How to Get Your Foreign Degree Evaluated for Germany: Companies, Process & Costs

What is credential evaluation in Germany?

Credential evaluation is the process of comparing a foreign academic qualification to the corresponding standard in Germany, so that universities, employers, and authorities can understand its level and value.

There are two distinct tracks for credential evaluation in Germany; 

• Zeugnisbewertung (Statement of Comparability): This covers academic degrees like bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral qualifications. The official body is the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK), the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs. Their anabin database lists assessed foreign institutions and qualifications. This track is for people who want to pursue further studies in Germany or demonstrate to an employer the academic level of their degree.

• Berufsanerkennung (Professional recognition): This covers vocational and professional qualifications under the Berufsqualifikationsfeststellungsgesetz (BQFG), Germany’s Act on the Assessment of Foreign Professional Qualifications. This track is mandatory for regulated professions such as medicine, nursing, law, and engineering. The relevant licensing authority, not the KMK, handles the assessment.

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What is Foreign Credential Evaluation?

Which bodies and companies handle credential evaluation for Germany?

Here is a breakdown of the main official bodies and private credential evaluation companies relevant to Germany.

1. KMK and the anabin database

The KMK is the primary official authority for evaluating academic degrees from abroad. It issues Statements of Comparability (Zeugnisbewertung) that compare your foreign qualification to a German equivalent. For example, confirming that your degree is comparable to a German Hochschulabschluss (university degree).

The anabin database is your first point of call. It lists foreign higher education institutions and their qualifications that have already been assessed by the KMK. If your institution is in anabin with a positive assessment, the process is considerably faster.

2. ENIC-NARIC Germany

ENIC-NARIC is the European Network of Information Centres and National Academic Recognition Information Centres. Germany’s node is part of this network and works alongside the KMK to provide information on the recognition of foreign qualifications under the Lisbon Recognition Convention. This is relevant for those coming from other European countries.

Learn more about ENIC-NARIC requirements. 

3. BQFG recognition bodies

For regulated professions, the relevant state licensing authority is responsible for recognition under the BQFG. The Anerkennung in Deutschland (Recognition in Germany) portal (anerkennungsberatung.de) helps you identify the right body for your specific profession and federal state. The process here is separate from the KMK and considerably more involved.

4. Private credential evaluation companies

Private evaluation companies such as WES (World Education Services), ACEI (Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute), ERES (Educational Records Evaluation Service), and ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) are members of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) and are based primarily in the United States and Canada. However, to work or study in Germany, you must use official German authorities. You can only use private evaluation companies in two specific situations; 

• When an embassy or consulate requests a third-party evaluation

• When a company wants a quick international assessment of a candidate’s academic background during employer checks.

Do not use a private company when you need a German body. Check the requirements of your university, employer, or authority before paying for any evaluation.

Comparison of main bodies and credential evaluation companies for Germany

When do you need a credential evaluation for Germany?

There are three main situations in which you will need to have your foreign degree assessed.

1. Applying to a German university

If you want to study for a master’s or doctoral degree in Germany and you hold a foreign bachelor’s or master’s, you will need to show the German equivalent of your foreign degree. Check your institution first via the anabin database. Many universities also use uni-assist, a central assessment body for international applications, which works with anabin data.

2. Applying for a job

For unregulated professions, there is no legal requirement for your degree to be formally recognised. However, some German employers in sectors such as finance, consulting, or technology may request a credential evaluation from WES or ACEI as part of a background check. This is more common when hiring internationally from outside the EU.

3. Applying for a licence in a regulated profession

If you are a doctor, dentist, nurse, pharmacist, lawyer, architect, or engineer, you’ll need a formal Berufsanerkennung before you can practise legally in Germany. You must apply to the relevant state authority, and the process may include assessments of your training content, supervised practice periods, or compensation examinations.

What documents do you need?

Requirements vary slightly between bodies, but in every case, you’ll need the following documents:

• Original academic transcripts or marksheets showing all subjects and grades

• Your degree or diploma certificate

• Certified German translations of all documents (official German bodies require this; some private companies accept certified English translations)

• Proof of identity (passport or national ID)

• Institutional documents such as programme descriptions or course syllabuses, if your institution is not listed in anabin.

• Proof of name change (if your name on the documents differs from your current name)

For official German bodies, original documents or officially certified copies are required. Some private credential evaluation companies accept notarised copies, but confirm this directly with them before you send anything.

If your documents are not in German or English, you’ll need a certified translation. Factor in the time and cost before you start the application.

Step-by-step: how the evaluation process works

Follow these steps to avoid the most common delays and mistakes.

1. Identify which type of evaluation you need. Academic degree comparability (Zeugnisbewertung via KMK) or professional qualification recognition (Berufsanerkennung via a state authority).

2. Check the anabin database. Go to anabin.kmk.org and search for your institution and your qualification level. If your institution and degree are listed with a positive H+ assessment, the process moves faster. If your institution is not listed or is marked H-, you’ll need additional verification.

3. Gather your documents and arrange certified translations. Use a sworn (beeidigter) translator for documents intended for use by German authorities. 

4. Submit your application to the appropriate body. For KMK assessments, apply through the relevant state education authority. For private companies, applications are usually made online.

5. Receive your Statement of Comparability or evaluation report. Keep both the original and certified copies safe. You may need to submit them to multiple institutions.

6. Submit to the university, employer, or licensing board. Check what format they need, original, certified copy, or digital submission, before you send anything.

Costs and processing times

• KMK-Zeugnisbewertung: Approximately €200. Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks after you submit complete documents.

• BQFG professional recognition: Fees vary by profession and state authority, but costs are generally lower than private evaluations. Processing can take up to four months, particularly for regulated professions.

• Private companies (WES, ACEI, ERES, ECE): Typically USD $100-$250, depending on the report type and level of detail. Standard processing runs 7–20 business days; expedited services are usually available for an additional fee.

Note that certified translation costs are not included above and may vary by language pair and document length. Nonetheless, budget €50–€150 per document as a rough guide.

Common reasons evaluations are delayed or rejected

• Incomplete documents. Missing transcripts, incomplete grade sheets, or absent syllabi are the most common reasons for delays. Check the organisation's document checklist before you submit.

• Missing or non-certified translations. Translations not completed by a sworn translator are rejected by official German bodies. Do not use online translation services for official documents.

• Institution not listed in anabin. If your university is not in the anabin database, additional verification steps apply, and processing takes longer. Contact the KMK in advance to understand what supporting documentation is required.

• Name discrepancy between documents. If your name appears differently across your passport, transcripts, and degree certificate (due to marriage, transliteration, or a middle name), you will need a certified explanatory document.

• Programme too short to meet German qualification thresholds. Some three-year bachelor’s programmes from outside the EU do not reach the level required for a direct comparability statement with a German degree. If this applies to you, the KMK may issue a restricted statement or recommend further study.

Getting started with your credential evaluation for Germany

Germany runs a two-track system: official bodies like the KMK handle formal academic degree comparability, while state licensing authorities manage recognition for regulated professions. 

The most important step you can take before anything else is to identify which track applies to your situation, then check the Anabin database to know where your institution stands. From there, the process is manageable if you prepare your documents carefully and use certified translations from the outset.

If you need help arranging certified translations into German, we work with a team of sworn translators in Germany to provide you with certified translations valid for official use. Upload your document for a free quote.