legislation that governs the recognition of foreign professional qualifications. Its primary purpose is to ensure that individuals who have obtained professional or vocational training abroad can have their qualifications assessed and, if equivalent, officially recognized in Germany. This facilitates their integration into the German labor market and makes it easier for them to practice their professions.

The Act applies to a wide range of regulated professions, such as doctors, engineers, teachers, and craftspeople, as well as to many vocational occupations that require specific training. The recognition process typically involves comparing the applicant's foreign training and professional experience with the requirements of the corresponding German qualification. This comparison is carried out by designated competent authorities in Germany, often chambers of commerce or professional bodies.

If the foreign qualification is deemed equivalent, the applicant receives a certificate of recognition, allowing them to work in their profession in Germany without needing to undergo further German training or examinations. In cases where full equivalence is not established, the Act provides for compensatory measures, such as additional training or aptitude tests, to bridge the identified gaps. The Anerkennungsgesetz aims to create transparency and fairness in the recognition of foreign qualifications, thereby leveraging the skills and expertise of individuals from other countries for the German economy.