Before requesting your very first document, it pays to clarify two things: where you're starting from (Italy or Germany) and whether you're entitled to funding to cover the costs of the recognition process. Some choices made here — especially about timing — shape the entire rest of the journey.
In brief
- The funding (Anerkennungszuschuss) must always be requested before spending anything: only costs incurred after the application are covered.
- If you already live in Germany, you can request reimbursement before paying; if you apply from Italy, the costs are yours.
- Some steps (sworn translations, LAGeSo appointments) take weeks to months: plan for them early.
Your situation
You can request reimbursement of the process costs before spending a single cent, through the funding described below.
In that case the costs remain yours: the funding described below is available only to those already living in Germany.
The funding: Anerkennungszuschuss
With a gross annual income of at most €26,000 (single person) or €40,000 (married couple), you can apply for funding — the Anerkennungszuschuss, up to €1,200 (from our experience) — to cover the credential assessment, translations and certified copies.
To request it, you first need to clarify whether you're entitled to support from the Jobcenter / Agentur für Arbeit (JC/AA).
Sworn translations
All Italian documents need a sworn German translation by a translator officially recognised and registered in Germany. Search the official database: justiz-dolmetscher.de. Prices vary a lot — get quotes from more than one translator before choosing.
Certified copies
- Bürgeramt or notary — certified copies on the spot, about €5 per stamp/document.
- LAGeSo (free) — free certified copies if you bring originals and photocopies, but you need an appointment: waiting times can reach ~3 months and online appointments are sometimes cancelled — we recommend confirming by phone. Booking: service.berlin.de ("Termin online buchen").
If you send your application by post, remember: it needs certified copies, not plain ones — use one of the two options above.
What's next?
With your situation clear and the funding under way (if you're entitled to it), you're ready for the first concrete step: gathering the documents in Italy.
Questions about this step? Check the FAQ or write to us.