Moving to Germany as an engineer: anabin, ZAB and the EU Blue Card (2026)

For the EU Blue Card, engineering counts as a shortage occupation (STEM), so a lower salary threshold applies. First, though, you have to show that your university degree is recognised in Germany or comparable to a German one. This guide is based on official sources (listed at the end).

Step 1: Is your degree recognised? (anabin)

anabin is the database on foreign qualifications run by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education. According to the German missions abroad, your degree counts as comparable for the Blue Card if

• your university is listed in anabin as "H+" and your degree is rated "entspricht" or "gleichwertig", or
• your university is rated "H+/-" and your degree is explicitly listed at that university as "entspricht" or "gleichwertig".

If so, printouts from anabin are usually enough. Otherwise you need a ZAB Statement of Comparability.

Step 2: ZAB Statement of Comparability

• The Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) compares your foreign university degree with a German qualification (e.g. bachelor's or master's).
• You can use it to prove comparability in the visa procedure and for the Blue Card.
• Fee: €208 (reissue €104). Application and certificate are fully digital.
• A Statement of Comparability is not a licence for regulated professions and does not convert grades.

Step 3: The title "Ingenieur"

The title "Ingenieur/in" is protected, including in combinations. To use it with a foreign degree you need permission from the chamber of engineers (Ingenieurkammer) of your federal state. It usually asks for certified copies of your diploma and transcript, and German translations by a translator authorised by a German court.

Important: to work as an engineer and for the visa, anabin or the ZAB statement is usually enough; the permission concerns using the title. The Recognition Finder shows which chamber is responsible.

Step 4: Salary thresholds 2026

If your salary is below the Blue Card threshold, a residence permit as a skilled worker with an academic degree (§ 18b AufenthG) is possible. Work out your take-home pay: Gross-to-net calculator

Step 5: Visa

1. Find a job: search for "Ingenieur", "Konstrukteur" or "Projektingenieur": Current jobs
2. Apply for the visa: many German missions offer the Blue Card and skilled-worker visas online in the Consular Services Portal (digital.diplo.de), which also lists the documents.
3. Faster: your employer can apply for the fast-track procedure for skilled workers (§ 81a AufenthG) at the immigration office (fee €411).

Sources

• ZAB – Statement of Comparability, ZAB – fees
• anabin
• Federal Foreign Office – notes on anabin (example of a mission)
• Recognition in Germany – Engineer
• Minimum salaries 2026 (Federal Foreign Office)
• BAMF – fast-track procedure for skilled workers

Last updated: 29 September 2026. General information, not legal advice.