Visa note · 3 April 2026

A first pass at German degree comparability

How employed applicants can organise university evidence before deciding whether further recognition proof is needed.

Historic German university library

Degree evidence often looks simple until the institution, exact award and job requirement are considered separately. A screenshot showing a university name is rarely the whole record.

Record the qualification precisely

Write down the awarding institution, campus if relevant, degree title, subject, graduation date and country. Compare spelling and transliteration across the diploma, transcript, passport and contract.

Check the occupation

For a non-regulated role, database evidence or an individual statement may support comparability. A regulated profession follows its own recognition path and may require permission before work begins. Establish that distinction early.

Keep an evidence trail

Save dated official pages as PDFs, retain full translations, and note why each record belongs to your qualification. If a database result is incomplete or ambiguous, ask whether a formal statement is expected rather than guessing at an appointment.


This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules and salary thresholds can change; verify current requirements for your competent authority.

Discuss your circumstances