What does H+ mean in Anabin, and why does it matter for my visa?

H+ means your university is officially recognized as a legitimate higher education institution in Germany. This rating is crucial because German embassies and visa authorities use it to quickly determine if your degree qualifies for a Blue Card or skilled worker visa—an H+ university with a corresponding degree typically means approval without needing additional evaluation.

How long does it take to get a Statement of Comparability (Zeugnisbewertung) from the ZAB?

Processing typically takes 2–3 months, though it can be longer depending on the ZAB's workload. The assessment costs €200 as of 2024, and you'll need to submit certified copies and official translations of your diploma and transcript through the ZAB portal at zab.kmk.org.

My university isn't listed in Anabin at all. Does that automatically disqualify me?

No, a missing listing doesn't mean automatic rejection. You can apply for an official Statement of Comparability from the ZAB, which carries strong weight with German authorities and often provides the clearest path forward when your Anabin status is unclear.

If my university has an H+/- rating, does that mean I can't get a visa?

Not necessarily. H+/- means recognition depends on specific conditions like your program, campus, or graduation year. Click into the detailed entry to read the conditions—if your specific program qualifies, document this clearly for the embassy and you can still proceed with your visa application.

What does H+ mean in Anabin, and why does it matter for my visa?

H+ means your university is officially recognized as a legitimate higher education institution in Germany. This rating is crucial because German embassies and visa authorities use it to quickly determine if your degree qualifies for a Blue Card or skilled worker visa—an H+ university with a corresponding degree typically means approval without needing additional evaluation.

How long does it take to get a Statement of Comparability (Zeugnisbewertung) from the ZAB?

Processing typically takes 2–3 months, though it can be longer depending on the ZAB's workload. The assessment costs €200 as of 2024, and you'll need to submit certified copies and official translations of your diploma and transcript through the ZAB portal at zab.kmk.org.

My university isn't listed in Anabin at all. Does that automatically disqualify me?

No, a missing listing doesn't mean automatic rejection. You can apply for an official Statement of Comparability from the ZAB, which carries strong weight with German authorities and often provides the clearest path forward when your Anabin status is unclear.

If my university has an H+/- rating, does that mean I can't get a visa?

Not necessarily. H+/- means recognition depends on specific conditions like your program, campus, or graduation year. Click into the detailed entry to read the conditions—if your specific program qualifies, document this clearly for the embassy and you can still proceed with your visa application.

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Anabin Database: Check If Your Degree Qualifies for a Visa — GoGermany

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Anabin Database: Check If Your Degree Qualifies for a Visa

Q: What should I do with my Anabin search results before submitting my visa application?

Take screenshots of both your university entry and degree entry, making sure to include the URL and date. Print these pages and attach them to your visa application, as German embassies frequently request this documentation to verify your qualification status.

2026-06-20

Learn how to use the Anabin database degree check to confirm if your university and degree qualify for a German Blue Card or work visa.

If you want to work in Germany with a foreign degree, one tiny detail can make or break your visa: whether your qualification is recognized. The Anabin database degree check is the official tool German authorities use to decide if your university and diploma count toward a Blue Card or skilled worker visa. This guide walks you through the portal step by step, explains the cryptic H+, H-, and H+/- ratings, and helps you avoid the mistakes that delay thousands of applications every year.

What Is the Anabin Database?

Anabin (short for "Anerkennung und Bewertung ausländischer Bildungsabschlüsse") is the central German information system for assessing foreign educational qualifications. It is run by the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB), part of the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK), and is publicly accessible at anabin.kmk.org.

German embassies, the Ausländerbehörde, and employers use Anabin to verify two things:

Whether your university is recognized as a legitimate higher education institution.
Whether your specific degree is comparable to a German academic qualification.

For visa purposes — especially the EU Blue Card and the skilled worker visa (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz) — your degree usually must be either listed positively in Anabin or formally evaluated by the ZAB through a Statement of Comparability (Zeugnisbewertung).

The database is free to use, available in German (with limited English navigation), and does not require an account. You only need your university's name and your degree details to get started.

Understanding the H+, H-, and H+/- Ratings

The most important thing in Anabin is the rating assigned to your university. These short codes determine your eligibility instantly.

University status (Institution rating)

H+ — The institution is recognized as a higher education establishment. This is what you want.
H- — The institution is not recognized as a higher education establishment. Degrees from these schools generally do not qualify.
H+/- — The recognition depends on additional conditions, such as the specific course, year, or campus. You will need to read the details carefully.

Degree status

Separately, your degree (Abschluss) can be rated:

Entspricht ("corresponds to") — Your degree corresponds to a German qualification. This is the positive outcome.
Gleichwertig ("equivalent") — Considered equivalent to a German degree.
Nicht gleichwertig ("not equivalent") — Not recognized.

For a Blue Card, the ideal combination is an H+ university plus a degree that corresponds to a German Bachelor's, Master's, or higher. If your university is H+ and your degree is listed, embassies often accept your case without a separate ZAB evaluation.

How to Run an Anabin Database Degree Check

Here is the practical, step-by-step process. Budget about 15–20 minutes.

Step 1: Check your university

Go to anabin.kmk.org.
Click "Institutionen" in the left menu.
Select "Suchen nach Hochschulen" (Search for universities).
Choose your country from the dropdown ("Auswahl Land").
Optionally filter by city or type, then click "Suchen".
Find your university in the list and note its status: H+, H-, or H+/-.

Tip: Universities are listed under their official local name, not always the English version. Search by city if you can't find it by name.

Step 2: Check your degree

Return to the menu and click "Hochschulabschlüsse" (University degrees).
Select "Suchen nach Abschlüssen".
Filter by country and enter your degree title (e.g., "Bachelor of Engineering").
Review whether the degree "entspricht" a German qualification such as Bachelor or Master.

Step 3: Match university and degree

The two records must line up. An H+ university with a corresponding degree is the green light. If your university is H+/-, click into the entry to read the conditions — often only certain faculties or graduation years qualify.

Step 4: Take screenshots

Save or screenshot both the university entry and the degree entry. Embassies frequently ask you to print these pages and attach them to your visa application. Include the URL and date in the screenshot.

What If Your University Is H+/- or Not Listed?

Don't panic — many qualifications still lead to a valid visa. Your options depend on what Anabin shows.

If your university is H+/-

Read the conditions in the detailed entry. You may need to prove your specific program or campus qualifies. If it does, document this clearly for the embassy.

If your degree is not in Anabin

A missing degree does not mean rejection. Apply for a Statement of Comparability (Zeugnisbewertung) directly from the ZAB:

Apply online via the ZAB portal at zab.kmk.org.
Cost: €200 per assessment (as of 2024).
Processing time: typically 2–3 months, sometimes longer.
You will need certified copies and translations of your diploma and transcript.

This official document carries strong weight with every German authority and is often the safest route if your Anabin status is unclear.

If your university is H-

Unfortunately, an H- rating means the institution is not recognized as higher education in Germany. You may still qualify for a visa through:

Vocational recognition if your field is a regulated profession (apply through the relevant chamber, e.g., IHK FOSA for many business roles).
The skilled worker visa based on recognized vocational training rather than an academic degree.
A different visa pathway such as the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) using a points system.

Why This Matters for Blue Card and Work Visa Eligibility

The EU Blue Card requires a recognized higher education degree plus a job offer meeting a salary threshold. For 2024, the general gross salary minimum is €45,300 per year, and €41,041.80 for shortage occupations and recent graduates. Without a recognized degree confirmed via Anabin or the ZAB, your Blue Card application stalls before salary even matters.

For the standard skilled worker visa, recognition is equally central. The German consulate will not forward your file to the Ausländerbehörde without proof that your qualification is comparable to a German one.

Cities matter too. If you're heading to Berlin, your appointment will likely be at the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA); in Munich, it's the Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR); in Hamburg, the Hamburg Welcome Center. All of them rely on the same Anabin and ZAB evidence, so getting this right once helps everywhere.

Documents to prepare

Before your visa appointment, gather:

Printed Anabin screenshots (university and degree).
Your original diploma and certified copies.
Official transcripts.
Certified German or English translations if required.
A ZAB Statement of Comparability (if your degree isn't clearly listed).
Your job contract or binding offer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants lose weeks because of small, avoidable errors. Watch out for these:

Searching the English name only. Anabin lists universities under their local official name. Try the native spelling and search by city.
Confusing university status with degree status. You need both to be positive. An H+ university with an unlisted degree may still require a ZAB evaluation.
Ignoring the H+/- conditions. People assume H+/- means automatic approval. It does not — read the fine print about faculties and years.
Forgetting screenshots. Embassies want printed proof. A verbal "it's in Anabin" is not enough.
Assuming H- is the end. Vocational recognition or the Chancenkarte may still work for you.
Leaving the ZAB application too late. With a 2–3 month processing time, apply early if your status is unclear, or you'll miss job start dates.
Trusting outdated information. Anabin entries are updated; always check shortly before applying and note the date.

Conclusion

The Anabin database degree check is one of the simplest yet most powerful steps in your move to Germany — fifteen minutes on anabin.kmk.org can confirm whether your hard-earned degree opens the door to a Blue Card or skilled worker visa. Look for that H+ rating, match it to a corresponding degree, save your screenshots, and apply for a ZAB Statement of Comparability if anything is unclear. Get this foundation right and the rest of your visa journey becomes far smoother. If you'd like step-by-step help preparing your documents and choosing the right visa route, explore the rest of GoGermany's guides and start your checklist today.