GERMANY · NURSING AND HEALTHCARE
Germany’s Most
Wanted Profession: Care.
Germany faces a lasting shortage of nurses and healthcare professionals. We manage the whole process, from professional recognition and language preparation to employer matching and the visa.
WHO CAN APPLY
Which Group
Are You In?
Healthcare professions are regulated in Germany; each group goes through its own recognition procedure.
Nurse
For graduates of nursing degrees or nursing schools.
- Professional recognition by the state
- Adaptation course or exam if partial
- German at B1 or B2
- Full licence as a registered nurse
Care Assistant
For those who want to work in elderly and patient care.
- Care assistant or Ausbildung route
- Suits health vocational school graduates
- Paid vocational training possible
- Path to permanent residence
Other Health Professions
For midwives, physiotherapists and medical technicians.
- Separate recognition per profession
- Theory and practice hours decide
- Professional German expected
- Individual roadmap
CORE DOCUMENTS
What the Recognition
File Needs
The state authority where you apply sets the required documents in its own list. We build your file around it.
The key document for comparison with German training is a detailed transcript showing theory and practice hours.
- Passport
- Diploma and detailed transcript (with theory and practice hours)
- Proof of internships and clinical placements
- Employment references and service records
- German language certificate
- Police clearance and medical certificate
- Apostille and certified translation of all documents
GOOD TO KNOW
Six Rules
Before You Apply
Regulated profession
Working as a nurse requires a state licence, not just recognition of your degree.
Partial recognition is normal
Gaps are closed with an adaptation course or a knowledge test.
Language varies by state
B2 is usually required; some states accept B1, others add a professional language exam.
Hours decide
A detailed breakdown of hours can make the difference between partial and full recognition.
Recognition partnership
Since March 2024 you can move with A2 German and an employer and complete recognition while working.
Choice of state matters
You apply in the state where you will work; employer and state affect the timeline.
PROCESS
From Diploma
to Clinic in Five Steps
We plan each step with a timeline and work in parallel with the employer.
Pre-Assessment
We review your diploma and experience and draw up a realistic roadmap.
Documents
We prepare the hours breakdown, apostilles and translations in full.
Recognition Application
We apply to the state authority and follow the correspondence.
Language and Employer
We plan language preparation and match you with suitable employers.
Visa and Licence
We support the visa, arrival and the path to a full licence.
COMMON MISTAKES
Three Mistakes
That Delay Files
Incomplete transcript
Without hours, you risk an unnecessarily long adaptation course.
Starting German too late
If your language is not ready when the decision arrives, the file waits for months.
Planning without an employer
An employer is a big advantage for partnerships and adaptation courses.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. If your family is moving with you, see our family reunification page.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I get partial recognition?
You close the gaps in Germany through a course or exam and usually already work in care during that time.
I do not have B2. Can I apply?
Yes. We start recognition and language preparation in parallel; with a recognition partnership you can start with A2.
Which state should I apply in?
The state where you will work. We decide together alongside employer matching.
Can my family join me?
Yes. As a skilled worker your spouse can join without a language certificate and may work in Germany.
Sources: Nursing Professions Act (PflBG), Residence Act (AufenthG) §§16d, 18a; Make it in Germany; state recognition authorities. Information as of November 2026.
HEALTHCARE
Rebuild Your Profession
in Germany.
In a free consultation we review your diploma and set a realistic timeline.
Get a Free Consultation