The visa for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications is an important part of the Skilled Immigration Act and is aimed at skilled workers who wish to have their qualifications acquired abroad recognized in Germany. This visa enables applicants to come to Germany to complete the recognition procedure on site and work in their profession at the same time.
In order to apply for this visa, skilled workers must meet several requirements. Firstly, they need a concrete job offer from a German employer. This offer must meet the requirements of the desired occupation and ensure that the skilled worker can be employed during the recognition procedure.
Another important aspect is proof of sufficient German language skills. As a rule, language skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) are required. This language proficiency can be proven through official language tests such as the Goethe-Zertifikat or telc Deutsch.
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). This involves checking whether the qualifications acquired abroad meet German standards. In many cases, adaptation qualifications or examinations are required to prove equivalence.
During the recognition procedure, the skilled workers can work in their profession and complete the necessary adaptation qualifications. This gives them the opportunity to gain practical experience and at the same time get to know the requirements of the German working world.
For companies, the visa for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications offers an important opportunity to recruit qualified skilled workers from abroad and integrate them quickly into the labor market. However, companies should ensure that they support the skilled workers during the recognition process, for example by offering adaptation qualifications and language courses.
This visa helps to combat the shortage of skilled workers in Germany by facilitating access to the German labor market for qualified workers from abroad and speeding up the recognition of their qualifications.
You can find out more about the law at https://fachkraefteeinwanderungsgesetz.de