Get Your University Degree Recognized in Germany
A Statement of Comparability from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) shows employers, authorities, and embassies exactly how your degree matches the German education system.
Information based on the official service of
What is a Statement of Comparability?
The Statement of Comparability is an official certificate issued by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB), part of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK). It compares your foreign university degree to the German education system and confirms which German qualification level - such as bachelor's or master's - it corresponds to.
Employers, government offices, and embassies widely accept it as proof of your academic background, and it's often requested for visa applications, EU Blue Card eligibility, and public-sector roles in Germany.
Why applicants get one
Officially recognized
Issued directly by ZAB, Germany's central authority for evaluating foreign university degrees.
Around 190 countries covered
ZAB assesses degrees from most countries worldwide - use their online pre-check tool to confirm your degree is covered.
Fully digital application
Create an account, upload your documents, and pay securely online - no in-person visit required.
Forgery-proof certificate
Every statement includes a Digital Seal, so employers and authorities can verify it instantly, online or offline.
What the statement confirms
Your Statement of Comparability lists your degree name, program details, institution, study duration, and graduation date - alongside the corresponding German education level.
It doesn't convert foreign grades into German grades, and it doesn't grant university admission rights or permission to work in a regulated profession - for those, ZAB will point you to the right authority.
Questions applicants usually ask
Do I need a Statement of Comparability for the Opportunity Card?
It isn't mandatory for every applicant, but it's one of the clearest ways to show German authorities and employers that your foreign degree meets the requirements for a skilled position - and many employers ask for it directly.
Does this replace professional recognition for regulated professions?
No. If you work in a regulated profession such as medicine, law, or teaching, you'll need a separate professional recognition procedure. ZAB's statement covers general comparability, not the right to practice.
Which countries and degrees are eligible?
ZAB accepts applications for degrees from around 190 countries. Use the pre-check tool on their website to confirm your specific degree and country are covered before you apply.
How do I apply?
The entire process happens online through ZAB's own portal: create an account, upload your documents, pay the fee, and track your application status until the statement is issued.
Ready to get your degree recognized?
Start your application directly on ZAB's official portal and get a step ahead on your journey to Germany.
Go to the ZAB Portal