Recognition partnership visa, Germany (§ 16d)

Section 16d of the German Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz) contains several residence permits for people whose foreign qualifications are not yet fully recognised. The recognition partnership in Section 16d(3) is the one that lets you start working first and complete recognition in Germany. The official recognition portal describes its purpose as doing the recognition procedure in Germany and finishing with full recognition within at most 3 years.

It is used by nurses, therapists and other professionals whose recognition procedure may end in a deficit notice and a compensation measure. Unlike Section 16d(1), you do not need a recognition notice before entry.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs lists these requirements:

• a vocational or academic qualification recognised by the state in the country where you obtained it; a non-academic qualification must have involved at least 2 years of training
• a concrete job offer related to that qualification; in a regulated profession you can work in an assistant role until you receive the licence to practise
• German at CEFR level A2 or above
• an employer with experience in training, or arrangements with an authorised training provider
• a written agreement that you will start the recognition procedure at the latest after entering Germany, with the employer committing to support any qualification measures
• approval of the employment by the Federal Employment Agency

1. Find an employer in Germany willing to enter a recognition partnership.
2. Sign the employment contract and the recognition agreement.
3. Apply for the visa at the German mission abroad; the Federal Employment Agency approves the job.
4. After entry, apply for recognition with the competent authority without delay.
5. Complete any adaptation course or knowledge test the authority requires, with the employer's support.

The visa is first issued for up to 12 months. It can be extended up to a total of 3 years if the recognition procedure is being pursued or qualification measures are under way. Besides the main job, holders may work up to 20 hours a week. If the qualification is not recognised, the partnership must end.

Section 16d(1) is different: it needs a recognition notice showing substantial differences, German at A2, and registration for a qualification measure. That permit is usually issued for up to 24 months and can be extended by 12 months up to 3 years. Section 16d(4) covers recruitment under placement agreements between the Federal Employment Agency and partner countries, mainly in health and care.

• Recognition application left late. The agreement requires it immediately after entry.
• German below A2, or not enough for the professional exams that follow.
• Assuming you can work as a qualified nurse straight away. In regulated professions you work in a supporting role until the licence is granted.

For doctors, see our Kenntnisprüfung guide and Fachsprachprüfung guide.