Can the Spouse Work in Germany? Degree Recognition for Indian Spouses
By Venkata Nagireddi, Founder & CEO, NRI Hearts (Atlanta, GA)
A qualified professional who moves for marriage and then cannot use their degree is one of the most painful surprises in a cross-border match. In Germany the right to work is not the problem. Recognition of the qualification can be, so it is worth checking before the wedding.
Can a spouse on a family reunion visa work in Germany?
Yes. A spouse who joins on a family reunion permit may take any job, employed or self-employed, without a separate work permit.
The rule is in §4a of the Residence Act, and Make it in Germany states that spouses may take up employment without restriction. The visa itself is covered in our Germany spouse visa guide.
How do you check whether an Indian degree is recognised?
Search the anabin database for the university and the degree. If the university is rated H+ and the degree is listed as equivalent, it is generally recognised; if not, or if an employer or authority asks for formal proof, apply to ZAB for a Statement of Comparability.
ZAB runs anabin and issues the Statement of Comparability. Search for the university that awarded the degree, not the affiliated college.
What does a ZAB Statement of Comparability cost?
It costs €208, and €104 for a replacement. ZAB processes applications in about three months, about two months on the fast track, and about two weeks for EU Blue Card applicants.
The fees and times are on ZAB's fee page and FAQ. The statement compares a degree with a German one; it is not a licence to practise a profession.
Which careers need professional recognition?
Regulated professions, mainly in health, safety and social services such as doctors and teachers, need formal recognition from the responsible German authority before you can work in them. Nursing is also regulated.
Anerkennung in Deutschland, the federal recognition portal, explains the process and has a Recognition Finder for each profession. The table summarises the three situations.
| Spouse's career | What is needed to work in it |
|---|---|
| Most office, IT and business jobs | Nothing beyond the family visa; employers may ask for anabin or ZAB proof |
| Regulated professions (doctor, nurse, teacher and others) | Professional recognition from the responsible authority |
| Own EU Blue Card later | A recognised degree and a job meeting the salary threshold |
Can the spouse get their own Blue Card?
Yes, if they have a recognised degree and a job offer that meets the Blue Card salary threshold. Having their own permit makes the spouse's stay independent of the partner's.
From 1 January 2026 the threshold is €50,700, or €45,934.20 for shortage occupations and recent graduates (German Missions in India). See Marrying a Blue Card Holder for what that permit means for a family.
What should families discuss before the wedding?
Talk about the spouse's career plan in Germany: whether the degree is H+ on anabin, whether the profession is regulated, and how much German the job will need. These answers can shape the wedding timeline as much as the visa does.
Other situations are covered from NRI Marriage and Germany.
Next step
Browse matches settled in Germany through NRI matrimony in Europe, check compatibility with our free kundali matching, or create a marriage biodata that lists your qualifications and career plans.
Search Matches · free to register and search
Last updated: October 2026
NRI Hearts is designed exclusively for serious matrimonial purposes. This is not a dating service. All connections are intended for marriage proposals only.