Doctors
Medical licence (Approbation), medical language exam and positions as resident or specialist.
Working in Germany
Work as a nurse in Germany
German hospitals are looking for nurses from abroad. We support you from the recognition of your qualification through language and visa to your first day at work.
Intensive care, paediatrics, neonatology or a general ward: with a recognised nursing qualification, your prospects in Germany are very good. We connect you with hospitals that match your experience.
What you need
Recognition is handled by the authority of the federal state where you will work; details can differ between states. The responsible authority makes the binding decision.
- A completed nursing training or nursing degree
- German at B2 level for recognition – to start through a recognition partnership, A2 is enough at first
- Medical fitness and a certificate of good conduct
- Willingness to make up for missing content through an adaptation course or a knowledge test
Your path to Germany
- 01
Getting to know you
We talk about your training, experience and goals and review your documents.
- 02
Recognition and language
We prepare the recognition application with you and arrange German courses up to B2.
- 03
Hospital and visa
We find a suitable hospital and support you with the employment contract and visa application.
- 04
Arrival
Adaptation course or knowledge test, housing, authorities, onboarding – we stay by your side.
Recognition of your nursing qualification
Nursing is a protected profession in Germany: you work as a registered nurse (Pflegefachfrau or Pflegefachmann) once your qualification is recognised by the state. The recognition office of the federal state where you will work checks whether your training is equivalent to the German one.
If the authority finds substantial differences, you make up for them through an adaptation course or a knowledge test. In the meantime you can already work in nursing, for example as a nursing assistant.
Visa and residence
With a recognised qualification and an employment contract, nurses from outside the EU receive a residence permit as skilled workers. If recognition is not yet complete, you can come to Germany for the required adaptation measures.
Since March 2024 there is also the recognition partnership: you already work for your employer while the recognition runs in parallel. To start, German at A2 level is then enough. EU citizens do not need a visa.
Work and pay
Nurses work in hospitals on general and intensive care wards, in specialties such as paediatrics or neonatology, and in long-term care. Pay usually follows a collective agreement, for example TVöD-P.
Your salary depends on qualification, experience, employer and region. We give you concrete figures for each position in a personal conversation.
Personal support from application to a successful start
Are you working in the medical field and would like to shape your professional future in Germany? SBP Management guides international professionals individually and transparently through the necessary steps.
- German language courses and linguistic preparation
- Visa and entry
- Recognition of foreign professional qualifications
- Recognition of additional qualifications and further training
- Family reunification
- Finding accommodation and initial administrative steps
- Salary classification and consideration of professional experience, where applicable
- Preparation, onboarding, and integration in German hospitals
Frequently asked questions
What level of German do I need as a nurse?
Recognition as a nurse usually requires German at B2 level. If you come to Germany through a recognition partnership, you start with A2 and keep learning. We arrange suitable courses, including German for nursing.
How long does recognition take?
That depends on the federal state, your documents and whether an adaptation course or knowledge test is needed. Expect several months. Once we have reviewed your documents, we tell you what to expect.
Do I have to pay for SBP Management's support?
No. Our support is free of charge for applicants; the employer covers the costs.
Can my family come with me?
Skilled workers can usually bring their spouse or partner and their minor children. We explain the requirements and plan the family reunification with you.
Other professions
Midwives
Recognition as a midwife and the way into the delivery room of a German hospital.
OR, anaesthesia, radiology, lab
Operating room and anaesthesia technicians, radiographers and lab technologists (OTA, ATA, MTR, MTL).
Sterile processing and instruments
Reprocessing of medical devices (CSSD/AEMP), instrument care and lead positions.