University Degree Translation for Germany: Anabin, ZAB & Blue Card
Need your university degree recognized in Germany? Whether you are applying for a Blue Card, a skilled worker visa, or a job with a German employer, you will likely need a certified translation of your Universitätszeugnis. Our court-sworn translators deliver translations accepted by the Ausländerbehörde, ZAB, and employers across Germany.
You usually receive your quote within a few hours, often sooner.
Why does it need to be certified?
In Germany, official translations must be done by a vereidigter Übersetzer, a translator officially sworn in by a German court. Immigration authorities, the ZAB (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen), and most employers will only accept translations with the translator's stamp and signature. A regular translation, even from a professional, will typically be rejected at the counter.
Your path to a certified degree translation
Send your document
Upload or email a clear scan or photo of your university degree. The original stays safely with you.
Receive your quote
Within a few hours, you will receive a transparent fixed price by email. No hidden costs, no surprises.
Confirm with one click
Simply click the confirmation button in your quote email. No account needed, no forms to fill out.
Receive your translation
Delivery usually takes 3 to 6 working days; it may vary depending on the language and scope. Your personal delivery time is stated in your quote.
Pay at your convenience
Your translation is in your hands first. Only then do you pay, by bank transfer within 14 days.
When you need a certified degree translation
German authorities and employers do not simply trust foreign qualifications at face value. They check your degree against the Anabin database or require a formal evaluation from ZAB. In most cases, you will need a certified translation to complete these processes.
Blue Card EU application
For highly qualified professionals seeking a Blaue Karte EU, embassies and the Ausländerbehörde require proof that your degree is recognized. A certified translation of your degree and transcript is typically mandatory.
- University degree
- Transcript of records
- Passport
ZAB Zeugnisbewertung
If your degree or university is not clearly listed in Anabin, you need a formal evaluation from the ZAB. They require your original documents plus certified translations.
- University degree
- Transcript of records
- Secondary school certificate
Skilled worker visa (§18a/b)
Even if you do not qualify for a Blue Card, German consulates require proof of your qualifications for skilled worker visas. A certified translation helps demonstrate that your degree is comparable to a German qualification.
- University degree
- Employment contract
- CV
PhD or Master's applications
German universities and graduate schools require proof of your previous academic degree. Admissions offices frequently ask for certified translations of your degree and transcripts in German or English.
- University degree
- Transcript of records
- Language certificate
Understanding Anabin and ZAB recognition
Many applicants find the German recognition system confusing. Here is what you need to know:
Anabin is an online database maintained by the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK). Employers and authorities use it to check whether your university and degree type are recognized. You can search it yourself at anabin.kmk.org. Look for an institution status of "H+" and check that your specific degree type is listed as comparable to a German degree.
ZAB (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen) provides formal degree evaluations when Anabin does not give a clear answer. The ZAB Zeugnisbewertung is an official document stating how your degree compares to a German qualification. Processing takes up to three months once they have all required documents.
Good to know
Checking Anabin is instant, but you must interpret the results correctly. An "H+" institution alone is not enough: your specific degree type must also be listed as comparable. If in doubt, the ZAB evaluation is the safest path forward. Start early, as the ZAB processing time is usually the biggest bottleneck, not your translation.
Ready to get started?
Individual price based on your document
What we need from you
Getting your degree translated is straightforward. You do not need to send us the original document.
- A clear scan or photo of your university degree certificate
- The target language (usually German)
- The purpose of the translation (Blue Card, ZAB, job application, etc.)
- If applicable: your transcript of records as well
Good to know
A smartphone photo is often sufficient, as long as all text is clearly legible. For ZAB applications, you will later need to send them authenticated copies or originals, but for the translation itself, a scan works perfectly. We note in the certification that the translation was made from a copy, which is accepted by German authorities.
Your questions, our answers
Delivery usually takes 3 to 6 working days; it may vary depending on the language and scope. Your personal delivery time is stated in your quote. You receive the PDF by email first, followed by the stamped original by post. The translation is usually much faster than the ZAB evaluation or visa processing, so it rarely becomes the bottleneck.
No, a clear scan or photo is sufficient for the translation. Your original stays safely with you. The certified translation will note that it was made from a copy, which German authorities accept. For your visa appointment or ZAB application, however, you may need to bring or send the original separately.
Yes. Our translations are made by öffentlich bestellte und allgemein beeidigte Übersetzer, translators officially sworn in by German courts. The Ausländerbehörde, ZAB, German embassies, and employers all accept these certified translations. If you ever have questions at the counter, our team is here to help.
You pay only after you have received your translation. The invoice arrives with your certified document, and you have 14 days to transfer the payment. No upfront costs, no credit card needed.
If Anabin does not show your institution or degree clearly, you can apply for a ZAB Zeugnisbewertung. This formal evaluation is widely accepted by employers and immigration authorities. The ZAB typically requires your degree, transcript, and sometimes your secondary school certificate, all with certified translations. Start this process early, as processing can take up to three months.
Often needed together
Transcript of Records
ZAB, universities, and many employers require both your degree certificate and your transcript. Translating them together ensures consistency.
Diploma
Some countries issue separate diploma certificates alongside degree certificates. If you have both, we can translate them as a set.
Apostille
Depending on your country of origin, an apostille may be required to authenticate your degree before translation. We can advise you on whether this applies to your case.
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Get your degree translation for Blue Card, ZAB, or job applications
Your certified translation arrives by email and post. Hold it in your hands, then pay.
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