The qualifications of medical workers must meet German standards
Medical workers
The profession of a doctor is regulated, meaning qualifications must meet German standards. To work as a doctor in Germany, specialists from non-EU countries must obtain a permit. It may be temporary and valid only for the federal state that issues it. Another option is a permit without restrictions. For this, you need to pass an exam to test knowledge in the specialty – Approbation.
You can also work as a nurse only with permission from the state authorities. Verification of qualifications is unavoidable. Some discrepancies in the curriculum can be compensated by work experience. If the difference is significant, the specialist will be offered to either take the exam immediately or first complete a three-year training course. As with doctors, an important condition is proficiency in everyday and medical German.
Engineers
The title "engineer" is protected by law in Germany; only a specialist who has confirmed their qualifications can use it. However, for working as an engineer, recognition of a diploma obtained abroad is not mandatory. The employer decides whether the candidate is suitable. However, confirmed qualifications increase chances on the labor market.
Computer scientists
This profession is not regulated. You can immediately send an application for a suitable vacancy. According to the IT Job Market Report, in 2016 demand grew for analysts and specialists in information systems development. The best chances are in logistics, automotive, and mechanical engineering. Experience with cloud technologies, social networks, or mobile applications is a big advantage.
Specialists with vocational education
Since 2013, employment at German enterprises has been facilitated for representatives of working professions from the so-called "white list" of the Federal Employment Agency (Positivliste). As of September 2016, among the most in-demand are specialists in metalworking, metal structure installation, mechatronics and electrical engineering, as well as plumbers, roofers, and bricklayers.
Such specialists must have knowledge of the German language and completed vocational education. Confirming qualifications in Germany is not required, but the Federal Employment Agency recommends checking the diploma for compliance with German standards. The review of documents is handled by chambers of commerce and crafts. You can submit an application while abroad, and its review takes up to three months.
You can check whether you must confirm your foreign diploma to work in Germany on the website www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de in the Anerkennungsfinder section. The addresses of the authorities that review documents are also posted there.