Getting your degree recognised (anabin & ZAB)

For most work visas your degree must be recognised or comparable to a German one. anabin is the free database that tells you where you stand.

1. Search your university in anabin. If it is rated "H+", it is recognised. Then search your degree to confirm it is "gleichwertig/entspricht".
2. If both are clearly listed, print the entries — many employers and missions accept this directly.
3. If your university or degree is not clearly listed, order a ZAB Statement of Comparability (Zeugnisbewertung). It takes ~2–3 months, so start early.