GERMANY · RECOGNITION PARTNERSHIP

Come First, Get Recognised Here

No need to wait for a recognition decision in Türkiye: with a partnership agreement you move to Germany and complete recognition while you work.

WHAT IS IT?

Recognition
on the Job

The recognition partnership under Section 16d(3) of the Residence Act has been available since March 2024. Your qualification does not yet need to be recognised in Germany; your employer hires you and enables the recognition procedure.

You apply for recognition right after arrival. If recognition is partial, you close the gaps on the job with your employer’s support. It suits graduates of Turkish vocational high schools, MESEM and master certificates particularly well.

A2 German
MINIMUM LEVEL FOR THE VISA
Up to 3 Years
RESIDENCE, +2 WITH PARTIAL RECOGNITION
Full-Time
WORK DURING RECOGNITION

REQUIREMENTS

Who Can
Apply?

All requirements must be met together. We check your documents one by one in the first consultation.

  • State-recognised full-time vocational training of at least two years (vocational high school, MESEM, journeyman or master certificate) or a university degree
  • A positive ZAB statement on your vocational qualification
  • A concrete job offer for qualified work; helper jobs do not count
  • A written agreement with the employer on carrying out recognition
  • A suitable employer with training experience
  • At least A2 German and approval from the Federal Employment Agency (BA)
In regulated professions: In licensed professions such as nursing you may work as a helper until you receive your licence. There is no fixed salary threshold, but pay and conditions must be comparable to German employees. A side job of up to 20 hours a week is allowed.

COMPARISON

Which Route
Fits You?

Recognition Partnership Fits

You have a qualification, recognition is still open.

  • Vocational high school, MESEM or master certificate
  • Your employer supports the procedure
  • At least A2 German
  • You want to close any gaps in Germany

Another Route Fits Better

In these cases another legal route makes more sense.

  • Full recognition already granted: Section 18a
  • No recognition wanted, two years of experience and higher pay: Experience Route
  • No job offer yet: Opportunity Card
  • No vocational training: Ausbildung

Section 18a · Experience Route · Opportunity Card · Ausbildung

PROCESS

Step by Step

01
First Assessment

We review your documents and German level and confirm whether this route fits.

02
ZAB Statement

The ZAB confirms that your qualification is state-recognised in Türkiye.

03
Employer and Agreement

We prepare the employment contract and the partnership agreement.

04
Visa Application

With BA approval, you apply for a national visa at the German mission.

05
Recognition in Germany

Apply for recognition after arrival and close gaps on the job.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What if recognition is only partial?

Your residence can be extended by up to two years so you can close the gaps. We check your documents in advance to lower the risk of rejection.

What German level do I need?

At least A2 for the visa. Some professions and adaptation measures may require a higher level.

What happens after full recognition?

Once fully recognised, you can switch to a skilled-worker residence permit under Section 18a, with the same or a new employer.

Sources: Residence Act Section 16d(3); Make it in Germany; ZAB. Current as of 2026.

NEXT STEP

Get Recognised
in Germany.

In a free consultation we review your documents and work out whether the recognition partnership fits you.

Book a Free Consultation