Essentials for Translating Academic Documents for ZAB
Sophia Orji
This post is also available in:English /
Updated:
Jun 26, 2025
Published:
Jun 26, 2025
If you plan to work, study, or apply for a visa in Germany, you may need to have your foreign degree officially recognised. That’s where ZAB, Germany’s Central Office for Foreign Education, comes in.
ZAB plays an important role in helping international graduates demonstrate the value of their education in Germany by issuing a Statement of Comparability (SoC). This SoC makes it easier to apply for jobs, further studies, or skilled visas, such as the EU Blue Card.
In this article, we’ll explain what ZAB does, who needs their services, and how to apply for a Statement of Comparability.
Table of Contents
What is ZAB?
ZAB stands for Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen, or the Central Office for Foreign Education in English. It is the leading authority that evaluates and recognises foreign academic qualifications in Germany.
If you studied outside Germany and want to work, study, or apply for a visa in Germany, ZAB helps assess how your qualifications compare to German standards. They review your degree or diploma and issue a document called a “Statement of Comparability”, which proves how your education matches up with a similar German degree.
ZAB works under the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK), Germany’s Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education. Its evaluations are trusted by German universities, employers, and immigration offices.
Many international students and skilled professionals rely on ZAB when applying for jobs, further education, or residence permits in Germany.
Purpose and services of ZAB in Germany
The primary purpose of ZAB is to provide official evaluations so that foreign degrees can be used in Germany for work, study, or immigration.
ZAB does not replace universities or job licensing bodies. Instead, it supports them by offering expert assessments of foreign education. Its services are beneficial to students, professionals, employers, licensing organisations, and more, ensuring a smooth transition of foreign talent into the German educational system.
Overall, here are the main groups they support;
For students
If you want to study in Germany with a foreign qualification, ZAB can assess your previous education to confirm whether it meets German standards. This can help with university admissions and visa applications.
You may also need a Statement of Comparability when applying to master’s programmes or for recognition of a bachelor’s degree.
Professionals from outside the EU who wish to work in Germany, particularly in skilled roles such as engineering, teaching, or healthcare, often require their qualifications to be recognised.
ZAB’s evaluation helps show employers and immigration authorities that your degree is valid and meets local standards. It is often a required document for the EU Blue Card or Opportunity Card applications.
For employers
Employers use ZAB's assessments to verify whether a foreign applicant’s education meets the job requirements. A ZAB evaluation gives confidence that a candidate is properly trained.
This can make the hiring process smoother and help meet visa requirements for international hires.
Pro Tip: Many applications are delayed due to incorrect or uncertified document translations. Ensure that all necessary paperwork is professionally translated into German to avoid issues.
Applying for a ZAB evaluation is a structured but straightforward process. Here's how it works:
1. Prepare your documents: Gather your diploma, transcript, and any official documents that prove your education. These must be complete and accurate. If your name has changed (maybe due to marriage), include proof of name change (e.g., a marriage certificate).
2. Translate your documents into German: All academic documents must be translated into German by a sworn or certified translator. At Translayte, we provide sworn German translations accepted by ZAB and other German authorities.
3. Fill out the application form: Register on the ZAB portal by creating a BundID account to fill out the application form. Upload and submit scanned PDFs of your diploma, transcripts, and translations, not more than 5MB each.
4. Pay the application fee: After ZAB confirms receipt of your documents, pay the standard fee of €208. Payment details are provided on the form.
5. Send your application by post: If physical copies are required, submit your signed form, translated documents, and payment proof by post to ZAB’s address. Some applicants advise sending it via the Postfach address (Postfach 2240, 53012 Bonn) as it’s more reliable.
6. Wait for confirmation: After receiving your documents, ZAB will confirm by email or through the BundID portal. You can track updates and send additional files if needed.
7. Receive the statement of comparability: Once evaluated, ZAB will send your certificate by post. This confirms how your foreign degree compares to a German qualification and can be used for visa or job applications.
ZAB Germany processing time
The standard processing time for a ZAB evaluation is 2 to 3 months from the date your complete application is received. This includes all documents, translations, and proof of payment.
Processing times can vary depending on the type of application:
Standard applications: 6 to 8 weeks
Blue Card applications: Around 2 weeks
Expedited requests: Usually 3 to 5 weeks
However, it may take longer during busy periods or if your documents require extra checks, such as when your university is less well-known or based in a country with fewer education agreements. The process may also take more time if your qualification is complex, ZAB has a high workload, or some documents are missing.
You’ll get a confirmation once ZAB receives your application. If anything is missing or unclear, they will contact you via the BundID portal. Make sure to check your messages regularly to avoid delays.
We recommend applying as early as possible, especially if you're applying for a visa or a job with a deadline.
Expedited processing for Blue Card applicants
Blue Card applicants often receive their Statement of Comparability within two weeks after ZAB gets the fee.
To qualify for faster processing, you must:
State in your online application that you need a Statement of Comparability for an EU Blue Card.
Submit all the required documents for the application.
Attach your German employment contract, signed by both you and your employer. If you do not have an employment contract yet, you can submit a letter of intent signed by your future employer.
Expedited processing is helpful if you already have a job offer and need to submit your documents quickly for your visa or residence permit.
What is the ZAB Statement of Comparability?
The Statement of Comparability (SoC) is an official certificate issued by ZAB that confirms how your foreign university degree compares to a recognised German qualification.
This statement helps employers, universities, and visa officers understand the value of your education in the German system. It includes the level of your degree, the field of study, and whether it matches the standards of similar German qualifications.
The Statement of Comparability is especially needed for;
Visa applications, like the EU Blue Card or Opportunity Card
Professional registration in regulated fields
Job applications, where employers want proof of your academic background
Further studies, such as master’s degrees or research roles
It is NOT a licence to work in regulated professions, but it is often a required first step before applying for such licences. It’s required for skilled workers, students, or visa applicants whose degrees aren’t listed as “gleichwertig” in the Anabin database. We recommend checking Anabin’s degree status before applying to confirm if you need a ZAB assessment.
Using the Anabin database to check your degree and institution
The Anabin database is a tool provided by the German government to help individuals check whether their foreign qualifications are recognised in Germany. It is maintained by the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB), Germany’s Central Office for Foreign Education.
It shows which foreign universities and degrees have already been evaluated by ZAB. If your university or degree isn’t listed, it doesn’t mean your qualifications aren’t accepted. It just means ZAB hasn’t reviewed them yet, likely because no one has applied for an evaluation before.
Go to “Hochschulabschlüsse” to check your University degree. Enter your country, degree type, and field of study to search.
To check your university’s status, tap on "Institutionen" from the left side panel. Enter your country, places, and institution type to search.
Understanding institution status
When you search for your institution (university), you’ll see one of the following statuses:
H+: The institution is recognised in Germany.
H-: The institution is not recognised in Germany. It also means degrees from this institution are usually not accepted.
H+/-: The institution offers both recognised and unrecognised degrees. The status of your qualification will depend on the specific programme.
If your university has an H+ or H+/- status, you still need to look up your particular degree and find out if it is recognised.
Understanding degree status
When checking your degree or qualification, you may also see one of these:
Equivalent (Gleichwertig): Your degree is considered comparable to a German degree, and there are no formal differences. This is often sufficient for work or further study.
Corresponds (Entrspricht): Your degree is recognised as equivalent to a German degree, with no significant differences in content or quality.
Conditionally comparable (Bedingt vergleichbar): Your degree is only partially comparable, meaning there are formal differences to the equivalent German degree. In this case, you’ll need to apply for a Statement of Comparability.
The classification you need depends on your purpose. For example, if you're applying for an EU Blue Card, you’ll generally need a “Gleichwertig” or “Entspricht” classification, along with an H+ or H+/- university status.
If you don’t find your degree or university
If your institution or degree doesn’t appear in Anabin, it doesn’t mean it’s invalid. It may simply mean that no one has requested an evaluation yet. In that case, you can apply to ZAB for a Statement of Comparability, which is an official assessment of your qualification.
Saving and using Anabin print-outs
Once you find your university and degree in Anabin, click the print icon in the top-right corner of the page to save or print the page directly. If both your university and degree are recognised, these Anabin print-outs can serve as official proof of recognition when applying for a German work visa or EU Blue Card. Simply attach both print-outs to your visa application and take them with you to your visa appointment.
The Statement of Comparability is required for anyone with a foreign university degree who wants to study, work, or apply for a visa in Germany, especially if your degree was earned outside the EU.
You’ll likely need it if you fall into any of these groups:
Skilled workers applying for the EU Blue Card or Opportunity Card
Graduates from non-EU countries who want to work in Germany
Students using a foreign bachelor’s degree to apply for further study in Germany
Professionals in regulated fields like teaching, medicine, engineering, or law
ZAB’s evaluation helps speed up your visa process and improves your chances of getting hired or accepted into a course.
ZAB’s role for professionals
Many skilled jobs, especially those requiring a degree, need proof that your qualifications meet German standards.
This applies to jobs in IT, business, education, healthcare, and many other fields. ZAB’s Statement of Comparability helps employers and immigration officers quickly understand your academic background.
For regulated professions (like doctors, nurses, architects, and teachers), this statement is often required before applying for a professional licence in Germany. It’s also a standard requirement for EU Blue Card applicants from non-EU countries.
For vocational qualifications
ZAB also issues Statements of Comparability on vocational qualifications. These are for people who have completed non-academic professional training (e.g. vocational diplomas or apprenticeships) outside Germany. It shows how your vocational qualification compares to the German system.
This can support job searches in skilled trades or technical roles and may also help with visa applications that focus on labour shortages.
ZAB works closely with other German authorities, including immigration offices, labour agencies, and state-level recognition bodies. Their assessments are widely accepted across Germany.
ZAB also partners with international organisations to streamline the recognition process. These include:
ENIC-NARIC Networks: A Europe-wide and international network of recognition centres that helps facilitate the exchange of information and best practices.
International Agreements: ZAB contributes to bilateral agreements that promote the mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications between Germany and other countries.
These collaborations help ensure smoother cross-border mobility for professionals, students, and skilled workers.
The standard cost for a Statement of Comparability is €208. If you require an additional or duplicate copy of the certificate, a fee of €104 applies. ZAB provides the necessary bank details on the application form, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid delays.
Financial aid options
In some cases, you may be eligible for financial support to help cover the cost of having your qualifications recognised. Programmes like the “Recognition Grant” (Anerkennungszuschuss) are available to specific groups, particularly:
Job seekers or individuals with low income
Refugees and migrants seeking to work in regulated professions
Applicants referred by local job centres or integration programmes
These grants are usually managed through partner organisations or the Federal Employment Agency. If you qualify, contact a local advice centre before submitting your application.
Special cases
Missing documents
If you're a refugee or have lost or damaged your documents, you can still apply. ZAB allows applications with incomplete records, as long as you explain what’s missing and why.
They may issue a Statement of Comparability with notes explaining which parts of your education could not be verified. This is still helpful for job applications or immigration processes, especially if you're applying under humanitarian grounds.
Make sure you include as much supporting evidence as possible, such as partial transcripts, old student IDs, or letters from your school.
Cancellations & refunds
If you decide to cancel your application, you may be eligible for a partial refund, depending on the stage of processing with ZAB. All communication must go through your BundID account, where ZAB will send updates, decisions, or requests.
Which documents do you need to translate?
ZAB requires all documents not in Arabic, English, French, Italian, or Spanish to be translated into German before submission. This helps their reviewers assess your qualifications accurately.
Any official accreditation or recognition statements for your institution
Name change documents, if your current name is different from your academic records
Europass Diploma Supplement (if existing)
If you're applying for a Blue Card, you may also be asked to submit a job offer or employment contract. In that case, translate only what’s necessary.
Note: Do not send original versions of your documents; send clear, stamped photocopies only. Work experience letters, CVs, and cover letters are not required unless explicitly requested.
Why are translations required for ZAB?
Translations are a key part of the ZAB application process because they ensure that your foreign qualifications are accurately understood and assessed according to German standards.
ZAB requires legally valid translations of all diplomas, transcripts, and other academic documents to avoid any misinterpretation or errors during evaluation.
To meet these requirements, all translations must be done by court-sworn (vereidigter) or certified translators in Germany. These professionals provide official translations that are properly stamped, signed, and sealed, guaranteeing their authenticity.
It's important to note that apostilles or notarisation are not required for the translations themselves. While ZAB may request to see original documents later, the translated versions should be uploaded via the BundID portal as part of your online application. This step helps ensure that your documents are both professionally translated and legally recognised in the evaluation process.
How to translate your documents correctly with Translayte
Select “Sworn Translation”, select the target and source language, and your preferred turnaround time.
Upload the documents you want to translate. Ensure you’ve named the file correctly.
Select either the Standard, Specialist, or Professional certified translation services, based on your needs and budget.
Include any other specifications you prefer for your document. E.g. notarised translation, apostille, or paper copy delivery
Pay translation fees and place your order. Your translation will be delivered to you either by email or by post on or before the stipulated time.
All our translations are completed by court-registered human translators whose work is recognised by ZAB and other official institutions in Germany. It also includes a certification statement, along with the official seal and signature of the sworn translator. These elements are essential for the translation to be legally accepted by ZAB.
