For adult Chinese offshore primary applicants with a suitable German employer, starting recognition after entry. Excludes special cases with an existing German partial-recognition notice, dependants and onshore switching. Not an exemption from recognition or unrestricted professional practice.
These are not sequential upgrades or every German visa option. Distinguish a job offer, training contract, recognition notice and employer support. DAB, degree comparability, professional recognition and licensing are not interchangeable.
With a qualification-matched offer, check the standard-salary Blue Card scope; regulated professions require separate authorisation.
Official requirementsWith a German recognition notice and suitable qualification measure, check German, living support and programme requirements; not any course qualifies.
Official requirementsWith a suitable employer and written partnership, check recognition-after-entry criteria; this is not an exemption from recognition or licensing.
Official requirementsWith a company training contract, check training, German and living support; vocational training is not training-place search or recognition qualification measures.
Official requirementsCheck a state-recognised degree or vocational qualification of at least two years, a concrete job, suitable employer, written partnership and at least A2 German; professional requirements may be higher. Employment must relate to qualifications and meet applicable BA approval.
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Check qualification evidence, agree employment and recognition commitments with the employer, apply through the consular route, then promptly pursue recognition and required qualification measures after entry.
Distinguish vocational DAB, academic evidence and German professional recognition; check state recognition and training criteria. Official guidance
The employer must support training; agree to initiate recognition and enable required qualification measures after entry. Official guidance
Check at least A2 German, role-specific conditions and employment approvals, then follow the personal consular checklist. Official guidance
Contact the authority promptly and retain progress/training records. Extension and later employment residence still require eligibility and further procedures. Official guidance
Introductory preparation summary, not a complete checklist, individual advice or a visa guarantee. Follow official pages and individual notices. Reviewed: 2026-10-25
A partnership is not entry without qualifications or an employer. DAB confirms features of foreign vocational training, not German professional equivalence or licensing. Do not reuse a 2024 notice saying the DAB service was not yet available.
DAB supports relevant immigration evidence; it does not replace recognition or licensing for regulated professions. Official guidance
Permitted work depends on the profession and permission and may be assistant work; a contract alone does not authorise regulated duties. Official guidance
Download a blank English PDF checklist to print and mark offline. This is not an exhaustive lodgement checklist; official requirements take precedence.