Question 1

Do I need German Anerkennung before moving to Germany for work in 2026?

Accepted Answer

For the 60+ Reglementierte Berufe — doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, engineers in some Länder — yes. Anerkennung must be approved before the work-permit application is decided by the Ausländerbehörde. For non-regulated roles (IT, finance, marketing, general engineering in most Länder) the ZAB Zeugnisbewertung is recommended but not mandatory; the EU Blue Card salary check is the main gate.

Question 2

Does Germany accept a sworn translator from my country?

Accepted Answer

Generally no. German authorities accept translations only by a vereidigter / beeidigter / öffentlich bestellter Übersetzer registered with a German Land court (each Land maintains its own register). Translations sworn abroad — even if apostilled — are returned by the Ausländerbehörde and the Standesamt. We arrange this through our partner network of ~120 court-sworn translators across all 16 Länder.

Question 3

What is the EU Blue Card salary threshold for Germany in 2026?

Accepted Answer

€48,300 gross per year for general roles and €43,759 for shortage occupations on the federal Engpassberufe list (IT specialists, doctors, mathematicians, engineers, scientists). The apostilled and translated diploma plus an Anabin H+ classification or a ZAB Zeugnisbewertung is mandatory before the salary check is even opened.

Question 4

Can I apply for the German Chancenkarte without prior credential recognition?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card, in force since 1 June 2024) is a points-based job-search visa that lets you enter Germany for up to 12 months without a contract. You still need an apostilled, translated diploma and at least 2 years of qualifying experience to score the minimum 6 points. Anerkennung is only required once you accept a regulated-profession role.

Question 5

How long does the ZAB Zeugnisbewertung take in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Standard processing is 8–12 weeks from receipt of a complete file. The priority lane introduced in 2023 (€200 surcharge on top of the €200 base fee) compresses the decision to 4 weeks. Submitting an apostilled diploma plus a court-sworn translation up-front prevents the typical 6-week back-and-forth on document quality.

Question 6

Should I apostille the original diploma, a copy, or a notarised copy for Germany?

Accepted Answer

The apostille must be placed on the issuing-authority original (the university registrar, the Standesamt, the federal police for criminal records). German consulates abroad reject apostilles placed on notarised photocopies and on translator-certified copies. If the original is irreplaceable (a single-issued diploma) the issuing institution must produce a certified duplicate first, which is then apostilled.

Work Visa Documents for Germany — Apostille and ZAB Mapping