You can submit your application in writing or electronically. The following documents are required:

• Signed application form
• If applicable: Decision on professional recognition (by another competent authority in Germany)
• For individuals who are not citizens of the EU/EEA/Switzerland or whose residence is outside of these countries: Declaration of employment intention (e.g., proof of application for an entry visa for employment, proof of contact with an employer in Bavaria)
• Proof of identity (identity card or passport, photo side only - serial numbers and photo can be blacked out)
• If applicable: Proof of name change (marriage certificate)
• Tabular CV with detailed information on school education, vocational training, further training and professional experience
• Diploma from the most recently attended general education school (before entering vocational school/university) - with translation*
• Proof of foreign professional qualification (leaving certificate, examination certificate, diploma, etc.) - with translation*
• Supplementary documents regarding professional qualifications (e.g., scope and essential content of the qualifications granted) Theoretical subjects / Scope and essential content of practical training / Overview of subjects and number of teaching hours - with translation*
• If applicable: Diploma Supplement - with translation*
• If applicable: Evidence of professional experience in the trained profession (e.g., employment references, workbooks, letters of reference)
• If applicable: Other evidence of qualifications (e.g., acquired additional qualifications, further training/advanced training, retraining)

*Translations:

All of the above-mentioned educational certificates (including proof of professional experience) must be submitted in the original language and as a translation into German by a publicly appointed or sworn translator. We do not need translations for documents in English.

You can hand in the above-mentioned documents as photocopies or in electronic format (PDF files). In certain cases, we also need officially certified photocopies or originals. We will contact you directly if this is necessary in your case

Upon receipt of your application, the following processing will take place:

1. Examination of whether your foreign qualification can be assigned to the Bavarian qualification (Referenzberuf) you specified. If we are not the right authority, we will inform you about the competent authority. In this case, you can withdraw your application free of charge.
2. As part of the equivalence assessment of your foreign qualification, we will examine, in particular, whether you are authorized to practice the profession in the country of training and whether there are any substantial differences between the foreign qualification and the corresponding Bavarian vocational training.
3. Evidence of relevant professional experience (from abroad or from Germany) and other evidence of qualifications (e.g., additional qualifications or continuing education) will also be taken into account.
4. For professions regulated in the Free State of Bavaria (see above), the following applies:
   • If substantial differences are identified between your foreign qualification and the training required in Bavaria, these differences can be compensated for through a compensatory measure.
   • If no substantial differences are identified or the compensatory measures have been fully completed, the equivalence of your foreign qualification can be determined.
5. For professions not regulated in the Free State of Bavaria (see above), the following appliies:
   • If substantial differences are identified between the foreign qualification and the training required in Bavaria, our assessment will describe the existing qualifications and the differences to the Bavarian qualification.
   • If no substantial differences are identified, the equivalence of your foreign qualification can be determined.