Adaptation qualifications, opportunity card, recognition partnership, experienced professionals' regulation: The options related to employing foreign workers have been gradually expanded since 2020 with the Skilled Workers Immigration Act. The new regulations have increased opportunities as well as the complexity of the endeavour, which means that smaller businesses in particular often have a significant need for advice.
What is meant by "partial equivalence"? How does the recognition partnership work? What should be considered when hiring skilled workers from abroad? How do I apply for recognition at the IHK FOSA? The project Unternehmen Berufsanerkennung, located at the DIHK Service GmbH, answers questions like these, among others, through webinars, checklists, FAQs, or practical examples on its website.
Comprehensive support in the network
The core feature of the offerings is the network launched by UBA in mid-2025, which supports companies in recruiting international skilled workers and in the vocational qualification recognition process.
In the "UBA Network for Skilled Worker Immigration and Recognition", companies gain detailed and relevant advisory and support services, exchange opportunities, and access to UBAconnect. Through this matching service, companies can get to know skilled workers who have already been granted partial recognition, and, if mutual interest exists, accompany them through the adaptation qualifications.
Membership is free of charge, and as of February 2026, 600 companies have already registered. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, as well as the DIHK.
Matching-Service UBAconnect
In cooperation with more than 40 German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHKs), the UBA project organizes the free matching service "UBAconnect." This service connects skilled workers from abroad with potential employers. Interested companies can first register online in the network without cost or further obligations for UBAconnect, create their search profile, view suitable dossiers of skilled workers, and arrange for a non-binding initial meeting.
The benefits are mutual: International skilled workers with partially recognized professional qualifications who want to establish themselves in Germany often require companies willing to employ them and provide opportunities for further qualification measures. This is necessary to achieve full professional recognition and can open doors for a future in Germany.
At the same time, German companies frequently struggle to find staff domestically. They have the option to initially hire a skilled worker from abroad on a temporary basis and potentially keep them onboard in the long term. The initially temporary employment arrangement allows companies to familiarize themselves with the new employee in a business environment and assess whether the collaboration works.
Learn more about the matching service UBAconnect at www.unternehmen-berufsanerkennung.de/uba-connect.
- Relevant in topic:
- Serviceportal
Released 11.02.2026
Modified 17.03.2026
Contact
Rieke Albrecht
Projektleiterin Unternehmen Berufsanerkennung