Applying for recognition of foreign professional qualifications as a teacher

The task of teachers is to prepare and conduct lessons at different types of schools. In Berlin these are

  • Primary schools
  • Integrated secondary schools and grammar schools
  • Vocational schools and
  • special schools

The school types can be called or divided differently depending on the federal state.
Teachers teach and educate children, young people and adults of different ages. During lessons, they impart knowledge and subject-related skills to pupils. Teachers also encourage independent thinking and working. Education includes encouraging and supporting pupils in professional and personal matters as well as imparting socially accepted behaviour and value systems.

The profession of "teacher" is regulated by the state in Germany. You must fulfil special qualifications and requirements. You can then obtain a "qualification for a teaching profession". With the "qualification for a teaching profession" you can work as a teacher in Germany.

You can also work as a teacher (m/f/d) in Berlin with a professional qualification from abroad. To do so, you must have your professional qualification recognised.

You can also access this service online

Online processing

Prerequisites

  • Foreign professional qualification as a teacher for public schools
    You have a fully completed professional qualification as a teacher from abroad
  • Place of work Berlin
    You want to work as a teacher in public schools in the state of Berlin
  • For online applications: registration/login via BundID

Documents required

  • Application for recognition of foreign training as a teacher
    Possible online or you can submit the (paper) application in writing by post
  • Identity document
    Passport or identity card
  • Curriculum vitae
    Curriculum vitae in tabular form with date and signature
  • Certificate of marriage
    Marriage certificate or other proof of name change
  • Training certificates
    • Certificate of higher education entrance qualification
    • Certificates, certificates and any other evidence required abroad in order to obtain the professional qualification as a teacher there
    • Subject and grade overviews (diploma supplement, transcript, study book, etc.)
  • Proof of employment (if available)
    Certificate of the duration and scope of your work as a teacher with details of the subjects and class levels in which you have taught
  • Language certificate (if already available)
    Goethe-Zertifikat C2 - Grand German Language Diploma
  • Recognition or equality notice, if applicable
    Notifications on the recognition and/or equalisation of foreign training as a teacher, if
    another state of the Federal Republic of Germany has already made a decision
  • Translations of the documents
    • German translations must also be submitted for all documents that were not issued in German. For all certificates and documents or other official proof of school, university or professional qualifications, the translations must be carried out by a sworn translator.
    • Translations of foreign documents that are not written in Latin script must also contain a transliteration in accordance with the ISO standard.

Fees

  • EUR 55,00 for a brief decision or in the case of a negative decision
  • EUR 222,00 for a detailed decision

Average time to process request

The Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family Affairs will confirm receipt of the application documents within one month and request any missing evidence.

The decision will be made by the Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family Affairs within four to six months of receipt of the complete application documents.

Notes on responsibility

The Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family is the competent authority in Berlin for the recognition of foreign training as a teacher. You can seek advice there before submitting your application.

The Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family offers detailed information on its website, also in English.

Your point of contact