How to check if your training is recognized in Germany

Professionals with a non-academic degree (“Ausbildung”) seeking to apply for the Chancenkarte need to prove that their degree meets certain minimum requirements. Luckily, these minimum requirements are much easier to achieve than the previous process of “Anerkennung”, in which applicants needed to prove that their degree is fully equivalent to degrees in Germany (which only very few people managed to do).

The German Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) provides official assessments of whether your vocational training meets the new minimum standards. The recognition process evaluates two key criteria: whether your training lasted at least two years and whether it is government-recognized in the country where it was completed.

For Chancenkarte applicants holding a professional/vocational degree this recognition is essential – without it you cannot get a Chancenkarte. Completing the process successfully will also help in applying for jobs in Germany. Let’s explore how to navigate this recognition process and why it matters.

Please note that there is a different process for the recognition of university degrees. If you want to find out whether your university degree is recognized, read here.

Step 1: Navigate to the ZAB Website

Visit the ZAB website.
Click the button “Apply now”. You will be redirected to BUND-ID.

Step 2: Register at BUND-ID

The BUND-ID is a digital identification system used for accessing various services in Germany, including the Statement of a Foreign Vocational Qualification. It allows applicants to register, submit documents securely, and track the progress of their application. You need a BUND-ID for the process because it ensures secure, official verification of your identity when applying for the statement. It’s required for submitting and managing your documents online, as well as for receiving feedback from the authorities handling your qualification evaluation.

Switch language to English, if necessary.
Click “Create account”.
Register with Username and Password.

After your registration you should be redirected to the application page. If not, click here.

Step 3: Apply for the Statement:

Provide information about yourself and your training.
Upload required documents (e.g., certificates, translations) in PDF.
Note that you will have to transfer 150 € and upload proof of the transfer to issue the statement.

Process and Feedback:

Your application will be processed, and you will receive the result through your BUND-ID account. The process usually takes up to three months.

The Statement of a Foreign Vocational Qualification is a crucial part of your Chancenkarte application. It proves that your foreign qualifications are sufficient to apply for the Chancenkarte. Thus, it is an essential requirement for the application process.

This is what the statement may look like, if your degree meets the criteria. There is proof of your identity (name, birthdate, birthplace) and the key data of your vocational training. In the red circled area it is stated that the degree is recognized in the country of origin and that it took at least two years.

Step 1: Navigate to the ZAB Website

Step 2: Register at BUND-ID

Step 3: Apply for the Statement:

Chancenkarte Jobs!