Germany recognises record number of foreign qualifications
Germany recognised a record 86,600 foreign professional qualifications in 2025, almost 10 percent more than the previous year. However, the growth rate has slowed sharply as competition for skilled workers increases worldwide.
The latest figures from the Statistisches Bundesamt (Federal Statistical Office, Destatis) show another year of growth in qualification recognition. Germany has increasingly relied on foreign professionals to address labour shortages, particularly in sectors facing severe staffing problems.
Nursing accounted for the largest share, with around 32,000 qualifications recognised in 2025. Doctors followed with 13,900, while engineers accounted for another 4,600. Together, these three professions represented 58 percent of all recognised foreign qualifications.
Turkey remained the largest source country, with about 9,800 recognised qualifications, representing roughly 11 percent of the total. Ukraine followed with around 8,300, while Syria, India and Tunisia made up the rest of the top five. Recognition of Syrian qualifications jumped by 42 percent compared with the previous year.
Despite the record, the pace of growth is slowing. Recognitions increased by 25 percent in 2023 and 21 percent in 2024, compared with just under 10 percent in 2025. New applications also grew more slowly, rising by seven percent to approximately 76,200 last year.
Germany is attempting to make the process easier. The Bundesrat approved reforms aimed at making recognition for healthcare professions faster, less bureaucratic and more digital. The changes come as Germany faces increasing pressure to attract and retain skilled foreign workers.
However, Germany is no longer competing for international talent alone. Other countries are also facing ageing populations and labour shortages and are actively seeking skilled workers. At the same time, some foreign professionals say Germany has become less attractive because of bureaucracy, housing shortages, integration difficulties and experiences of discrimination.
The figures therefore present a mixed picture for Germany. While more foreign professionals than ever are getting their qualifications recognised, the slowdown suggests that attracting the next wave of international talent could become increasingly difficult.