Anabin
Step-by-step guide to using Anabin (academic professionals).
Here you learn ...
what Anabin is and what it is used for
Step-by-step instructions for using the Anabin database
Solution to common problems when using the Anabin database
how the certificate evaluation works at the ZAB
Table of Content
1. Recognition of academic qualifications
2. What is Anabin?
2.1 Anabin and Central Office for Foreign Education
2.2 Anabin categories
3. Anabin database functionality
3.1 Anabin examination of university recognition
3.2 Anabin examination of the degree
4. Tips for Anabin research
5. Anabin certificate recognition
6. Conclusion Anabin
1. Recognition of academic qualifications
A key component of assessing the requirements for a skilled academic title under Sections 18b et seq. of the Residence Act is the recognition of the qualification . Only with a recognized qualification can foreign skilled workers meet the legal requirements for a residence permit and take up employment. For the immigration of skilled academics (Sections 18b and 18g of the Residence Act), the foreign university degree must either:
be equivalent to a German qualification,
be considered recognized, or
be explicitly assessed through a procedure (certificate assessment).
These requirements are regulated by law in Section 18 Paragraph 2 No. 4 of the Residence Act . Without this confirmation, a residence permit for academic professionals cannot be issued.
2. What is Anabin?
2.1 Anabin and Central Office for Foreign Education
Whether an academic degree is recognized or not can be determined from the Anabin database. The Anabin database is the central directory for verifying the recognition of foreign higher education degrees. It contains information on universities and degrees worldwide and is managed by the Central Office for Foreign Education and the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany (KMK) . Access to the database is free of charge and is used as a standard tool, particularly by employers, public authorities, and professionals.
2.2 Anabin categories
The Anabin database distinguishes three main areas:
Institutions (universities) : Here we check whether a foreign university is recognized.
Qualifications : Here we check whether a specific qualification meets or is equivalent to German standards.
Type of degree : This checks whether the type of degree (e.g. Bachelor or Master) is recognized.
3. Anabin database functionality
Anabin is free and can be used without registration. For an academic degree to be recognized, both the university and the degree must be recognized.
3.1 Anabin examination of university recognition
If you want to check whether a foreign university is recognized, you should search for the university's name in Anabin under the "Institutions" category. You can enter this name either in Latin characters or in a translation. After starting the search, the results list will display the relevant universities. The key factor is the university's "status" :
“H+” means that the university is fully recognized.
“H-“ indicates that the university is not recognized.
“H+/–” indicates conditional recognition, which requires further examination.
3.2 Anabin examination of the degree
In addition to the university itself, the specific university degree is also important. In Anabin, you can search for specific degrees, such as Bachelor's or Master's , under the "University Degrees" category. You can then select the appropriate degree from the results list. The assessment of this degree is crucial for recognition:
“Equivalent” means that the qualification is equivalent and recognized.
“conditionally comparable” indicates that the financial statements require additional testing or verification.
“Not comparable” means that the qualification does not meet the requirements for recognition.
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4. Tips for Anabin research
The Anabin database can be complicated and confusing at times. The following tips will help you use it successfully:
Careful entry: The Anabin database isn't always intuitive. It's important to enter the names of universities and degrees accurately.
Check translations: Degrees or university names in other writing systems, such as Cyrillic or Arabic, often need to be translated or transcribed.
Status interpretation: An "H+" from the university and a "corresponding" grade on the degree are ideal. Otherwise, further steps, such as a certificate evaluation, may be necessary.
Challenges with "exotic" qualifications: Qualifications from countries with less well-known education systems or from unlisted universities can be more complex to assess. In these cases, collaboration with a specialist or specialized advisory services is recommended.
5. Anabin certificate recognition
If the qualification cannot be found in the Anabin database, a so-called certificate evaluation must be carried out . The certificate evaluation is an essential step if a foreign university degree cannot be directly recognized in Germany. It is also carried out by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) and serves as official proof of the equivalence of a qualification with a German university degree. Without certificate recognition, a residence permit cannot be issued to academic professionals according to Section 18b of the Residence Act if the qualification is not entered in the Anabin database. If there is no (or unclear) Anabin entry, the certificate evaluation is mandatory.
The ZAB certificate evaluation works as follows (step-by-step instructions):
Step 1: Prepare documents:
The documents required for the certificate evaluation can usually be found (separately for each country) on the ZAB website (see the ZAB document list for certificate evaluation in the so-called "Pre-Check" ). As a rule, at least the following documents are required for the certificate evaluation:
Graduation certificate (with certified translation if necessary).
Proof of study (e.g. transcript of records, diploma supplement).
Proof of study content (curriculum or module descriptions),
Proof of credited achievements (if necessary),
school leaving certificate,
Identification document (e.g. passport),
employment contract.
Step 2: Submit your application:
Fill out the application online on the ZAB website or
Upload documents electronically or submit them by mail.
Step 3: Pay fees:
The cost of the certificate evaluation is 200 euros (as of 2024).
Step 4: Wait for processing time:
The processing time is usually 30 to 90 days.
For certain procedures, such as the EU Blue Card, accelerated processing of 10 working days may be possible.
Step 5: Receive certificate evaluation:
You will receive an official document comparing your foreign qualification with a German university degree. You can view a sample certificate evaluation in advance on the website of the Central Office for Foreign Education .
Summary of this Page
For skilled workers with academic degrees, recognition of a foreign university degree is essential and a legal requirement under Section 18 Paragraph 2 No. 4 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). The Anabin database is the central tool for verifying university and degree recognition and is used by employers, authorities, and skilled workers. The decisive criteria are the university status (H+, H-/H+/-) and the final assessment (equivalent, partially comparable, not comparable). If there is no entry in Anabin, a certificate assessment by the Central Office for Foreigners (ZAB) is mandatory. Without recognition or certificate assessment, a residence permit for academic professionals cannot be issued.
