Recognition Partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft)

Overview

Introduced under the Skilled Immigration Act, the Recognition Partnership permits qualified non-EU workers to enter Germany, start work with the employer, and complete the qualification recognition (Anerkennung) process in-country — removing a major pre-arrival bottleneck, particularly for regulated professions.

Guidance by nationality

Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.

• 🇵🇭 Filipino applicants

  Filipino healthcare workers — particularly nurses (BSN holders) and caregivers — are the largest single Recognition Part…

• 🇳🇬 Nigerian applicants

  Nigerian healthcare and engineering workers use the Recognition Partnership where Anerkennung would otherwise pre-block …

• 🇮🇳 Indian applicants

  Indian applicants with non-IT regulated qualifications (nursing, allied health, teaching) use the Recognition Partnershi…

• 🇧🇩 Bangladeshi applicants

  Bangladeshi nurses and caregivers are an emerging Recognition Partnership cohort under bilateral nurse-recruitment frame…

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Identify employer willing to partner

   Not every employer will engage with the recognition process; healthcare and engineering sectors are the most active.

2. 02

   Enter Germany on Recognition Partnership visa

   Begin work while Anerkennung application proceeds.

3. 03

   Complete recognition within permit validity

   Sit any required bridging courses or exams; secure final recognition.

4. 04

   Transition to Blue Card or §18a/§18b

   Once fully recognised, convert to the relevant employment-based residence permit.

Fees and processing time

Indicative government fees: Visa and residence permit fees as for other employment routes.. A decision then typically takes 2 months – 4 months. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.

• Processing time detail

  Current decision windows from the issuing authority.

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• 🇫🇴 Faroe Islands (self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark)
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• 🇫🇷 French Republic

Related routes

• Skilled Worker residence permit (§18a/§18b AufenthG)

  Sponsored work and residence permit for qualified non-EU workers from any country worldwide who have a German job offer and a recognised qualification.

• EU Blue Card (Germany)

  Work and residence permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals with a qualifying German job offer.