Use the ANABIN database to recognize your degree | Opportunity Card.
The ANABIN database is an essential tool for individuals with foreign degrees looking to work or study in Germany. By checking if your degree is recognized through ANABIN, you can ensure your eligibility for the Germany Opportunity Card without needing to go through a points-based system.It is an online platform created by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of Germany, which allows individuals to check if their foreign higher education qualifications are recognized in Germany.The recognition process helps demonstrate that your qualifications meet German standards for skilled workers.
Step-by-Step Process for Degree Recognition
- H+ and equivalence “entspricht” or “gleichwertig” means your degree and university are fully recognized in Germany.
- H+ but equivalence “bedingt vergleichbar” indicates that while the university is recognized, the degree might require further evaluation.
- H- means that the university is not recognized.
- H+/- suggests partial recognition, often with specific conditions attached.
What If Your Degree Is Not Listed in ANABIN?
In case your degree is not found in the ANABIN database, it doesn’t mean your qualification is automatically not recognized. The database doesn’t cover all possible universities or degrees worldwide. If your degree is missing, you can apply to the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) to have your credentials individually assessed. The ZAB offers a certificate evaluation procedure that will examine your degree’s equivalence with German standards. This process takes around two months, after which you’ll receive an official statement of comparability.
How to Address Partial or Non-Recognition of Your Degree
If your degree is only partially recognized or listed as H-, meaning it's not recognized in Germany, there are still options available for you to pursue recognition. You can consider enrolling in supplementary courses or taking exams that will allow you to bridge the gap in qualification recognition. Several German universities and educational institutions offer these "adaptation" courses or assessments, which can help fulfill the necessary criteria for full recognition. Additionally, organizations like the "Integration through Qualification" network and the German Employment Agency can provide guidance on available pathways.
How the Recognition of Your Degree Opens Doors to the Opportunity Card
Once your university degree is officially recognized, you can apply for the Germany Opportunity Card, which allows you to live in Germany and search for a job in your field. This visa is a great option for skilled workers and is issued for one year, during which time you can seek a job. To qualify, you’ll need to provide proof of sufficient financial means, such as a blocked account, and valid health insurance. The Opportunity Card is designed to give skilled professionals from non-EU countries the chance to establish themselves in Germany’s competitive job market. If you find a job within the year, you can further apply for long-term residency.
