Get Recognized. Get Hired in
Germany.
IHK FOSA recognition opens doors for legal migration,
employment, and long-term success in Germany.
Official process under Germany’s Skilled Immigration Law (BQFG)
What is IHK FOSA?
IHK FOSA (Foreign Skills Approval) is Germany’s national body for evaluating foreign vocational qualifications. It’s the official institution that determines if your professional training and experience from India is equivalent to German standards.
Official Body
Government-authorized qualification assessment
Required by Law
Mandated under the BQFG legislation
Recognized Nationwide
Valid across all German states
Why Recognition Matters
For Candidates
- Legal eligibility for German work visa
- Access to better-paying jobs with German standards
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Professional validation of your skills
- Opportunities for further training and advancement
For Employer
- Legal eligibility for German work visa
- Access to better-paying jobs with German standards
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Professional validation of your skills
- Opportunities for further training and advancement
Eligible Professions
IHK FOSA recognizes over 300 vocational professions under the German dual-training system. Here are some of the most in-demand roles:
Applies to 300+ vocational professions under the German dual-training system
How the Recognition Process Works
Document Collection & Translation
Gather all your educational certificates, training records, and work experience documents. These must be translated into German by certified translators. 1
Submission to IHK FOSA
Your complete application is submitted to IHK FOSA for review. This includes application forms, identity documents, and qualification evidence. 2Equivalence Review
IHK FOSA evaluates your qualifications against the German reference profession. They may grant full recognition or partial recognition requiring adaptation measures. 3
Adaptation Training (if needed)
If you receive partial recognition, you'll need to complete additional training to bridge any qualification gaps. This can be done in Germany or sometimes in India. 4Final Recognition Certificate
Upon successful completion, you receive your official recognition certificate, confirming your qualification equivalence to German standards. 5
Required Documents
Passport
Valid Identity Document
Diploma/ITI
Vocational Qualification
Transcript
Academic Records
Work Experience
Employment Proof
Curriculum
Training Details
All documents must be translated into German by certified translators
IndieTalent’s Support
For Candidates
- Document preparation and verification
- Certified German translations
- IHK FOSA application submission and tracking
- German employer matching
- Interview coaching and preparation
- Visa application assistance
For Employer
- Bulk candidate recognition processing
- Document collection and verification
- Skilled worker sourcing based on your needs
- Legal compliance guidance
- Workforce integration support
- Visa and relocation coordination
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for recognition from India?
Yes, the entire recognition process can be initiated and completed while you are still in India. You don't need to travel to Germany until you have your recognition certificate and job offer.
Is recognition required for every job?
For regulated professions like electricians, healthcare workers, and many technical trades, recognition is legally required to work in Germany. For non-regulated professions, recognition still significantly improves your employment and visa prospects.
What happens if I get partial recognition?
Partial recognition means your foreign qualification is close but not fully equivalent to the German standard. IHK FOSA will provide a detailed Adaptation Qualification Plan outlining additional skills or training you need. You can complete these adaptation courses—called refresher training—in Germany (or occasionally in India). Once finished, you submit a follow-up application to IHK FOSA, and upon successful completion, you'll receive full recognition
How long does the recognition process take?
The official processing time at IHK FOSA is 3-4 months once they receive a complete application. However, document collection, translation, and preparation can take an additional 1-2 months. If adaptation measures are required, this adds to the timeline.
Can companies sponsor this recognition process?
Yes, German employers can sponsor the recognition process for candidates they wish to hire. IndieTalent works with many employers who cover these costs as part of their recruitment strategy.
What's the difference between IHK FOSA and DAB?
IHK FOSA handles vocational qualifications (like ITI, technical diplomas), while DAB (Deutsche Anerkennungsstelle für Ingenieurausbildung) handles engineering degrees. Different professions require different recognition bodies in Germany.
How much does the recognition process cost?
The official IHK FOSA fee is €600. Additional costs include document translation (€300-500), notarization, and application preparation. The total typically ranges from €1,000-1,500. IndieTalent offers transparent packages that include all these services.
Is recognition valid in all of Germany?
Yes, IHK FOSA recognition is valid nationwide throughout all German states (Bundesländer). This gives you the flexibility to work anywhere in Germany with your recognized qualification.
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