Work as a Nurse in Germany: Qualification Recognition Guide for Non-EU Graduates
More details :
If you studied nursing outside the European Union, you must have your qualification recognized (Anerkennung) before you can work as a registered nurse (Pflegefachperson) in Germany.
Recognition ensures your education matches German nursing standards. If differences exist, you will be required to complete additional training or pass a knowledge exam.
For example, Maria, a nurse from the Philippines, applies for recognition in Germany. The authority reviews her documents and finds her clinical hours shorter than required. She receives a Defizitbescheid explaining what she must do — in her case, complete a short adaptation program before she can receive full recognition.
After your qualification is recognized, you can work in hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes across Germany.
Eligibility :
Hold a nursing qualification from a non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss country.
Provide detailed proof of your education (subjects, hours, practical training).
Have German language skills at level B2 or higher.
Are physically and mentally fit for nursing work.
Have a clean criminal record.
Are prepared to complete training or exams if your qualification is not fully equivalent.
Required documents :
Passport
CV in German
Nursing diploma and transcripts with training hours and subjects
Professional license and “good standing” letter
Employment references
Police clearance certificate
Medical fitness certificate
Birth and marriage certificates if applicable
Proof of German language level
Proof of funds and health insurance for visa purposes
Certified German translations of all documents
Clear PDF scans of every document
How to apply :
Route A: Recognition Visa (§16d) - Use this if your training is partly equivalent and you will close gaps in Germany.
Apply for recognition with a German state authority
Receive a result that lists any gaps
Enrol in an adaptation course or register for the knowledge test
Apply for the §16d visa with the authority decision and course or exam registration
Arrive in Germany and complete the adaptation or test
Pass the required nursing language exam if your state asks for it
Receive your professional license and switch to a skilled‑worker residence permit
Route B: Recognition Partnership (with Employer) - Use this if an employer agrees to support your recognition after arrival.
Apply to hospitals or elder‑care groups that offer recognition partnerships
Sign a job offer and a written partnership agreement
Apply for the visa with the contract and partnership documents
Arrive in Germany, start permitted tasks, and finish recognition
After full recognition, receive your license and convert to a skilled‑worker permit
Route C: Opportunity Card (Job Search) - Use this to enter Germany to look for work and start recognition. You cannot work as a nurse until licensed.
Check points and language rules
Apply for the Opportunity Card with proof of qualifications, language, funds, and insurance
Enter Germany and look for employers that support recognition
Start your recognition with the state authority where you plan to work
Move to Route A or B to complete recognition and then switch to a work permit
Route D — Skilled Worker Visa (§18a) - Use this only after full German recognition.
Finish recognition and any required nursing language exam
Get a job offer
Apply for the skilled worker visa with your license and contract
Arrive and start work as a licensed nurse
Resources
The Scholarship Benefits:
Strong demand for nurses across Germany
Competitive salaries with overtime and shift allowances
26–30 days of paid vacation per year in many contracts
Full social insurance: health, pension, unemployment, and long‑term care
Paid adaptation programs or exam support with many employers
Career growth: ICU, OR, geriatrics, pediatrics, wound care, management, education
Family reunification options after meeting legal requirements
Path toward permanent residence after several years of legal work and integration; option for German nationality after 5 years under the new rules.