Recognition: how your degree becomes a professional licence

Recognition route

Nostrification at a university of applied sciences (§ 31 GuKG) + registration in the Health Professions Register (GBR); until full equivalence, temporary work as nursing associate (§ 31 para. 1a GuKG)

Competent authority

University of applied sciences (e.g. FH Campus Wien, FH St. Pölten, IMC Krems) · GBR: GÖG/AK

Language level

B2

Procedure duration

3–12 months

Important contextOnly degree programmes of ≥ 3 years at recognised universities can be nostrified at a university of applied sciences; costs: fee € 150 + € 363.36 per semester for compensation measures; ÖIF refunds up to € 2,500. Actual duration 3–12 months (secondary sources).

Recognition route

Nostrification by the provincial governor (§ 89 GuKG) with supplementary training where gaps exist; GBR registration (Chamber of Labour); application possible before entry via an authorised recipient

Competent authority

Provincial governor (Vienna: MA 40) · GBR: Chamber of Labour

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

3–12 months

Important contextFees Vienna € 70 + enclosures + € 124 federal stamp duty + € 6.50; supplementary courses 9–12 months, course costs depend on the provider (€ 700–5,900, not official).

Recognition route

Nostrification by the provincial governor (§ 89 GuKG), supplementary training if required; until then nursing assistance under guidance (§ 89 para. 10 GuKG); GBR registration (Chamber of Labour)

Competent authority

Provincial governor (Vienna: MA 40) · GBR: Chamber of Labour

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

3–9 months

Important contextFrequent entry route for nursing degrees that cannot be fully nostrified at a university of applied sciences (Bosnian secondary school, Indian GNM).

Recognition route

Nostrification as registered nurse (university of applied sciences, § 31 GuKG) + specialised training in perioperative care in the destination country; OTA: separate nostrification, GBR B2

Competent authority

University of applied sciences · GBR

Language level

B2

Procedure duration

3–12 months

Important contextRecognition of foreign perioperative specialisations is decided case by case.

Recognition route

Nostrification as registered nurse (university of applied sciences) + specialisation in intensive/anaesthesia care in the destination country

Competent authority

University of applied sciences · GBR

Language level

B2

Procedure duration

3–12 months

Recognition route

Nostrification of the medical degree at a medical university (§ 90 UG) → Austrian Medical Chamber language exam → entry in the medical register (§ 27 ÄrzteG)

Competent authority

Medical University Vienna/Graz/Innsbruck · Austrian Medical Chamber

Language level

C1

Procedure duration

12–36 months

Important contextMedical Chamber language exam € 1,179.65; nostrification fee per university; duration 1–3 years estimated, depending on supplementary exams.

Recognition route

No recognition requirement for employees; the AMS checks the training in the RWR procedure; optional equivalence of the apprenticeship qualification (§ 27a BAG, BMWET) for classification as skilled worker under the collective agreement

Competent authority

AMS (RWR) · BMWET Dept. III/7 (equivalence)

Language level

A1

Procedure duration

4–6 weeks

Important contextLanguage level: none required by law; German A1/A2/B1 earns 5/10/15 points. In practice, B1 is recommended.

Recognition route

No recognition requirement; the AMS checks the training; optional equivalence (§ 27a BAG)

Competent authority

AMS · BMWET

Language level

A1

Procedure duration

4–6 weeks

Important context“Mechatronics technician” is not listed verbatim in the FKVO 2026; assignment to the AMS classification is decided case by case.

Recognition route

No recognition; welder qualification tests under EN ISO 9606 in-house or at a testing body; the AMS checks the training in the RWR procedure

Competent authority

AMS · testing body (e.g. TÜV, SZA)

Language level

A1

Procedure duration

1–4 weeks

Important contextTest fees depend on process and testing body; certificates valid for 2–3 years.

Recognition route

No recognition requirement; optional equivalence (§ 27a BAG)

Competent authority

AMS · BMWET

Language level

A1

Procedure duration

4–6 weeks

Recognition route

No recognition requirement; optional equivalence (§ 27a BAG)

Competent authority

AMS · BMWET

Language level

A1

Procedure duration

4–6 weeks

Recognition route

No recognition requirement; optional equivalence (§ 27a BAG)

Competent authority

AMS · BMWET

Language level

A1

Procedure duration

4–6 weeks

Recognition route

No recognition requirement for employees; optional equivalence (§ 27a BAG); the trade is regulated only for business owners

Competent authority

AMS · BMWET

Language level

A1

Procedure duration

4–6 weeks

Recognition route

Conversion of the D/C driving licence (third country: exchange with practical test depending on agreement), initial qualification/further training (GWB, Code 95); not in the FKVO 2026 → RWR Card as other key worker (€ 3,465) or seasonal/other routes

Competent authority

Driving licence authority (district authority/police) · WKO/GWB training providers

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

2–6 months

Important contextBus and lorry drivers are not on the 2026 shortage occupation list; the key-worker salary threshold makes the route difficult – case-by-case check.

Recognition route

No recognition requirement; the AMS checks the completed cook training (comparable to a three-year apprenticeship); RWR Card skilled worker “restaurant cooks” nationwide

Competent authority

AMS (RWR procedure)

Language level

A1

Procedure duration

–

Important contextSpanish/BCS at B1 earns 5 additional points. Collective agreement for hotels and restaurants, wage group 3 (skilled worker with apprenticeship), wage scale per province.

Recognition route

No recognition; RWR Card skilled worker only if the business is based in Vorarlberg (regional shortage occupation waiter); otherwise seasonal permit (quota, max. 6/9 months) → registered seasonal worker → RWR Card “core staff” (§ 12d)

Competent authority

AMS

Language level

A1

Procedure duration

–

Important contextJob-seeker ratio for waiters 2025: 3.1 (Vienna 18.7) – therefore not a nationwide shortage occupation. Employers require B1 in practice (guest contact).

Recognition route

No recognition; RWR Card skilled worker only regionally in Salzburg/Tyrol (“hotel and restaurant specialists” incl. reception); otherwise seasonal → registered seasonal worker → core staff, or other key worker (€ 3,465)

Competent authority

AMS

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

–

Recognition route

No recognition; not a shortage occupation → seasonal permit (quota) with accommodation requirement; registered seasonal worker → core staff (§ 12d, German A1)

Competent authority

AMS

Language level

A1

Procedure duration

–

Important contextAdditional Western Balkans quota of 2,500 (Bosnia) in 2026.

Recognition route

Equivalence assessment by the state authority (§ 40 PflBG); if deficits are found, knowledge test or adaptation course; entry via recognition partnership (§ 16d para. 3 AufenthG, A2) or after recognition (§ 18a); work as nursing assistant until the licence is issued

Competent authority

Competent authority of the federal state (e.g. LfP Bavaria, LAGeSo Berlin, ZAG Bezirksregierung Münster NRW, RP Stuttgart BW)

Language level

B2

Procedure duration

2–4 months

Important contextDecision deadline 4 months after the file is complete (2 months in the § 81a procedure); from condition to final decision median 426 days (BIBB 2023). Fees differ by state (NRW € 112.50–350, Berlin € 164, Bavaria € 40–70).

Recognition route

Recognition as nursing associate/assistant under state law; from 01.01.2027 uniform nationwide under §§ 25–28 PflFAssG; entry via § 16d para. 3 or § 18a

Competent authority

State authority (as for registered nurses)

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

3–6 months

Important contextLanguage level B1–B2 depending on the federal state; until 2027 the occupation is regulated differently by each state.

Recognition route

Work as nursing assistant possible without recognition; residence, however, only with a qualification link (§ 16d para. 3 within the registered-nurse recognition, § 6 BeschV with an employer bound by collective agreement)

Competent authority

Immigration office / Federal Employment Agency (no recognition body needed)

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

–

Important contextThere is no stand-alone immigration route for auxiliary staff; nursing assistance is in the observation range of the 2025 shortage analysis (1.8).

Recognition route

Recognition as registered nurse (§ 40 PflBG) + advanced training in perioperative care or OTA recognition (ATA-OTA Act) depending on the state

Competent authority

State authority

Language level

B2

Procedure duration

2–4 months

Recognition route

Recognition as registered nurse + advanced training in intensive/anaesthesia care (DKG recommendation)

Competent authority

State authority

Language level

B2

Procedure duration

2–4 months

Recognition route

Licence to practise (Approbation, § 3 BÄO): equivalence report or knowledge test; C1 specialist language exam of the Medical Chamber; temporary permission to practise under § 10 BÄO (max. 2 years)

Competent authority

Licensing authority of the state · State Medical Chamber (language exam)

Language level

C1

Procedure duration

12–24 months

Important contextKnowledge test € 400–1,350 depending on the state; equivalence report up to € 2,500 (BW waiting time approx. 15 months); language exam € 350–700.

Recognition route

Equivalence assessment by the Chamber of Crafts (electrician) or IHK FOSA (industrial electrician) for § 18a; alternatively the work-experience rule § 6 BeschV without recognition (2 years of experience, € 45,630 or collective agreement)

Competent authority

Chamber of Crafts / IHK FOSA

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

3–4 months

Important contextNo statutory language level; B1 recommended for safety and teamwork. Shortage occupation building electrics (2.7).

Recognition route

IHK FOSA equivalence (mechatronics/industrial mechanic) for § 18a, or § 6 BeschV without recognition

Competent authority

IHK FOSA

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

3–4 months

Important contextShortage status of mechatronics in 2025 is documented only via a Federal Employment Agency press release.

Recognition route

No recognition; test certificate DIN EN ISO 9606; residence via § 6 BeschV (work experience) or recognition as construction mechanic (Chamber of Crafts/IHK)

Competent authority

Testing body (DVS/TÜV) · Federal Employment Agency

Language level

A2

Procedure duration

1–4 weeks

Important contextShortage status of welding in 2025 not verified individually.

Recognition route

IHK FOSA (machining mechanic) for § 18a, or § 6 BeschV

Competent authority

IHK FOSA

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

3–4 months

Important contextMachining is no longer a shortage occupation in 2025 (Federal Employment Agency) – priority check possible, placement still permitted.

Recognition route

Chamber of Crafts (metal builder) or IHK FOSA (construction/industrial mechanic) for § 18a; § 6 BeschV without recognition

Competent authority

Chamber of Crafts / IHK FOSA

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

3–4 months

Important contextMetal construction is a shortage occupation in 2025 (2.0).

Recognition route

Chamber of Crafts (automotive mechatronics technician) for § 18a; § 6 BeschV without recognition

Competent authority

Chamber of Crafts

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

3 months

Recognition route

Chamber of Crafts (plumbing, heating and air-conditioning mechanic) for § 18a; § 6 BeschV

Competent authority

Chamber of Crafts

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

3 months

Important contextAccording to the Federal Employment Agency, plumbing/HVAC is among the shortage occupations in the crafts (average vacancy 242 days).

Recognition route

Conversion of the driving licence (third country: usually a test), initial qualification BKrFQG; residence via § 6 BeschV (driver training of ≥ 2 years is rare) or the Western Balkans rule (Bosnia); § 24a BeschV for drivers with an EU licence

Competent authority

Driving licence authority · IHK (initial qualification)

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

2–6 months

Important contextThe route for third-country drivers without an EU licence is complex; legal check required.

Recognition route

IHK FOSA equivalence (cook) for § 18a; § 6 BeschV with 2 years of experience (DEHOGA collective agreement replaces the salary threshold); Western Balkans rule for Bosnia

Competent authority

IHK FOSA · Federal Employment Agency

Language level

A2

Procedure duration

3–4 months

Important contextCooks are a shortage occupation in 2025 (2.0). No statutory language level; in practice A2–B1.

Recognition route

IHK FOSA (restaurant specialist) for § 18a; § 6 BeschV; Western Balkans rule (Bosnia); vocational training under § 16a as entry route

Competent authority

IHK FOSA · Federal Employment Agency

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

3–4 months

Important contextRestaurant service is a shortage occupation in 2025 (2.3).

Recognition route

IHK FOSA (hotel specialist) for § 18a; § 6 BeschV; Western Balkans rule; vocational training under § 16a

Competent authority

IHK FOSA

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

3–4 months

Important contextHotel occupations at skilled-worker level were not verified as a shortage in 2025 (hotel supervision is not a shortage occupation).

Recognition route

No recognition; residence only via the Western Balkans rule (Bosnia), seasonal employment under § 15a BeschV (only with a Federal Employment Agency arrangement – none for our countries) or as family member

Competent authority

Federal Employment Agency / diplomatic mission

Language level

A2

Procedure duration

–

Important contextFor countries outside the Western Balkans there is no immigration route at auxiliary level.

Recognition route

SRC PreCheck (free) → recognition application → if required, compensation measure (adaptation course of 6–18 months or aptitude test) → GesReg entry; first L permit (work under supervision), B permit after recognition; every case requires SEM approval

Competent authority

Swiss Red Cross (SRC), Wabern · canton (licence to practise)

Language level

B2

Procedure duration

4–17 weeks

Important contextThird-country recruitment only in individual cases with a tertiary degree (≥ 3 years), ≥ 2 years of experience and B2; quotas 2026: 4,500 B / 4,000 L in total; placement into Switzerland requires the AVG licence of a Swiss company (Art. 2 AVG).

Recognition route

Recognition as health care assistant EFZ (FaGe) via the SRC (delegated by SBFI); employers require it in practice; third-country admission is difficult in practice (auxiliary staff excluded, Art. 23 AIG)

Competent authority

SRC · cantonal vocational training offices

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

2–4 months

Important contextThird-country nationals at assistant level are hardly admissible – honest assessment: very low.

Recognition route

Health and social care assistant EBA – SBFI level confirmation possible; third-country admission excluded (auxiliary staff, Art. 23 AIG)

Competent authority

SBFI

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

2–10 months

Important contextCannot be recruited from third countries.

Recognition route

SRC recognition in nursing or as operating room technician HF; priority check eased for nurses with a specialisation

Competent authority

SRC

Language level

B2

Procedure duration

4–17 weeks

Important contextSpecialised nurses are explicitly listed in the SEM shortage occupation list – the most realistic nursing route into Switzerland.

Recognition route

SRC recognition in nursing; NDS HF intensive care in the destination country; eased priority check (specialisation)

Competent authority

SRC

Language level

B2

Procedure duration

4–17 weeks

Recognition route

Third-country diplomas generally cannot be recognised (MEBEKO); hospital work under supervision with MedReg entry and B2 (Art. 33a MedBG) is possible

Competent authority

MEBEKO / Federal Office of Public Health

Language level

B2

Procedure duration

2–6 months

Important contextMedReg fee; no independent practice without a recognised diploma.

Recognition route

Electrical installation is regulated (NIV): recognition + ESTI installation licence; third-country admission only under Art. 23 AIG (specialist training + several years of experience, shortage occupation)

Competent authority

ESTI · cantonal labour market authority

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

3–6 months

Important contextESTI fees and access of non-EU qualifications to the EIT.swiss course still to be checked. Assessment for skilled workers: low.

Recognition route

Not regulated; optional SBFI level confirmation; third-country admission only under Art. 23 AIG (shortage occupation automation/engineering)

Competent authority

SBFI · cantonal labour market authority

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

2–10 months

Important contextAutomation technicians score above average in the SECO index (5.8) – moderate chance with ≥ 5 years of experience.

Recognition route

Not regulated; admission as skilled worker practically only with ≥ 5 years of experience in a shortage occupation (Art. 23 AIG) – welding is not a listed shortage occupation

Competent authority

Cantonal labour market authority

Language level

A2

Procedure duration

–

Important contextAssessment: very low.

Recognition route

Not regulated (polymechanic); SBFI level confirmation optional; third-country admission only under Art. 23 AIG

Competent authority

SBFI · cantonal labour market authority

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

2–10 months

Important contextPolymechanics score 4.4 in the SECO index (no shortage).

Recognition route

Not regulated; Art. 23 AIG (low chance)

Competent authority

Cantonal labour market authority

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

–

Important contextAssessment: very low.

Recognition route

Not regulated; Art. 23 AIG (low chance)

Competent authority

Cantonal labour market authority

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

–

Recognition route

Not regulated (plumbing/heating); Art. 23 AIG (low chance)

Competent authority

Cantonal labour market authority

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

–

Recognition route

Driving licence exchange (test), CZV certificate of competence; third-country admission practically excluded (Art. 23 AIG)

Competent authority

Cantonal road traffic office

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

–

Recognition route

Only as speciality cook (SEM directives 4.7.9.1): speciality restaurant, diploma + ≥ 6 years including training, salary ≥ L-GAV category IV (CHF 5,293), A2; L permit first, subject to SEM approval

Competent authority

Cantonal labour market authority · SEM

Language level

A2

Procedure duration

6–12 weeks

Important contextCooks are subject to the job registration requirement in 2026 (unemployment rate 5.3 %). Assessment: very low except for speciality cuisine.

Recognition route

No third-country admission (job registration requirement 2026, auxiliary and skilled staff without shortage); niche: trainee agreements (PH 50, ID 50, TN 150 places per year, age 18–35, max. 18 months)

Competent authority

Cantonal labour market authority · SEM (trainees)

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

–

Important contextAssessment: very low.

Recognition route

No third-country admission (reception subject to job registration requirement, 7.7 %); niche: trainee agreements

Competent authority

Cantonal labour market authority

Language level

B1

Procedure duration

–

Recognition route

No third-country admission (auxiliary staff excluded)

Competent authority

–

Language level

A2

Procedure duration

–