International work: Professional qualification and activity
Those who work abroad face special challenges. This applies to both employees and self-employed persons who have acquired their professional qualifications in other countries. In the following overview, you will therefore find the most important regulations and useful information that you need to consider when working abroad.
Links to professional recognition
Use the [Recognition Finder for Professional Recognition of the Federal Government Information Portal] (https://www.recognition-in-deutschland.de/html/en/index.php) to find the competent body for your recognition procedure.
On the [Your Europe of the European Union] page (https://europa.eu/youreurope/index_en.htm) you will find information on your fundamental rights as an EU citizen and access to a network of national portals with information on the application of EU rules in each EU country.
[The Federal Government’s ‘Make it in Germany’ portal for professionals from abroad] (https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/) provides more information on your opportunities to work and live in Germany, such as applying for a visa and a job board.
[The database "anabin" of the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB)] (https://anabin.kmk.org/anabin.html) provides information on the assessment of foreign educational qualifications, especially for the assessment of foreign university degrees, and supports authorities, employers and private individuals to classify a foreign qualification in the German education system.
[The BQ portal of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy] (https://www.bq-portal.de/) provides information on the recognition of foreign professional qualifications for companies, refugees and skilled workers from abroad.
[The Regional Integration Network IQ NRW – West ](https://www.iq-nrw-west.de/ueber-uns/iq-recognition consultancy-nrw) qualifies, advises and accompanies adult professionals of foreign origin and residence in the regions of Aachen, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Münster, Niederrhein and the Ruhr region.
[The Regional Integration Network IQ NRW-East] (https://www.iq-nrw-ost.de/en/) qualifies, advises and accompanies adult specialists with foreign origin and residence in Ostwestfalen-Lippe.
The NRW Talent Agency International (FAI NRW) advises small and medium-sized enterprises in NRW on the recruitment and integration of international professionals: From strategic planning to visa and recognition procedures to successful employment and integration in the company.
FAQs: International work
Help and Frequently Asked Questions about International Work
Why do I need professional recognition?
The professional recognition of qualifications and degrees from abroad also enables the practice of the learned profession in Germany. With professional recognition, easier access to the German labour market is possible.
What happens if my qualification is not recognised?
Without a recognition of the professional qualifications acquired abroad, a new training in the corresponding profession must be completed. However, the recognition of professional qualifications is only a prerequisite for the pursuit of the profession in the case of so-called regulated professions. In non-regulated professions, you can also work in Germany without recognition of professional qualifications.
What is the European Professional Card required for?
The card simplifies the recognition of professional qualifications in other EU countries and thus facilitates access to the labour market. This is only possible for certain occupational groups (e.g. pharmacists and physiotherapists). All professional groups can be found in the information on the topic of European Professional Cards.
Who must comply with the rules on cross-border services?
The rules for cross-border services in NRW apply to companies and workers who provide or receive services in another country. Companies or workers in North Rhine-Westphalia who operate across borders must comply with the relevant regulations in order to ensure legal compliance and the interests of all parties involved. The rules cover various areas such as plant protection law, animal welfare law or explosives law.
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