The recognition partnership visa is an innovative approach within the framework of the Skilled Immigration Act that enables skilled workers from non-EU countries to have their qualifications acquired abroad recognized directly in Germany and take up qualified employment at the same time. This regulation aims to speed up the process of recognition and facilitate the integration of skilled workers into the German labor market.
Several requirements must be met in order to obtain this visa. One of the most important is proof of an employment contract with a German employer. The contract must ensure that the skilled worker is employed during the recognition procedure in a profession corresponding to their qualifications. This means that the employer is prepared to support and employ the skilled worker during the recognition procedure.
Another decisive factor is proof of sufficient German language skills. As a rule, language skills at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) are required. These requirements may vary depending on the profession and the specific requirements of the job. Language skills are necessary to cope with everyday working life and to successfully complete the recognition procedure.
The recognition partnership visa enables skilled workers to come to Germany and start the recognition procedure for their foreign qualifications here. This means that they do not have to wait for recognition before they can enter the country and work. Instead, they can start working as soon as they arrive and go through the recognition procedure at the same time.
The recognition procedure itself involves the assessment of foreign qualifications by competent German bodies such as the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or the Chambers of Crafts (HWK). It may be necessary for the skilled workers to complete additional adaptation qualifications or examinations in order to prove the equivalence of their qualifications. During this time, they can already work in their professional field, which gives them valuable practical experience and better integration into the labor market.
For companies, the recognition partnership visa offers numerous advantages. It enables them to recruit qualified specialists more quickly and address the shortage of skilled workers in a targeted manner. By integrating skilled workers directly into the labor market, companies can benefit from their skills and experience, while at the same time speeding up the recognition process.
This regulation helps to combat the shortage of skilled workers in Germany by facilitating access to the German labor market for qualified workers from abroad and accelerating their integration. It offers a flexible and efficient solution for the recognition of foreign qualifications and supports the long-term retention of skilled workers in the German labor market.