Service Details

Foreign nurses can work in Germany, but they must go through a formal process to have their qualifications recognized and meet certain requirements. Here’s a detailed guide for foreign nurses seeking to work in Germany:

1. Recognition of Qualifications (Anerkennung):

• Application Process: Foreign nurses must apply to have their professional nursing qualifications recognized in Germany. This process is called “Anerkennung” and is carried out by the competent recognition authority in the federal state where the nurse wishes to work.
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• Document Submission: Nurses need to provide the following:
  • Diploma and nursing education certificates
  • Curriculum from the nursing school
  • Proof of professional experience
  • Proof of identity (passport)
  • Language proficiency certificates
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• Equivalence Check: The authorities will assess if the foreign qualification is equivalent to the German standard. If there are substantial differences, the applicant may need to complete additional qualifications or undergo a period of adaptation (referred to as a “Kenntnisprüfung” or adaptation training).
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2. Language Requirements:
3. German Language Proficiency: Nurses must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the German language, typically at a B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Some institutions may also require knowledge of medical and healthcare-specific German (sometimes referred to as C1 level for healthcare professionals).
4. Language Exams: Proof of German language skills can be provided through recognized exams such as Goethe-Zertifikat, TELC Deutsch B2, or ÖSD.
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3. Work Permit and Visa:
4. If you are a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country, you will require a work visa or a Blue Card (a special work permit for highly skilled workers in the EU) to work in Germany.
5. You can apply for a visa for the purpose of employment as a qualified nurse after receiving a job offer from a German employer and after your nursing qualifications are recognized.
6. EU/EEA Citizens: Nurses from EU/EEA countries can work in Germany without a work visa, but they still need to go through the recognition process for their qualifications.
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4. Adaptation Training:
5. If your qualifications are not fully recognized as equivalent, you may need to undergo adaptation training or take a competency test (Kenntnisprüfung). This training ensures that foreign nurses meet the German standards for nursing.
6. Adaptation training typically lasts a few months and involves both theoretical and practical components.

5. Job Opportunities:

• High Demand: There is a significant shortage of nurses in Germany, especially in hospitals, elderly care homes, and outpatient care. This has led to an increased demand for foreign nurses.
• Salary and Benefits: The average salary for nurses in Germany ranges from €2,500 to €3,300 per month depending on experience, location, and specialization. Nurses are entitled to benefits such as health insurance, pension contributions, and paid holidays.

6. Support for Integration:

• Welcome Programs: Many hospitals and healthcare institutions offer support programs for foreign nurses, including language courses, housing assistance, and mentorship programs to help them integrate into the German healthcare system.
• Recognition Support: Several organizations and services offer guidance on the recognition process, such as IQ Network (Integration through Qualification), which helps foreign professionals navigate the recognition process.