Regulated and non-regulated professions
Find out more about regulated professions, Statements of Comparability, and professional recognitions.
What is a non-regulated profession?
There are no legal regulations for practicing a non-regulated profession. You can apply directly to job offers or start your own business. Most professions are not regulated in Germany.
Examples of non-regulated professions
- Biologist
- Business economist
- Computer scientist
A Statement of Comparability is the right document for you if you plan to work in a non-regulated profession. It is the only official certificate for non-regulated academic professions and can help you find work in Germany.
Apply for a Statement of Comparability at the ZAB.
What is a regulated profession?
There are laws regulating who can practice a regulated profession. A professional recognition for your foreign university degree or vocational qualification is legally required before you can start to work.
Examples of regulated professions
- Nursery school teacher
- Physician
- Teacher
To work in a regulated profession in Germany, a professional recognition is legally required. The recognition process is necessary to verify whether the legal requirements regarding professional qualifications and experience are met.
Apply for professional recognition at the appropriate recognition authority.
Is my profession regulated or not regulated?
Use the Recognition Finder to find out if your profession is regulated in Germany.
Find out more
Recognition of professional qualifications
Do you want to find out more about the recognition of professional qualifications? Visit the German government's information portal for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications.
German work visa
Do you need a work visa? Visit the German government's website for qualified professionals.