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Agricultural and domestic science professions; application for determination of equivalence of professional qualifications

You can have the equivalence of foreign (non-academic) agricultural vocational training with a comparable German occupation (e.g. farmer, animal farmer, gardener, housekeeper) confirmed.

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Regierung von Niederbayern - Sachgebiet 61 – Bildung in der Land- und Hauswirtschaft

Regierung von Niederbayern

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Gestütstraße 10
84028 Landshut

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84023 Landshut

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Procedure details

In the area of agricultural training professions (non-regulated professions), the recognition certificates - unlike in the area of regulated professions - are not a prerequisite for permission to practice the profession, but primarily a "transparency instrument". A certificate of recognition makes it easier for employers to assess foreign qualifications and thus improves the labor market opportunities of those qualified abroad.

The determination of equivalence gives the applicant the same rights and obligations as the holder of the comparable German qualification.

The detailed presentation of the existing qualifications and significant differences helps skilled workers to apply for jobs on the labor market or to obtain further qualifications in a targeted manner and then, if necessary, to seek a new procedure to determine equivalence.

Any person who has obtained a training qualification abroad and intends to work in Germany can apply for an equivalence assessment procedure.

Proof of training means that the applicant must provide evidence of vocational training completed abroad. Anyone who has not acquired a foreign vocational qualification cannot submit an application; purely informal professional qualifications, e.g. those acquired solely through work experience, are not sufficient. Semi-skilled workers or unskilled workers who do not have a professional qualification from another country are therefore not eligible to apply.

  • You must submit the following documents:
    • Tabular list in German of the training courses completed and the gainful employment pursued
    • Certified copy of identity document (identity card or passport)
    • Proof of training qualification acquired abroad, if applicable with training contents (e.g. schedule of classes, syllabus)
      The proof must be submitted in the original or as a certified copy. If the document is in a non-German language, it must be accompanied by a translation certified by a state-certified or publicly appointed and sworn interpreter or translator.
    • Other evidence of qualifications
      The evidence must be submitted in the original or as a certified copy. In the case of all documents in non-German, translations certified by a state-certified or publicly appointed and sworn interpreter or translator must be enclosed.
    • Proof of relevant professional experience (e.g. employer's reference, work book)
      The proof must be submitted in the original or as a certified copy. In the case of documents in a non-German language, a translation confirmed by a state-certified or publicly appointed and sworn interpreter or translator must be enclosed.
    • Proof that gainful employment is to be pursued in Germany (e.g. application for an entry visa for gainful employment, contacting potential employers, business concept in the case of self-employment).
      This proof requirement does not apply to nationals of the EU/EEA/Switzerland and to persons residing in the EU/EEA/Switzerland.

The equivalence procedure begins with the application to the competent authority, generally in writing and signed by hand.

An electronic application is also possible if the e-mail or application is provided with a qualified signature; the prerequisite for a qualified signature is that a certificate from a certification service provider is available in accordance with Section 2 No. 3 of the Signature Act. These providers verify the identity of the user and generate an electronic certificate for this person

It is also possible to submit an application by fax if the original bears the signature of the applicant.

The equivalence procedure in accordance with the Professional Qualifications Assessment Act is subject to a fee.

Depending on the effort involved, fees of EUR 100 to 600 may be incurred.

Further information can be found under "Further links".

Applications can be submitted at any time.

  • Standard procedure: Maximum 3 months after receipt of the necessary documents.
  • Accelerated procedure according to § 81 a Residence Act: Maximum 2 months after receipt of the necessary documents.

Applicants are recommended to seek advice from the relevant advisory services in advance. This will allow any questions about the recognition procedure to be answered immediately. The recognition procedure only begins once all the necessary documents have been submitted.

An action may be brought against the decision before the administrative court. An objection procedure in accordance with Art. 15 of the Act on the Implementation of the Administrative Court Code (AGVwGO) does not have to be carried out in advance. In particular, these are not "personal examination decisions" within the meaning of Art. 15 AGVwGO.

Status: 03.02.2025
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft, Forsten und Tourismus
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