Regalis, as of
In brief
In non-regulated occupations people may work without recognition, but the visa as a skilled worker usually requires the qualification to be equivalent. Depending on the occupation, a Chamber of Skilled Crafts or a Chamber of Industry and Commerce is responsible and compares the foreign qualification with a German reference occupation. If differences remain there are ways to make them up, and in certain cases work experience also counts under conditions set out by the official bodies.
Not regulated does not mean no recognition
In a non-regulated occupation nobody needs a state authorisation to work. A company can therefore hire a welder with a foreign certificate without that certificate being recognised.
For people from countries outside the EU, however, the residence permit comes into play. The permit as a skilled worker usually requires the qualification to be equivalent to a German one. Recognition thus becomes a condition for entry.
There are exceptions and other routes. We present some of them further down. Which route fits is decided case by case.
Finding the German reference occupation
Recognition compares the foreign qualification with a German occupation. This occupation is called the reference occupation. It has to match the training, not the job.
The match is not always clear-cut. A metalworking occupation from the country of origin can cover parts of several German occupations. Then it is worth looking closely at the content of the training.
The portal Recognition in Germany helps with the search. It lists German occupations with their content and the responsible office. The chambers also give advice before the application.
Discuss the match with the skilled worker early. They know their training best and can obtain syllabuses and certificates.
The chambers are responsible
For most vocational occupations in crafts and industry, the chambers are responsible. Craft occupations are assessed by the Chamber of Skilled Crafts. Industrial and commercial occupations are assessed by the Chambers of Industry and Commerce.
Many metalworking occupations exist in both areas. A metalworker in the crafts sector belongs to the crafts, an industrial mechanic to industry. The reference occupation decides which chamber handles the application.
The chamber assesses the qualification and issues a decision. A fee is charged for the assessment, and the chamber names the amount. Translations and certifications come on top.
- Final certificate with details of the content and length of the training
- Proof of work experience, for example references from employers
- CV and passport
- Translations and certifications as required by the chamber
Partial equivalence and what follows
Not every decision confirms full equivalence. Single differences often remain. The decision names them and shows what is missing.
These gaps can be closed, usually through adaptation training in the company or in a course. The chamber can then confirm full equivalence.
There are dedicated routes for entry in such cases. One is the recognition partnership, where company and skilled worker complete the procedure after entry. Another is measures towards recognition, for which a separate residence permit is provided.
Which route works in the individual case is something to clarify with the chamber, the mission abroad and the foreigners authority.
Work experience as a route of its own
In certain cases work experience can also lead to employment without the qualification being recognised in Germany. For this the law sets additional conditions.
These usually include a qualification recognised by the state in the country of origin and work experience in the occupation. Further conditions concern, for example, the pay or whether the company is bound by a collective agreement. The details are published by the official bodies.
This route suits experienced skilled workers above all, whose training is hard to compare. It does not replace recognition in every case, however.
Special requirements for certain tasks
Some tasks require more than a matching qualification. In electrical work, for example, it depends on the task who may carry out which work. The responsible chamber will tell you what applies in the individual case.
Welding also has its own certificates that customers or standards require. These tests are not recognition in terms of residence law. They may still be needed for deployment in the company.
Ask not only about the qualification, therefore, but also about certificates and practical experience. That helps with the selection and with the induction.
What the company can do
The application for recognition is the skilled worker's task. The company can make the route considerably easier, though.
- Clarify the reference occupation early with the skilled worker
- Word the job description and duties to match the qualification
- Offer a place for adaptation training
- Agree on fees, translations and certifications
- Name a person in the company who follows the case
Frequently asked questions
May a welder work for us without recognition?
The occupation is not regulated, so no authorisation is needed. For the visa as a skilled worker, however, the qualification usually has to be equivalent.
Which chamber is responsible?
That depends on the German reference occupation. Craft occupations are assessed by the Chamber of Skilled Crafts, industrial occupations by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
What happens with partial equivalence?
The decision names the differences. They can usually be made up through adaptation training. There are dedicated routes for entry in such cases.
Does work experience count without recognition?
In certain cases yes, under additional conditions. The official bodies state which.
Who pays for recognition?
That is a matter for the company and the skilled worker to agree. Many companies take over fees, translations and certifications. Put the arrangement in writing.
- For Employers How Regalis works with employers: capture requirements, present candidates, coordinate entry and the start of work. Direct employment, no staff leasing.