African Diplomas: Your Passport to Germany

Germany is actively seeking skilled workers, and your African diplomas could be your key to a successful career in the country. The crucial step is the recognition of your professional qualifications.

Recognition: A Crucial Step

For most professions, especially regulated ones (such as in healthcare, engineering, or teaching), it is essential to have your foreign diplomas and qualifications officially recognized. This procedure, known as Anerkennungsverfahren (recognition procedure) or Gleichwertigkeitsprüfung (equivalence assessment), verifies if your qualification is equivalent to a German reference vocational training.

The recognition process typically takes between three to four months. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate indicating whether your qualification is fully recognized, partially recognized, or not recognized at all.

Different Pathways to Entry

There are several routes for Africans to immigrate to Germany as skilled workers with African diplomas:

• Pre-arrival Recognition: Ideally, start the recognition process before arriving in Germany. This significantly facilitates obtaining a visa and entering the job market.
• Visa for Recognition of Professional Qualifications: If you couldn't obtain recognition before leaving, you can come to Germany with a specific visa to undertake this procedure on-site.
• Employment Visa under a Recognition Partnership: This option allows you to come to Germany, start working, and undergo the recognition process concurrently. It's a particularly valuable solution for urgently needed positions.

Regulated vs. Non-Regulated Professions

It's important to distinguish between:

• Regulated Professions: To practice these professions (doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, etc.), recognition is mandatory. Without it, practicing is prohibited.
• Non-Regulated Professions: For many occupations (IT, commerce, logistics, etc.), recognition is not always legally required. However, it is often beneficial and can accelerate your professional integration and improve your career prospects.

How to Initiate the Process?

1. Identify the Reference Profession: Determine the equivalent German profession for your qualification. The portal Anerkennung in Deutschland (Recognition in Germany) is an essential resource for this.
2. Find the Competent Authority: The Anerkennung in Deutschland website will help you identify the body responsible for assessing your diploma based on your profession and potential place of residence in Germany.
3. Gather Documents: Prepare all necessary documents, such as your diplomas, transcripts, work certificates, and certified translations.
4. Submit the Application: Submit your application to the competent authority. The process can be initiated online for certain professions.

Practical Tips for Africans in Germany

• Learn German: A B2 level is often required, sometimes C1 for medical professions. Start learning as soon as possible.
• Utilize Counseling Centers: Services like the ZSBA (Central Office for Professional Recognition) of the Federal Employment Agency, or the IQ Netzwerk (Integration and Qualification Network), offer valuable support throughout the process.
• The Chancenkarte: This new points-based system can facilitate your job search in Germany, even without a prior job offer. Your recognized qualifications (even partial ones) can earn you points.

Germany has a growing need for skilled labor. Your African skills and diplomas are a valuable asset. By following the correct recognition procedure, you will maximize your chances of professional success in Germany.

Sources

• make-it-in-germany.com
• anerkennung-in-deutschland.de
• easyacademy.net
• connexion-emploi.com
• make-it-in-germany.com
• jobbatical.com
• anerkennung-in-deutschland.de
• berlingateway.de