Recognition Visa — Qualification Measure
Visum zur Anerkennung ausländischer Berufsqualifikationen · §16d Abs. 1 Aufenthaltsgesetz
What this visa is
A visa for people whose foreign qualification has been assessed by a German recognition authority and found to be only partially equivalent to a German qualification. Rather than starting from scratch, this visa allows you to complete specific qualification measures in Germany — such as in-company training, specialist courses, preparatory programmes, or job-related German language courses — to bridge the gap and achieve full recognition.
This is a particularly common route for healthcare professionals such as nurses, doctors, pharmacists and dental assistants whose foreign qualifications require additional measures before they can practise in Germany.
Who it is for
- ✓Those who have already initiated the recognition procedure and received a partial recognition notice (Defizitbescheid) from the competent German authority
- ✓Those with a foreign vocational or academic qualification recognised in the country where it was obtained
- ✓German language skills at A2–B1 level are generally required; regulated professions such as healthcare often require B2
- ✓Financial self-sufficiency of at least €1,091 per month (2026) via a blocked account or declaration of commitment; for company-based measures your employer salary may cover this
Key facts
- →Residence permit initially issued for up to 24 months, extendable by a further 12 months — up to a maximum of 3 years in total
- →Permits part-time work of up to 20 hours per week in a job unrelated to the qualification measure; full-time work is permitted if directly related to the skills being acquired, subject to Federal Employment Agency approval
- →Once full recognition is granted, you can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa (§18a or §18b) or EU Blue Card without leaving Germany
- →If recognition is granted but no job is yet secured, a 12-month job seeker permit is available
Source: Make it in Germany — Visa for Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
How MiGreat can help
We identify the correct recognition body, help you initiate the recognition procedure, prepare all required documents, and support you through the qualification measures so you reach full recognition as quickly as possible.
Find out if this visa is right for you