One of the most common confusions in German Chancenkarte applications of diploma equivalency .

Applicants are particularly seeking answers to the following questions:

"If my diploma isn't recognized in Germany, can't I get a Discount Card?"

"If my university appears as H+ in Anabin, is that sufficient?"

"Do I need to obtain a ZAB certificate?"

"What should I do if my diploma isn't in Anabin?"

"Do I need full equivalency for the Opportunity Card, or is it sufficient for my diploma to be recognized in Türkiye?"

There is no single answer to these questions.

Because as of 2026, there will be two different legal ways to apply for the German Opportunity Card:

1. Direct Fachkraft route in Germany via recognized or comparable qualifications

or

2. A 6-point system based on the recognition of the foreign qualification by the state in the country where it was obtained.

The diploma requirements differ for these two paths.

In Germany, individuals with recognized academic qualifications or equivalent to a German university degree can apply for the Chancenkarte without accumulating points as a Fachkraft, provided they meet the requirements.

Conversely, even if the diploma is not fully comparable in Germany, an Opportunity Card may be possible via a points system if the diploma is recognized by the state in the country of origin and other requirements are met

Therefore;

"To be eligible for the Opportunity Card, everyone's diploma must be fully equivalent in Germany."

This statement is incorrect.

The correct approach which Chancenkarte path the applicant has taken .

Is diploma equivalency required for the German Opportunity Card?

The answer to this question depends on the application method.

On the Fachkraft Road

In Germany, if applying for a Chancenkarte (a degree holder with a foreign university degree), it is necessary to prove that the foreign academic degree is comparable to a German university degree .

This comparability;

Positive results in Anabin

or

Statement of Comparability – Zeugnisbewertung, organized by ZAB

This can be shown as.

In this case, the person is not required to enter the Chancenkarte points system.

On the Way to a Points System

In applications based on the points system, it is not a requirement that the foreign university diploma be fully comparable to the German diploma.

The key issue in this regard is that the foreign academic qualification must be recognized by the state in the country where it was obtained.

According to the official statement of the Federal Government, in the Chancenkarte's point system option, the recognition of a foreign university degree by the state in its country of origin can be proven by an Anabin or ZAB assessment.

Therefore, the two concepts must be distinguished from each other:

Comparability with Germany

And

The diploma must be recognized by the state in the country where it was obtained.

They are not the same thing.

What is the difference between the Fachkraft and Point-Specific Diploma Systems?

This distinction is critically important in Opportunity Card applications.

Fachkraft road:

The diploma must be comparable to an academic degree in Germany.

Point system:

One of the essential requirements for qualification is that the diploma be recognized by the state in the country where it was obtained.

If a points system is used, also;

at least A1 German or B2 English

And

at least 6 Chancenkarte points

It is necessary.

Therefore, the application should not be automatically terminated if the diploma does not meet full German comparability standards.

First, it should be evaluated whether a points-based system can be used.

What is Anabin?

Anabinis the official database for evaluating foreign educational institutions and academic qualifications from a German perspective.

Primarily through Anabin;

the status of a foreign university,

type of academic degree,

evaluation of some diplomas and programs in Germany

It can be controlled.

According to Germany's official "Make it in Germany" portal, two key elements are important in proving the comparability of academic diplomas via Anabin:

University status

And

Evaluation of the diploma/degree.

Therefore, simply finding the university's name in Anabin is not enough.

What does H+ mean in Anabin?

Anabin classifies universities under different statuses.

The most common of these are:

H+

H-

And

H+/-

their statuses.

According to Anabin's official statement:

H+

It states that the university is recognized as a higher education institution in the country where it is located and is also considered a higher education institution in Germany.

This is a positive sign.

However:

H+ alone does not guarantee that the diploma is comparable to a German diploma in every case.

The academic credentials also need to be examined.

H - What does it mean?

According to Anabin's official statement H-may indicate situations where the institution in question does not have the necessary higher education recognition or accreditation in its country of origin, or cannot be classified as a higher education institution in Germany.

This situation could create a serious competency problem in terms of Chancenkarte.

However, the applicant's entire educational background and the quality of their diploma must be assessed concretely.

It is not correct to draw definitive legal conclusions based solely on a short screenshot found online.

What does H+/- mean?

H+/-is a status used in situations where a single, definitive assessment of the institution cannot be made in all cases.

Anabin explains that this could be used, for example, in situations where some programs at certain universities are at the higher education level, while others are of a different nature.

Therefore, when H+/- is observed;

The program and diploma should also be checked.

If necessary, an individual ZAB (Zero-Blood Pressure) assessment will be considered.

Is my university's H+ rating sufficient for a Discount Card?

In any case, no.

The university receiving an H+ rating is the first positive step.

However, in terms of the Fachkraft path, it is also necessary to demonstrate the comparability of the academic diploma to a German degree.

According to the official statement of the Federal Government, in general, to prove comparability via Anabin;

1. The university having an H+ rating,
2. The academic degree "entspricht" or "gleichwertig," meaning it corresponds to/is equivalent to the German qualification.

is necessary.

If both results are positive, Anabin outputs can be used to prove the comparability of diplomas.

What do “Entspricht” and “Gleichwertig” mean?

This can be seen in the academic degree evaluation on Anabin;

entspricht

And

equalwertig

These statements are important in demonstrating the comparability of foreign academic degrees within the German education system.

The Federal Government states that if the university degree is H+ and the academic degree is “entspricht” or “gleichwertig”, then the diploma can be considered comparable to a German academic degree.

These results are particularly important in evaluating the Fachkraft option.

Can the Anabin printout be used on a fırsat (opportunity) card?

Yes.

According to official sources of the Federal Government, a positive Anabin result can be used as proof of qualification for a foreign university degree when applying for a Chancenkarte (certificate of merit).

Therefore, if the necessary information is clearly available in Anabin, it may not be mandatory for each applicant to also obtain a ZAB Zeugnisbewertung.

A significant number of applicants are engaging in unnecessary procedures here.

For example;

university H+,

academic degree clearly equivalent/comparable

and if the applicant authority deems Anabin's records sufficient

Additionally, a ZAB assessment may not be required.

What should I do if I don't have a diploma in Anabin?

The fact that the diploma is not found in Anabin does not automatically mean that the diploma is invalid.

Although the Anabin database is very extensive, it is impossible to have every university and every degree program in the world fully integrated into the system.

ZAB's official Chancenkarte statement also clearly states that Anabin is constantly updated but does not include all foreign universities and diplomas.

In this situation:

ZAB Statement of Comparability – Zeugnisbewertung

Applications can be submitted.

What is ZAB?

ZAB – Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesenis the Central Office for Foreign Education in Germany.

It plays a central role in the evaluation of foreign academic and professional qualifications.

The document issued by ZAB regarding university diplomas:

Statement of Comparability

or by its German name

Zeugnisbewertung

It is called.

This document officially defines the status of a foreign university degree within the German education system.

What is Zeugnisbewertung?

According to ZAB's official statement, the Statement of Comparability is an official document that compares a foreign university degree to a qualification within the German education system.

In the document;

the name of the university,

program,

degree,

study period,

form of education,

graduation date and place

This information may be included.

The document also specifies which academic level the foreign diploma corresponds to within the German education system.

For example, it can be shown that a foreign undergraduate degree corresponds to a German Bachelor's degree.

Is the ZAB Certificate a Full Professional Equivalency Certificate?

No.

This distinction is very important.

The Statement of Comparability assesses the academic level of a foreign university degree

ZAB explicitly states that this document does not automatically grant the holder the right to practice a regulated profession.

Therefore;

ZAB Zeugnisbewertung

with

Professional Recognition / Berufsanerkennung

They are not the same thing.

Is ZAB Sufficient for Doctors?

No.

Medicine is one of the regulated professions in Germany.

The fact that a foreign doctor's university degree has been academically evaluated by the ZAB (German Federal Medical Board) does not automatically allow them to practice medicine directly in Germany.

Professional recognition and licensing required for regulated occupations must also be completed.

The official statement from the Federal Government indicates that professional recognition is required for regulated professions such as doctors, nurses, teachers, and lawyers.

Is a ZAB Certificate Sufficient for Lawyers?

For the same reason, no.

The assessment of the academic level of a foreign law degree within the German education system and the ability of a person to practice law as a Rechtsanwalt in Germany are two different things

The ZAB certificate assesses academic credentials.

Professional qualifications are subject to specific regulations.

Therefore, obtaining an Opportunity Card or having a Zeugnisbewertung (certificate of appreciation) does not automatically grant the right to practice a regulated profession.

Is full professional equivalency required for unregulated professions?

The situation is different in academic and unregulated professions.

According to the official statement of the Federal Government, for example;

computer expertise

maths,

biology,

physical

In many academic professions, such as those mentioned, a traditional professional recognition procedure is not required to work in Germany.

However, the type of residence permit to be used under immigration law may require specific proof of academic qualifications.

The same is true in Chancenkarte.

Therefore:

"My profession is not regulated, and no documents related to my diploma are required."

No conclusion should be drawn.

When is a ZAB Certificate Required?

The ZAB Statement of Comparability may be relevant, particularly in the following situations:

If the university is not located in Anabin

If the academic degree is not available at Anabin

University H+ but no concrete degree assessment has been made

If the result of the Anabin test is not sufficiently clear to the applicant authority

If the institution has H+/- status and requires individual diploma assessment

If the applicant requires both official and individual diploma assessment.

The Federal Government specifically states that a ZAB Statement of Comparability can be obtained even if the university has an H+ grading system but the actual diploma is not listed in Anabin.

How to Apply for ZAB?

ZAB Statement of Comparability applications are submitted digitally.

According to ZAB's current application page, the process is generally as follows:

Pre-checking is required

Preparation of necessary documents,

online application submission,

payment of the fee

and then evaluation

It consists of stages.

ZAB's Pre-Check system helps applicants see in advance which documents are required for their diploma.

What documents are required for ZAB?

The required documents may vary depending on the country and academic degree.

ZAB recommends completing a Pre-Check before applying and using the country/diploma-based document list generated there.

Generally;

diploma,

transcript,

ID/passport

document showing name change if necessary,

additional records relating to educational history

It may come up on the agenda.

Furthermore, ZAB explicitly states that translation may be necessary; however, a translation cannot replace the original document.

How long does it take for the ZAB (Zero-Bound Assessment) to be released?

According to ZAB's updated application schedule as of 2026, the processing time for a standard Statement of Comparability application after all required documents and fees have been completed is:

three months

It is stated as follows.

However, the process may be affected if additional documents are requested or if a special examination of the file is required.

It is not possible to expedite a ZAB application made solely for the purpose of applying for a Chance Card.

ZAB’s official FAQ page explicitly states that the Statement of Comparability process for Chancenkarte was not expedited.

Therefore, it is important for those planning a Chancenkarte not to leave the ZAB process until the last minute.

Under what circumstances might a document not be issued in a ZAB application?

According to ZAB's official statement, a Statement of Comparability is not necessarily issued for every foreign degree.

For example;

not being recognized by the university or program on the graduation date,

The diploma does not constitute a higher education qualification that has an equivalent in the German education system,

the program is incomplete,

legitimate doubt about the authenticity of the documents

inconsistencies in educational background

In such cases, a Statement of Comparability may not be prepared.

Therefore, a ZAB application is not an administrative process that automatically results in approval simply upon payment of the document fee.

Which is more advantageous, Anabin or ZAB?

The answer to this question depends on the file.

Anabin might be more practical:

If the university has an H+ rating,

if the academic degree has been clearly evaluated positively,

If the applicant authority deems the Anabin output sufficient.

In this case, applying for ZAB (Zone of the Turkish Bar Association's legal status) could also create unnecessary time and cost.

ZAB might be more suitable:

If the university or diploma is not found in Anabin,

If the assessment is uncertain,

If there is an H+/- status,

if individual official documents are required.

Therefore, in the first stage, generally:

First Anabin → ZAB if necessary

It makes sense to act in this way.

If my university diploma is not recognized in Germany, can I still not obtain a Chancenkarte (German university diploma card)?

In any case, no.

The answer to this question reveals one of the most important features of the Chancenkarte system.

The Federal Government, in its points-based system option , considers recognition of a foreign academic degree by the state in its country of origin , rather than its full comparability in Germany, as the fundamental qualification requirement

Therefore, even if a person cannot use the Fachkraft option:

suitable diploma,

A1 German or B2 English,

at least 6 points,

financial adequacy

If the conditions are met, a Chancenkarte evaluation can be made based on a point system.

Why are Anabin or ZAB required for the Points System?

Because the German authorities;

"Is the diploma this person presented truly a state-recognized academic qualification?"

An official answer is needed to that question.

According to the Federal Government's latest statement, proof that a foreign university degree is recognized by the state in its home country is as follows:

Positive Anabin result

or

ZAB Statement of Comparability

available.

This document is one of the pieces of evidence demonstrating the fundamental eligibility requirement for the Opportunity Card points system.

What should the result of using Anabin be on the Fachkraft path?

The Fachkraft path requires a higher standard of academic comparability.

According to the official statement of the Federal Government, in Anabin;

university's H+

And

academic degree “entspricht” or “gleichwertig”

The fact that it has been evaluated in this way may demonstrate the comparability of the foreign degree with the German academic degree.

In this case, Anabin printouts can be used in the visa application.

Is Anabin's control also required for Master's programs?

Yes, depending on the suitability for use.

The applicant submitted the Chancenkarte file;

licence,

degree

or other academic degree

can establish it through.

The academic qualifications that will be used as the basis for the application must also be checked against Anabin or ZAB status.

A positive evaluation of a bachelor's degree does not automatically mean that all subsequent academic degrees will have the same result.

Can the ZAB Certificate be used indefinitely as an Opportunity Card?

A Statement of Comparability is a formal academic assessment of a specific foreign university degree.

However, with regard to a Chancenkarte application, it is not always important that only the existence of this document exists, but also that the conditions of the applicable immigration law are met at the time of application.

For example;

financing,

language certificate,

scoring criteria

Such conditions may change over time.

Therefore, the mere existence of an old ZAB document does not automatically mean that all other Chancenkarte requirements have been met indefinitely.

Is a Zeugnisbewertung (certificate of appreciation) required for vocational training?

No.

At this point, an academic diploma and a professional qualification should be distinguished from each other.

In ZAB's official system:

University diploma → Statement of Comparability / Zeugnisbewertung

Non-academic professional qualification → DAB / Statement on a Foreign Vocational Qualification

It is used.

ZAB explicitly states that DAB is not regulated for university degrees.

Therefore, applying for a Zeugnisbewertung for vocational high school or non-academic foreign vocational training may not be the correct method.

What is the difference between DAB and Zeugnisbewertung?

These two documents are often confused.

Zeugnisbewertung

It's for a university degree.

A foreign academic degree describes the academic level of a German education system.

DAB

This is for non-academic foreign professional qualifications.

Education;

that it was successfully completed,

it is recognized by the state in the country where it was received

and equivalent to at least two years of full-time vocational training

evaluates.

Therefore, the applicant must first correctly classify whether their qualification is academic or professional

Are Partial Professional Equivalency and ZAB (Zero-Based Acquisition) the same thing?

No.

Partial professional equivalence is a separate process in the professional recognition process that demonstrates that while there are significant differences between foreign qualifications and the German reference profession, there is also a certain level of comparability.

According to AufenthG §20b, a partial equivalence/compensation measure decision meeting the requirements is used in the Chancenkarte points system:

4 points

It can be profitable.

The ZAB Zeugnisbewertung assesses the academic level of a university degree, and simply possessing a ZAB certificate does not automatically award "4 points".

How many points are awarded for a ZAB Certificate?

The ZAB certificate itself does not have a fixed Chancenkarte score.

This is an important point.

The ZAB document can be used to prove the applicant's academic qualifications and application process.

However;

"I got ZAB = 4 points"

There is no such rule.

The 4 points relate to specific cases of partial equivalence where the necessary adaptation/compensatory measures have been identified, particularly in the professional recognition process, under §20b.

How many points does Anabin H+ award?

No additional points are awarded for H+.

H+ is a qualification element that indicates the university's recognition status.

Opportunity Card points;

age,

professional experience,

language,

partial equivalence

missing profession,

Germany's past,

equal criteria

It derives from elements set out in §20b, such as those mentioned above.

Therefore:

H+ = 2 points

or

ZAB = 4 points

Internet calculations like these are incorrect.

Example 1 – H+ and Diploma can be compared in Anabin

Applicant:

Computer engineering graduate in Türkiye,

H+ at Anabin University,

The academic degree has an “entspricht/gleichwertig” (similar/equally worthy) rating.

If this person also meets the other requirements, they can enter the Chancenkarte assessment via the Fachkraft option by demonstrating foreign academic qualifications comparable to a German degree .

In this case, he may not need to accumulate 6 points.

Example 2 – University Grade H+ but Diploma Not Available on Anabin

Applicant:

H+ university,

However, his specific academic degree is not listed in Anabin.

In this case, the H+ record alone may not be sufficient to prove Fachkraft comparability.

According to the Federal Government, the ZAB Statement of Comparability might be an appropriate course of action in such a situation.

Example 3 – Cannot be a Vocational School Graduate, but the Diploma is Recognized in Türkiye

The applicant's diploma does not provide full comparability for the Fachkraft path in Germany.

However, the diploma must have been obtained from a university recognized by the state in Türkiye, and this can be demonstrated through Anabin or ZAB.

The applicant;

30 years old → 2 points

B1 German → 2 points

2 years of relevant experience in the last 5 years → 2 points.

Total:

6 points.

In this case, if the other conditions are also met, Chancenkarte might be possible through the points system .

Example 4 – Regulated Profession

The applicant is a graduate of a medical school in Türkiye.

ZAB may have evaluated his academic degree.

However, the person wants to work as a doctor in Germany.

In this case, the ZAB academic assessment alone does not replace the medical license.

The professional recognition and licensing process must also be completed.

The Relationship Between Diploma Equivalency and Opportunity Card Points

From a Chancenkarte perspective, a diploma can have three different functions:

1. Obtain Fachkraft status

If the diploma is comparable to a German academic degree, the individual can be exempt from the points system.

2. To be eligible to enter the points system

Even if the diploma is not fully comparable in Germany, a points system can be used if it is recognized by the state in the country where it was obtained.

3. Providing professional recognition points

In some professional recognition processes, a decision regarding partial equivalence/compensatory measures may award 4 points.

These three situations should not be confused with each other.

How to Prepare the Anabin Printout When Applying for a Discount Card from Türkiye?

If the applicant will use academic qualifications through Anabin;

university registration

And

academic degree evaluation

It is important to check them individually.

The outputs;

university name,

status,

degree type

and evaluation result

It needs to clearly display information such as this.

The Federal Government states that positive results can be used as proof of diploma comparability in visa applications.

What happens if the university's old name is still in Anabin?

Universities have evolved over time;

can change name

can unite,

It can acquire a different status.

In these cases, it is important to clearly show the link between the institution where the diploma was issued and the Anabin registration.

If necessary;

official document showing the name change,

university statement,

ZAB individual assessment

It may come up on the agenda.

There should be no unexplained discrepancies between the university name in the application and the Anabin registration details.

Is it possible to apply for a Discount Card without an Anabin or ZAB Certificate?

According to the specific application procedure, qualifications must be formally proven.

The ZAB’s official Chancenkarte FAQ page clearly states the two primary avenues of proof for a university degree:

Anabin

or

Statement of Comparability.

Therefore, it is risky to assume that simply submitting a photocopy of a diploma obtained in Türkiye will automatically lead the German authorities to recognize its comparability or state recognition status.

Should the diploma equivalency process be completed before applying?

To ensure the correct application process is determined, clarifying the diploma status before applying for a visa is crucial.

Especially if a ZAB (Zero-Border Act) procedure is required, this process should not be left until the last minute, as the standard processing time can extend up to three months after the full application is submitted.

Otherwise, the person;

made an appointment

He has prepared his financial documents

completed language certificate

However, the process may not proceed because proof of diploma is missing.

Correct Ordering for Diploma Equivalency on the Opportunity Card

Before applying, you can follow these steps:

1. Determine the type of qualification

University degree or non-academic professional qualification?

2. If it's a university diploma, check it with Anabin

Check the university's status.

3. Also check the academic degree

Don't settle for just an H+ rating.

4. If the Anabin results are satisfactory, prepare the outputs

5. If the result is insufficient or unclear, obtain a ZAB Zeugnisbewertung (a type of medical report)

6. Determine if you have entered the Fachkraft path

If comparable diplomas are available, a points system may not be necessary.

7. If there is no Fachkraft path, check the points system

State recognition of the diploma in the country where it was obtained, language requirements, and a score of 6 points are important.

8. Check if your profession is regulated

Professional recognition may also come into play for professions such as doctor, nurse, teacher, or lawyer.

9. Prepare the financing

Even if the diploma requirement is met, financial security is also necessary.

Common Mistakes Made During Diploma Equivalency Procedures

1. Thinking the whole process is complete when you see H+

In addition to the university's status, academic credentials should also be considered.

2. If there is no diploma in Anabin, it means the diploma is considered invalid

Anabin does not include all diplomas. ZAB individual assessment is available.

3. Believing that ZAB is Mandatory for Everyone

If the Anabin test result is positive and satisfactory, ZAB may not be necessary.

4. Mistaking ZAB Zeugnisbewertung for a Professional License

Regulated occupations also require professional recognition.

5. Automatically Adding 4 Points to the ZAB Certificate

There is no fixed 4-point score for the ZAB certificate itself.

6. Thinking that a Chancenkarte is impossible if the diploma is not fully equivalent in Germany

In the context of a points-based system, state recognition of the diploma in the country where it was obtained can be fundamental in terms of qualifications.

7. Confusing Zeugnisbewertung with DAB

Zeugnisbewertung is used for a university degree; DAB is used for a non-academic professional qualification.

8. Leaving the ZAB Process to the Last Minute

The standard processing time is stated as three months after the complete file and fee are received.

Opportunity Card Diploma Equivalency Checklist

The following questions must be answered before applying:

Is my diploma an academic diploma or a professional qualification?

Is my university located in Anabin?

Is its status H+, H-, or H+/-?

Has my academic degree also been evaluated on Anabin?

Does my grade appear to be “entspricht” or “gleichwertig”?

Do Anabin's outputs support the Fachkraft path?

Do I need to obtain the ZAB Statement of Comparability?

If I'm applying using the points system, can I prove that my diploma is recognized by the Turkish state?

Is my profession subject to regulation?

Do I also need a professional license or an Anerkennung (certification)?

Did I start the ZAB assessment well enough ahead of my visa schedule?

Why is legal support important for diploma equivalency with the Opportunity Card?

The most fundamental mistake made in Chancenkarte applications regarding diplomas is that all foreign qualifications are evaluated as a single process under the name of "equivalence".

Whereas;

Anabin's university status,

comparability of academic degrees,

ZAB Zeugnisbewertung,

Professional Anerkennung,

DAB,

professional license

They are different legal concepts.

If the applicant is a university graduate, it must first be determined which Chancenkarte path their diploma status opens up.

For example, a person might already meet the Fachkraft requirements without even realizing it.

In this situation;

To accumulate 6 points,

age score calculation,

I got the A1 German certificate just for the Chancenkarte

They may not need it.

Conversely, a person might assume they are a Fachkraft simply because their university has an H+ rating; however, the necessary academic comparability may not exist.

Therefore, the correct question is:

"Is my diploma recognized as equivalent?"

It should not be left in such a general way.

The main questions are:

"Is my diploma comparable to those in Germany?"

"Is my diploma recognized by the state in Türkiye?"

"Which Chancenkarte path does this situation open up?"

"Is Anabin sufficient, or do we need ZAB?"

"Does my profession also require professional recognition?"

The answers to these questions directly determine the legal strategy of the application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is diploma equivalency required for the German Opportunity Card?

Full German equivalency is not required in every case. For Fachkraft degrees, the academic degree must be comparable to a German degree. For points-based degrees, state recognition of the foreign diploma in the country where it was obtained is one of the fundamental qualification requirements.

What is Anabin?

This is the official database for evaluating foreign university and educational qualifications from a German perspective.

What does H+ mean?

This shows that the university is recognized in its own country and is considered a higher education institution in Germany.

Is H+ sufficient on its own?

Fachkraft is not always comparable in terms of qualifications. Academic degrees should also be checked.

What does H+/- mean?

This is an institutional status that requires further review depending on the university or program, and a single definitive evaluation cannot be made.

Can I not get a Discount Card if my diploma is not in Anabin?

No. A ZAB Statement of Comparability application can be filed.

What is ZAB?

Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen, which means the Central Office for Foreign Education in Germany.

What is Zeugnisbewertung?

ZAB is an assessment that explains the academic level of a foreign university degree within the German education system.

Is ZAB mandatory if you have Anabin?

ZAB is not mandatory in all cases if sufficient positive Anabin results are available.

My university has an H+ rating, but my diploma isn't listed. What should I do?

The ZAB Statement of Comparability may be considered. The Federal Government cites this situation as an example for the ZAB assessment.

How many points is awarded for a ZAB certificate?

The ZAB certificate itself does not have a fixed Chancenkarte score.

How many points does H+ give?

There is also no fixed Chancenkarte score for H+.

How many points are awarded for partial equivalency?

Partial professional equivalency/compensatory measure status meeting the conditions of §20b 4 points .

Does ZAB provide a medical license?

No. Professional recognition and licensing are also required for regulated occupations.

Does ZAB provide a lawyer's license?

No. Academic diploma evaluation does not replace professional qualifications.

Do software developers need professional equivalency certification?

For unregulated academic professions such as software development, classical professional recognition may not be required; however, for Chancenkarte, academic qualifications must be proven through the necessary method.

How long does the ZAB process take?

ZAB's current statement indicates that the standard processing time is three months after all necessary documents and fees are submitted .

Can the ZAB process be accelerated for Chancenkarte?

ZAB states that it did not expedite the Statement of Comparability process solely for the purpose of filing a Chancenkarte application.

Is a Zeugnisbewertung (a type of evaluation/test) required for a vocational high school diploma?

For non-academic foreign professional qualifications, the DAB (Domain Name) is generally used; Zeugnisbewertung (University Name) relates to university degrees.

What is DAB?

ZAB is a document that verifies certain characteristics of a foreign non-academic professional qualification, such as state recognition and at least two years of training.

Conclusion

Not everyone applying for a German Opportunity Card needs to have "full diploma equivalency in Germany".

As of 2026, the diploma requirement in the Chancenkarte system will vary depending on the legal avenue the applicant uses.

In the Fachkraft option

It must be proven that the foreign academic degree is comparable to a German university degree.

This evidence;

Positive Anabin result

or

ZAB Statement of Comparability – Zeugnisbewertung

It can be provided through.

Especially on the Anabin road:

the university being H+

And

Evaluation of the academic degree as “entspricht” or “gleichwertig”

It is important.

If these conditions are met, a person without accumulating 6 points .

In the points system option

The diploma does not necessarily have to be fully comparable to a German university diploma.

a foreign academic qualification is that it be recognized by the state in the country where it was obtained . This can be proven through Anabin or ZAB.

This application process also includes:

A1 German or B2 English

And

at least 6 Chancenkarte points

is required.

If the Anabin result is insufficient or the diploma is not found in the database, an individual Statement of Comparability can be obtained via ZAB.

According to ZAB's updated statement for 2026, the standard Zeugnisbewertung processing time is approximately three months after all necessary documents and fees are completed . The Chancenkarte (tax card) is not sufficient to specifically expedite this process.

However, the ZAB academic assessment and professional licensing should not be confused with each other.

In regulated professions such as medicine, nursing, teaching, or law, having an academically recognized foreign degree does not automatically grant the individual the right to practice that profession in Germany. Professional recognition or licensing may also be required.

Therefore, the most accurate order for diploma evaluation on the Opportunity Card is:

Qualification type → Anabin → academic degree verification → ZAB (if required) → Fachkraft or points system distinction → professional recognition if required → visa application

It is in this form.

It would be wrong for an applicant to automatically be accepted as a Fachkraft simply because their university has an H+ rating, or to completely abandon the Chancenkarte because their diploma does not have full German equivalency.

The key issue is correctly determining at what legal level the diploma is recognized and which Opportunity Card pathway this recognition opens up.