Recognition Partnership Visa (Anerkennungspartnerschaft)
Skilled workers who start a job and complete qualification recognition in Germany.
The Recognition Partnership Visa (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) is a German work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€100 (residence permit)) and processing time (~1-3 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Recognition Partnership Visa (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) is for
Skilled workers who start a job and complete qualification recognition in Germany.
Leads to a full skilled-worker permit once recognition completes.
Recognition Partnership Visa (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) - eligibility criteria
- Foreign qualification not yet fully recognised
- Employer agrees to support the recognition process
- Job offer in the relevant field
- At least A2 German language skills
- Health insurance and secured livelihood
Recognition Partnership Visa (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Recognition Partnership Visa (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) (Germany) is ~€100 (residence permit), with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Make it in Germany / BAMF.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside or inside the country |
| Length of stay | Up to 1 year (extendable to 3) |
| Work rights | Work permitted while pursuing recognition |
| Study rights | Recognition-related training permitted |
| Government fee | ~€100 (residence permit) |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months |
| Route to PR | Leads to a full skilled-worker permit once recognition completes. |
Pathway & next steps
Leads to a full skilled-worker permit once recognition completes.
Many applicants also compare Skilled Worker · Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b), Experience Route · Skilled Worker with Work Experience (§19c(2)), Chancenkarte · Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte). Run a free VisaChief check to see which German route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Recognition Partnership Visa (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) pitfalls we fix
Recognition Partnership Visa (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Recognition Partnership Visa (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) cost?
The Recognition Partnership Visa (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) government fee is ~€100 (residence permit). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Make it in Germany / BAMF before applying.
How long does the Recognition Partnership Visa (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Recognition Partnership Visa (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) lead to permanent residence?
Leads to a full skilled-worker permit once recognition completes.
Can I work on the Recognition Partnership Visa (Anerkennungspartnerschaft)?
Work rights: Work permitted while pursuing recognition.
Who can apply for the Recognition Partnership Visa (Anerkennungspartnerschaft)?
Skilled workers who start a job and complete qualification recognition in Germany.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Germany government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Make it in Germany / BAMF - official Germany immigration authority