Healthcare: Nursing

Entry Requirements for International Nursing Professionals

Nursing is a regulated profession in Germany. To practice nursing permanently, international professionals must obtain state approval. This requires meeting the following formal criteria:

Recognized Qualification:

• Equivalence Test: Your foreign nursing qualification must be equivalent to German standards. You can undergo an equivalence test to assess this.

• Compensation Measure: If your qualification differs significantly, you can complete a compensation measure (e.g., knowledge test, adaptation course) to demonstrate equivalent knowledge.

• Waiver: You may voluntarily waive the equivalence test and directly pursue a compensation measure. However, this may require more extensive training.

• Consultation: The Central Service Center for Professional Recognition (ZSBA) offers free advice on waiving the equivalence test.

• Application: Submit your application to our office and let us know where you intend to work. The granted recognition is valid nationwide.

Sufficient Knowledge of German:

• B2 Level: You must demonstrate proficiency in German at least at the B2 level (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Medical Suitability:

• Certificate: Provide a medical certificate proving your physical and mental fitness for nursing.

Personal Suitability/Reliability:

• Clean Criminal Record: Submit a certificate of good conduct or a police certificate to verify your trustworthiness.

Note: Nationality is not a determining factor for recognition; the focus is on the qualification's origin.

Visa for Nursing Assistants from non EU Countries

Recent regulations have expanded access to the German labor market for nursing staff, including nursing assistants from third countries. Individuals with less than three years of regulated specialist nursing training can now find employment in the healthcare sector.

Prerequisites: BLUE CARD

• German Vocational Training: Applicants must demonstrate either a corresponding German vocational training in nursing or a foreign nursing qualification recognized in Germany.

Job Search Residence Permit: CHANCE CARD

• Eligibility: Nursing assistants and nursing assistants from third countries who have completed their training in Germany can apply for a residence permit specifically for job searching.

• Duration: The initial permit is valid for up to twelve months, extendable by up to six months if the applicant continues to secure their livelihood.

Family Reunification for Skilled Workers:

The requirement for proof of sufficient living space has been waived for spouses or underage children joining certain skilled workers in Germany. Additionally, skilled workers who obtain their residence permit on or after March 1, 2024, can now bring their parents and, if the spouse is also a permanent resident, their parents-in-law to Germany.