Breaking the Rules—Legally: Working in Germany Without A Recognition

Germany has traditionally required foreign professionals to go through a formal recognition process before securing employment. This is the basic condition as Germany only wants “skilled professionals” to get employment and does not allow unskilled labour to migrate.  However, with new migration policies and alternative pathways, some Indian professionals are now working in Germany without a recognition of their degrees. While this might seem like a shortcut, these options come with specific conditions and are not suitable for everyone. Understanding these alternative routes can help you make informed decisions about your career in Germany.

Anerkennungspartnerschaft: Recognition after arriving in Germany

One of the lesser-known pathways is the Anerkennungspartnerschaft (Recognition Partnership). This allows professionals to work in Germany while their qualification recognition process is still ongoing. Under this arrangement, an employer must commit to supporting the candidate through the recognition process, ensuring that any necessary training or qualifications are completed.

While this might sound like an ideal solution, there are limitations. Not all employers are willing or able to take on this responsibility, as it requires additional effort on their part. Moreover, the position offered must align with the profession being recognized, meaning that candidates cannot simply switch jobs freely. If the recognition process is not completed within the required timeframe or if the recognition fails, the employment permit may not be extended. It is also required to know German on at least A2 level when applying for the visa in this category. 

If your currently are in discussion with a potential employer for a Anerkennungspartnerschaft and need help or support, book a consultation with ProRecognition India.

Berufserfahrenen-Regelung: Work Experience as a Substitute

For professionals with significant work experience, the Berufserfahrenen-Regelung (Skilled Worker Experience Regulation) offers another alternative. This regulation allows individuals to bypass qualification recognition if they can prove substantial, relevant work experience in their field. This is particularly useful for professionals whose education was completed over a decade ago and have since considerably moved up the ranks.

However, this pathway is also restricted by conditions. The experience must be well-documented and meet German industry standards. Furthermore, this option is only available for non-regulated professions, meaning that fields like healthcare and teaching still require formal recognition. Additionally, without official recognition, career growth may be limited, as many employers prefer candidates with recognized qualifications. This pathway can be quicker than waiting for a recognition in India, but we recommend candidates taking this route to get their recognition done after arriving in Germany.

Why Recognition Still Matters

To understand why formal recognition remains a crucial step for Indian professionals in Germany, check out our blog: Why Recognition Still Gives You an Edge.

While these alternative routes provide new opportunities, full recognition of qualifications still offers significant advantages. It increases job security, improves salary prospects, and allows professionals to work in a broader range of industries. Moreover, recognized qualifications make it easier to transition into long-term residency and career progression.

Learn more about the recognition process or if alternative pathways are available for you by booking a consultation with ProRecognition India