Fast-Track | DAB
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Fast-Track Procedure for Skilled Workers
The Fast-Track Procedure for Skilled Workers speeds up the work-visa process for foreign skilled workers by expediting adminstrative services. It is also possible to apply for a Statement on a Foreign Vocational Qualification (DAB) as part of the Fast-Track Procedure for Skilled Workers according to Section 81a of the Residence Act (§81a AufenthG).
Statement on a Foreign Vocational Qualification as part of the Fast-Track Procedure for Skilled Workers
An application for a Statement on a Foreign Vocational Qualification submitted as part of the Fast-Track Procedure for Skilled Workers will be processed within 2 months. The Fast-Track Procedure for Skilled Workes has to be initiated by an immigration authority.
Information for
Application for a Statement on a Foreign Vocational Qualification as part of the Fast-Track Procedure for Skilled Workers
Application: The skilled worker submits an online
application for a DAB
to the ZAB.
Application cover form: The immigration authority submits an
application cover form
to the ZAB via email. It contains the immigration authority's contact information and confirms that the required powers of attorney have been granted.
What happens after an application has been submitted?
The applicant receives a message confirming the receipt of the application and the fee notice.
Within 2 weeks the ZAB will either confirm that all required documents have been received or request the missing documents.
The processing time begins once the ZAB has received all required documents as well as the fee.
The ZAB will communicate with the applicant via messages.
Once the Statement on a Foreign Vocational Qualification has been issued, it is available for download as a PDF file.
Does the skilled worker already have a Statement of Comparability for Foreign University Degrees?
If a skilled worker already has a Statement of Comparability for Foreign University Degrees, the state recognition of the university and the degree program as well as all other criteria that are reviewed for a DAB are already confirmed. A Statement of Comparability can be used to initiate the Fast-Track Procedure for Skilled Workers.
Do you already have a concrete job offer in Germany?
Are you a foreign skilled worker and have a job offer or an employment contract in Germany?
To help you enter Germany and start working faster, your new employer can apply for the Fast-Track Procedure for Skilled Workers at an immigration authority.
Do you have any questions about living and working in Germany?
Contact the
Service Center for Professional Recognition
and the phone hotline
Working and Living in Germany
with any questions about immigrating to Germany.
For detailed information about the Fast-Track Procedure for Skilled Workers, skilled workers and employers can visit the German government's web portal
Make it in Germany
Do you already have a Statement of Comparability for Foreign University Degrees?
If you already have a Statement of Comparability for your foreign university degree, you do not need to apply for a Statement on a Foreign Vocational Qualification. A Statement of Comparability confirms all required criteria – including the state-recognition of the university and degree program.
Do you plan to employ a foreign skilled worker?
Do you plan to employ a foreign skilled worker and apply for the Fast-Track Procedure for Skilled Workers according to Section 81a of the Residence Act (§81a AufenthG)? Please select your federal state's appropriate point of contact from
this list
For detailed information on employing foreign skilled workers as well as the recognition of foreign qualifications, please visit the website
UBA-Netzwerk für Fachkräfteeinwanderung und Anerkennung
Does the skilled worker already have a Statement of Comparability for Foreign University Degrees?
If a skilled worker already has a Statement of Comparability for Foreign University Degrees, the state recognition of the university and the degree program as well as all other criteria that are reviewed for a DAB are already confirmed. A Statement of Comparability can be used to initiate the Fast-Track Procedure for Skilled Workers.
More information about the Fast-Track Procedure for Skilled Workers (§81a AufenthG)
For more information, visit the German government's website for foreign skilled workers
Make it in Germany