Procedure descriptions

Foreign professional qualifications for IHK professions - have them recognised

Have you completed state-recognised vocational training abroad that is comparable to an IHK occupation and are looking for work in Baden-Württemberg? With the recognition certificate from the IHK FOSA, you will receive an official certificate with which you can make your foreign training qualification transparent and show the German labour market what you have learned.

Tip: You can obtain advice on the recognition of your foreign vocational qualification from the first point of contact in Baden-Württemberg.

Forms/Online Services

Responsible authority

the IHK FOSA

IHK FOSA (Foreign Skills Approval)

Details

Prerequisite

  • You have completed a state-recognised vocational training abroad that is comparable to an IHK profession.
  • You would like to work in Baden-Württemberg.

Procedure

Ask the first point of contact or the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) for advice on the procedure. You must then apply in writing to the relevant office for your foreign professional qualification to be recognised.

Once the application has been received, the completeness of the documents submitted and the application requirements will be checked:

  • If required information is missing, you will be informed of this in writing.
  • You will also receive a notification of fees.
  • The equivalence assessment procedure will then be carried out.

Note: If there are significant differences between the foreign training and the corresponding German reference occupation, the competent authority may take into account relevant professional experience and certificates of competence.

Deadlines

none

Required documents

  • Fully completed and signed application form (not required for digital applications for recognition in Germany)
  • Degree certificate including list of subjects in colour copy in original language and in German translation by publicly appointed or sworn interpreters.
  • Proof of relevant professional experience (e.g. job references, employment records, social security certificates) in colour copy in original language and in German translation by publicly appointed or sworn interpreters
  • Other proof of qualifications (e.g. courses, retraining, further training) in colour copy in original language and in German translation by publicly appointed or sworn interpreters
  • Proof of identity (e.g. identity card, passport, change of name) in colour copy
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Proof of intention to work
  • A copy of the contents of the training programme (in particular the framework curriculum)
    Documents in English do not need to be translated. You can find an overview of German translators here.

.

Costs

100 - 600 EUR depending on the individual case

Processing time

The competent body must complete the equivalence assessment procedure within three months. The period begins to run from the date on which all the necessary documents are available.

Miscellaneous

none

Legal basis

Berufsqualifikationsfeststellungsgesetz (BQFG)

Release note

machine generated, based on the German release by: IHK FOSA , 24.10.2025