If your degree is from outside Germany, you may need official recognition to apply for certain jobs, visas (especially the Blue Card), or further studies. This guide explains how anabin and ZAB evaluation work, the required documents, timelines, and the most common issues students and graduates face.
Why Degree Recognition Matters
You may need recognition when:
• applying for the EU Blue Card
• applying for skilled worker visas
• entering regulated professions (teaching, nursing, medicine)
• applying for master’s programs
• proving qualification to employers
• submitting documents to Ausländerbehörde
Germany uses two main systems: anabin and ZAB evaluation.
What Is anabin? (Fastest Method)
anabin is an online database used by German authorities to verify:
• whether your university is recognized
• whether your degree type matches German standards
anabin uses the following labels:
University Status
• H+ → fully recognized
• H- → not recognized
• H+/- → partially recognized (depends on program)
Degree Equivalence
• A1 / A2 → equivalent to a German degree
• B → partially equivalent
• C → not equivalent
If your university is H+ and your degree level is accepted →
you usually don’t need any further evaluation.
What If Your Degree Is Not in anabin?
If your university or degree is:
• not listed
• unclear
• marked H+/-
• or needs deeper verification
…then you must apply for a ZAB Statement of Comparability (Zeugnisbewertung).
ZAB Evaluation (Statement of Comparability)
The ZAB evaluation provides an official letter confirming:
• your degree level
• its German equivalent
• its recognition status
• whether it qualifies for skilled employment
Important
ZAB does not evaluate transcripts—it only confirms degree equivalence.
When You Need ZAB
• Blue Card application when anabin is inconclusive
• employer requires official recognition
• applying for regulated professions
• unclear university status
Required Documents for ZAB Evaluation
Depending on your country, you may need:
• passport
• degree certificate
• transcript of records
• certified translations (if not in German/English)
• proof of identity
• filled application form
• proof of payment
Fees
Usually €200 for the first degree, €100 for additional degrees.
Translation Requirements
Translations must be:
• certified
• done by sworn translators
• complete (no partial translations)
How Long Does ZAB Take?
Processing time:
• 2–3 months on average
• sometimes up to 4–6 months during busy periods
Because of the long waiting time, apply early if possible.
Step-by-Step Recognition Process
Step 1: Check anabin
Search your:
• university name
• degree type
If university = H+ and degree = recognized → done.
Step 2: If Not Clear → Apply for ZAB
Download the application, prepare documents, and send by post.
Step 3: Wait for Processing
ZAB may request additional documents.
Step 4: Receive Statement of Comparability
This official letter can be used for:
• visa applications
• job contracts
• employer verification
• Blue Card applications
Regulated vs. Non-Regulated Professions
Regulated Professions (Recognition Required)
Examples:
• doctors
• nurses
• teachers
• lawyers
• pharmacists
These require professional recognition—not just degree recognition.
Non-Regulated Professions
Most jobs (IT, business, engineering, design, etc.) only require academic recognition via anabin or ZAB.
Common Problems & How to Avoid Them
1) University listed as H+/-
Solution: Apply for ZAB.
2) Degree not listed in anabin
Common for smaller universities → apply for ZAB.
3) Missing translations
Always use certified translators.
4) Name mismatch on documents
Provide proof of name change or explanation.
5) ZAB processing delay
Apply early and check your email regularly.
6) Degree specialization not recognized
You may need to provide additional documents or clarification.
Summary
Recognizing a foreign degree in Germany involves two main tools:
• anabin → fast, free database used for most applications
• ZAB evaluation → official statement when anabin is unclear
To ensure a smooth process:
• check anabin first
• prepare certified translations
• understand whether your profession is regulated
• apply early to avoid delays
With the correct documents and preparation, your foreign degree can be fully recognized, opening doors to skilled employment, visas, and academic opportunities in Germany.