Recognition of University Degrees for Refugees: ANABIN and ZAB Process

Why do you need recognition of your degree?

Recognition confirms that your foreign university degree is equivalent to a German university degree. Without this formal recognition:

You cannot work in many regulated professions (such as medicine, engineering, or teaching).
It becomes much harder to continue with postgraduate studies (Master’s or PhD).
You cannot apply for certain work visas or skilled residence permits (e.g. § 18b Residence Act).

Which authority is responsible for recognition?

The main authority is:

Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB)
– the Central Office for Foreign Education, part of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK).

What is ANABIN?

ANABIN is an online database managed by the ZAB. It is used to check:

whether the university that issued your degree is officially recognised;
how your degree is classified academically, i.e. whether it is considered equivalent to a German degree.

Official website: anabin.kmk.org

How to use ANABIN – step by step

1. Search for your university

Go to the “Institutionen” (institutions) section and select your country.
Search for the name of your university.
Check whether it is listed as “H+” (recognised) or “H-” (not recognised).

➡️ Only universities with the status H+ are regarded as fundamentally eligible for recognition.

2. Search for your qualification

Open the “Abschlüsse” (degrees) section and search for the title of your degree.
You will see an assessment, for example:
“entspricht einem deutschen Hochschulabschluss” (“equivalent to a German university degree”).

When do you need an individual assessment (Einzelbewertung) from ZAB?

Even if both your university and your degree are listed as H+ in ANABIN, some authorities and employers will still require a written individual assessment (Gutachten / Einzelbewertung) from ZAB – especially when:

the information in ANABIN is incomplete;
your degree is double, combined or unclear in structure;
you are applying for a public sector job or a regulated profession;
you are applying for a work visa or a skilled residence permit.

How to apply for a ZAB individual assessment (Einzelbewertung)

1. Collect your documents:

Original degree certificate(s) + certified German translation
Transcript of Records (mark sheet)
Copy of your passport or residence permit
Proof of residence in Germany (e.g. registration certificate)

2. Pay the fee:

Standard fee: 200 € for the evaluation
In some cases, refugees can apply for a fee waiver or reduction.

3. Submit the application:

Send all documents by post to ZAB in Bonn (no online application).
Usual processing time: around 2–3 months.

Official details and application forms:
https://www.kmk.org/zab

Important notes for refugees

You do not necessarily need a national passport to apply – in many cases a valid residence permit is sufficient.
In humanitarian hardship cases you can ask for a fee waiver – contact ZAB in advance by email or letter.
If your original certificates were lost due to war or flight, there is a special procedure called “Erklärung an Eides statt” (statutory declaration under oath), but it is accepted only in narrowly defined exceptional cases.

After recognition – what comes next?

With your recognised degree, you can apply for academic or qualified professional positions in Germany.
If you want to work in a regulated profession, you will need an additional professional recognition via Anerkennung-in-Deutschland.de.
You can use the ZAB assessment to support applications for skilled residence permits, e.g. the EU Blue Card or a § 18b Residence Act permit.

Summary

The process of recognising a foreign university degree in Germany usually starts with a check in ANABIN and, where necessary, continues with an individual assessment by ZAB.
Although the procedure takes time and effort, it is often essential for gaining better employment opportunities, for continuing your studies, or for switching to a work-based residence permit later on.

The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors or incomplete information cannot be completely ruled out. Please treat the information in this article as an initial orientation and always consult the competent authorities and expert bodies for binding, up-to-date advice.