Source: BUS Sachsen-Anhalt (Linie6PLus)

Apply for recognition as an architect with a professional qualification from abroad

Description

The profession of architect is regulated in Germany. The professional title is specially protected. This means that you need an entry in the list of architects if you want to use the professional title "architect" in Germany.

You can also apply on the job market without being entered in the corresponding list of architects and carry out activities as an architect. However, they are then not allowed to use the professional title "architect" and are also not entitled to submit building documents.

If you are entered in the list of architects, you are also entitled to a building template, for example. This means that you are allowed to sign construction plans as the responsible person. Even with a degree obtained abroad, you can apply for entry in the list of architects in Germany. This will be arranged by the responsible State Chamber of Architects after your documents have been checked.

The competent State Chamber of Architects compares your professional qualification from abroad with the professional qualification in the selected federal state. The procedure is called: equivalence determination.

Note: If you obtained your professional qualifications in a country of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, automatic recognition often applies. In this case, no individual equivalence check is carried out.

Prerequisites

Equivalence of your professional qualification
You must have at least 2 years of professional experience as an architect.

In order to use the professional title "architect", you must meet other requirements in addition to the equivalence of your professional qualification. You may not have to prove these requirements until a later date:

Your branch or main residence must be in the respective federal state or your predominant work must take place there. Or: You want to live or work in the state soon.
Personal suitability

Required documents

Curriculum vitae in tabular form with information on completed training courses and professional experience
Proof of identity (ID card or passport)
Proof of your professional qualification (e.g. certificates, professional certificate)
Proof of content and duration of your training (e.g. Diploma Supplement, Transcript of Records) Proof of further education and certificates of professional practice
Additional evidence of relevant professional experience and other qualifications
Declaration of whether an application for a declaration of equivalence has already been made
Certificate of establishment or registration certificate of residence in the respective federal state
If applicable: Proof of your personal suitability (e.g. certificate of good conduct, extract from the criminal record, certificate of good standing)
Perhaps: Certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB)

If your documents are not available in German, you must submit German translations of your documents. Translations must be carried out by translators who are publicly appointed or authorised.

Fees (costs)

Costs of registration in the list of architects:

The fee for freelance and commercially active members is: € 650.00 per year.
Salaried and public sector members pay: € 475.00 per year.

Processing time

Duration (at fixed time): 3

Note for further information on the processing time: You will receive the confirmation of receipt within one month of submitting your application. The competent authority will inform you if documents are missing. A decision on your application will be made no later than three months after receipt of your complete documents. The deadline may be extended by one month.

Legal remedy

Contradiction
Further information on how to file an objection can be found in the notification of recognition.

Action before the Administrative Court

Procedure

First, you submit your application and the required documents to the Chamber of Architects of the state in which you want to work.
If necessary, you will be asked to follow up on missing documents.
If you have acquired your professional qualification in a country of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, automatic recognition often applies. In this case, no individual equivalence check is carried out.
If automatic recognition does not apply or if you have obtained your professional qualification in a third country, the competent authority will carry out an equivalence test. The competent authority will check whether your foreign professional qualification is equivalent to the German professional qualification as an architect.
If your professional qualification is recognised and you meet the other requirements, you will be entered in the list of architects. Then you can use the professional title "architect" in Germany. You will receive a notification of this.

If significant differences are found, the equivalence of your professional qualification as an architect will not be certified. Then the following happens:

You will receive a justification.
You can take a compensatory measure to prove the lack of knowledge. You can often choose between an adaptation period or an aptitude test.

If you successfully complete the compensatory measure and meet the other requirements, you will be entered in the list of architects. You may then use the professional title "architect".

You can take legal action against the decision of the competent authority within a certain period of time (e.g. file an objection). The decision will then be reviewed. Details can be found in the information on legal remedies at the end of your decision. We recommend that you first talk to the competent authority before taking legal action against the decision.