Jurisdiction IHK FOSA
IHK FOSA is the competent body carrying out the recognition procedure only in case professional qualifications from abroad are assigned to IHK profession. All professions in the competence of IHK FOSA can be found in the:
The portal for career information BERUFENET contains detailed descriptions of all German professional qualifications and their specialisations as well as further training qualifications. The descriptions, in particular of the typical ob tasks carried out, provide a detailed insight into the respective professional profile. This allows a pretty good assessment whether a profession acquired abroad actually falls within the scope of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. In case the displayed profession title is included in the IHK list of professions, IHK FOSA is the competent body carrying out the recognition procedure.
People having obtained a professional qualification from Switzerland can find out in advance whether it will come to a recognitionn: Information about bilateral agreement with Switzerland and professional comparisons. Procedural faciliations apply for some professions.
Looking for professions not included in the IHK list of professions, another organisation may be responsible. To find out, use the recognition finder on the portal "Recognition in Germany" or get in touch with a recognition counselling centre.
Recognition under bilateral agreements with Austria and France as well as the Federal Expellee Act: Here you will find further information.
IHK FOSA is not the competent body issuing visa, residence permits or labour market admissions. You can find basic information on this topics at www.make-it-in-germany.de.
Application requirements
Professional recognition is based on the Professional Qualifications Assessment Act (BQFG). The prerequisite to apply for a recognition procedure is a completed, state-recognised professional qualification acquired abroad.
Applicants residing outside Germany, the EU/EEA or Switzerland or who are not nationals of these countries must also prove their intention to work in Germany when submitting their application, e.g. by submitting applications at employers, an employment contract, a business concept or an entry visa.
Course of proceedings
The recognition procedure starts with the submission of an application to IHK FOSA. Once the application has been received, the completeness of the documents submitted and the application requirements are verified. In case required information is missing, you will be informed in writing. You will also receive a fee notification. Thereafter the equivalence assessment procedure will be carried out.
Do you already have received a notification of partial equivalence? You can find information about the following steps here.
Required documents
IHK FOSA can carry out the recognition procedure only in case all required documents have been submitted. For a swift procedure, it is therefore in your interest to submit all required documents when applying.
Result of the recognition procedure
Once the recognition procedure has been completed, you will receive an official notification about the result of the equivalence assessment. The procedure usually ends with full or partial equivalence.
Full equivalence is given in case no material differences are given.
In case of a notification about partial equivalence, there are still differences existing that need to be made up. After completing an adaptation qualification, full equivalence can be achieved. You can find information on the procedure following a decision on partial equivalence here.
Is the foreign professioanl qualification not comparable with the German reference occupation, the application will be rejected.
Duration of procedure:
One month after receipt of the application for a preliminary review and, once the application is complete, three months for the equivalence assessment.
Fees and support for procedure fees
The procedure is subject to a fee: Information on fees and support for procedure fees