Germany is a great country to become a nurse, with high salaries, excellent working conditions, and a strong demand for qualified nurses. If you are a foreign nurse with a nursing degree and relevant work experience, you can become a nurse in Germany by having your degree recognised by the German authorities.
Germany needs more medical professionals, especially nurses. As of today, the German government’s official website shows around 40000 openings for Krankenpflege, Rettungsdienst und Geburtshilfe (Nursing, and ambulance care) across the country. If you are someone interested in working as a nurse in Germany, it is probably the right time as the government has recently reduced the barriers for skilled workers to migrate to Germany and get a Bluecard and the permanent residence in Germany.
The recognition procedure to become a general nurse in Germany
The first and most important step to become a nurse in Germany is to have your foreign nursing qualification recognised by the German authorities. This means that your qualification must be equivalent to the German nursing standards and meet the requirements of the German Nursing Act. The recognition procedure varies depending on your country of origin and the type of nursing qualification you have. There are two main categories of foreign nurses:
Nurses from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland can benefit from the automatic recognition of their qualifications, as long as they comply with the EU Directive on the recognition of professional qualifications. This means that they do not need to undergo a formal assessment of their qualifications, but only need to provide some documents and evidence of their professional experience. They can apply for recognition directly to the competent authority in the federal state where they want to work.
Nurses from other countries may need to apply for an individual recognition of their qualifications, which involves a thorough evaluation of their education and training by the German competent authority. The authority will compare their qualifications with the German ones and determine if there are any substantial differences. If there are no differences, the recognition will be granted. If there are differences, the authority may ask the applicant to complete an adaptation period or take an aptitude test to prove their competence. The adaptation period is a supervised practical training that can last up to three years, depending on the needs of the applicant. The aptitude test is a theoretical and practical examination that covers the essential aspects of the German nursing profession.
The competent authority for the recognition of foreign nursing qualifications is usually the health ministry or the nursing association of the federal state where the applicant wants to work. You can find a list of the competent authorities and their contact details on the official website of the Recognition in Germany portal.
The required German language knowledge level to become a nurse in Germany
Another essential requirement to become a nurse in Germany is to have a good command of the German language. This is necessary to communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals, as well as to understand the medical terminology and documentation.
You can prove your German language skills by taking a recognised language test, such as the TestDaF, the telc Deutsch B2, or the Goethe-Zertifikat B2. You may also need to take a specialised language test for healthcare professionals, such as the telc Deutsch B2-C1 Medizin or the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP). These tests assess your ability to use the German language in medical situations and contexts.
Duration for the recognition procedure in Germany
The duration of the recognition procedure depends on several factors, such as the type and origin of your nursing qualification, the completeness and accuracy of your application documents, the availability of the adaptation period or the aptitude test, and the workload of the competent authority.
In general, the recognition procedure can take from a few weeks to several months, or even longer in some cases. Therefore, it is advisable to start the recognition procedure as early as possible and to prepare all the necessary documents and evidence in advance. You can also contact the competent authority or a recognition counselling service to get guidance and support throughout the process. You can find a list of the recognition counselling services and their contact details on the official website of the Recognition in Germany portal.
Costs for the recognition procedure
The costs for the recognition procedure vary depending on the competent authority, the type of recognition, and the additional requirements. In general, you can expect to pay the following fees:
Application fee: This is the fee that the competent authority charges for processing your application and issuing the recognition certificate. The amount of the fee depends on the federal state and the type of recognition, but it usually ranges from 100 to 600 euros.
Translation fee: This is the fee that you have to pay for translating your documents and certificates into German by a certified translator. The amount of the fee depends on the number and length of the documents, but it usually ranges from 10 to 20 euros per page.
Language test fee: This is the fee that you have to pay for taking a German language test to prove your language skills. The amount of the fee depends on the type and level of the test, but it usually ranges from 100 to 200 euros.
Adaptation period or aptitude test fee: This is the fee that you have to pay for completing an adaptation period or taking an aptitude test, if required by the competent authority. The amount of the fee depends on the duration and content of the adaptation period or the aptitude test, but it usually ranges from 300 to 1,000 euros.
You may also have to pay for other costs, such as travel expenses, accommodation, health insurance, and living expenses, depending on your situation and needs. You can find more information about the costs and the financial support options on the official website of the Recognition in Germany portal.
Required documents (including document transcripts)
The documents that you need to submit for the recognition procedure may vary depending on the competent authority and the type of recognition, but they usually include the following:
Application form: This is the form that you have to fill out and sign to apply for the recognition of your nursing qualification. You can download the application form from the website of the competent authority or request it by mail or phone.
Passport or identity card: This is a copy of your valid passport or identity card that proves your identity and nationality.
Curriculum vitae: This is a document that summarises your personal and professional information, such as your name, date and place of birth, contact details, education, training, work experience, and skills.
Nursing diploma or certificate: This is a copy of your original nursing diploma or certificate that proves your nursing qualification. The document must include the name and duration of the program, the subjects and grades, and the date and place of completion.
Transcript of records: This is a document that provides detailed information about your nursing education and training, such as the number of hours, the content and objectives, the methods and outcomes, and the competencies acquired.
Professional license or registration: This is a copy of your original professional license or registration that proves your authorisation to practise as a nurse in your home country. The document must include the name and address of the issuing authority, the date and place of issue, and the validity period.
Proof of professional experience: This is a document that proves your professional experience as a nurse in your home country or abroad. The document must include the name and address of the employer, the position and tasks, the duration and scope, and the type and level of care.
Proof of language skills: This is a document that proves your German language skills at the required level. The document must be a certificate or a score report from a recognized language test, such as the TestDaF, the telc Deutsch B2, the Goethe-Zertifikat B2, the telc Deutsch B2-C1 Medizin, or the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP).
Other documents: Depending on your situation and needs, you may also need to provide other documents, such as a declaration of consent, a power of attorney, a certificate of good conduct, a health certificate, or a recognition counselling certificate.
All the documents must be translated into German by a certified translator and certified by the competent authority or a notary.
What are the steps for recognising a nursing degree in Germany?
The steps for recognising a nursing degree in Germany are as follows:
Step 1: Find out the requirements and the procedure for the recognition of your nursing qualification. You can use the Recognition Finder tool on the official website of the Recognition in Germany portal to get an overview of the recognition process and the competent authority for your case. You can also contact a recognition counselling service to get guidance and support throughout the process.
Step 2: Prepare and submit your application documents and evidence to the competent authority. You can download the application form from the website of the competent authority or request it by mail or phone. You have to fill out and sign the application form and attach all the required documents and evidence, such as your passport, your nursing diploma, your transcript of records, your professional license, your proof of professional experience, and your proof of language skills. You have to translate all the documents into German by a certified translator and certify them by the competent authority or a notary. You have to pay the application fee and send your application by mail or in person to the competent authority.
Step 3: Wait for the assessment and the decision of the competent authority. The competent authority will check your application and verify your documents and evidence. The authority will compare your nursing qualification with the German ones and determine if there are any substantial differences. If there are no differences, the authority will grant you the recognition of your qualification. If there are differences, the authority may ask you to complete an adaptation period or take an aptitude test to prove your competence. The authority will inform you of the outcome of the assessment and the decision within three months of receiving your application.
Step 4: Complete the adaptation period or take the aptitude test, if required. If the competent authority decides that you need to complete an adaptation period or take an aptitude test, you have to follow their instructions and requirements. The adaptation period is a supervised practical training that can last up to three years, depending on your needs. The aptitude test is a theoretical and practical examination that covers the essential aspects of the German nursing profession. You have to pay the fee for the adaptation period or the aptitude test and register for them in advance. You have to pass the adaptation period or the aptitude test within two years of receiving the decision from the competent authority.
Step 5: Receive the recognition certificate and start working as a nurse in Germany. If you successfully complete the recognition procedure, the competent authority will issue you a recognition certificate that confirms your qualification as a nurse in Germany. You can use this certificate to apply for a work permit and a visa, if needed, and to look for a job as a nurse in Germany. You can also join the German nursing association and benefit from their services and support.
Do you need to be in Germany to recognise my nursing degree
While it is not strictly necessary to be in Germany in order to have your nursing degree recognized, it is highly recommended. This is because the application process typically requires you to submit a number of original documents, and it will be much easier for you to do this if you are already in Germany. You will also need to attend an interview with an expert who will assess your qualifications. This interview will be conducted in German, so you should have a good understanding of the language before you apply.
If you are not already in Germany, you can still apply for recognition of your nursing degree. However, you will need to be prepared to send your original documents to the German authorities, and you may also be required to take a German language test.
Once your nursing degree has been recognized, you will be able to apply for nursing jobs in Germany. There is a high demand for nurses in Germany, so you should have no problem finding work.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
The recognition process can take several months, so it is important to start planning early.
You will need to obtain a Arbeitserlaubnis (work permit) in order to work as a nurse in Germany.
You will need to find accommodation in Germany before you start work.
You will need to learn German in order to communicate effectively with your colleagues and patients.
How to become a nurse in Germany after recognising the degree
After you have recognised your nursing degree in Germany, you can start looking for a job as a nurse in Germany. There are many opportunities and benefits for foreign nurses in Germany, such as:
High demand and shortage of nurses: Germany is facing a severe shortage of nurses, especially in the elderly care sector. According to the Federal Statistical Office, there were about 1.2 million nurses in Germany in 2020, but the demand was estimated to be 1.5 million. This means that there are many vacancies and job offers for nurses in Germany, especially in rural areas and in specialised fields.
Good working conditions and salary: Germany offers good working conditions and salary for nurses, compared to other countries. The average salary for a registered nurse (RN) in Germany was €34,532 per year in 2020, which is equivalent to about €2,878 per month which is higher than the average salary in the EU. Nurses in Germany also enjoy social benefits, such as health insurance, pension, and paid leave. The working hours for nurses in Germany are regulated by the Working Hours Act, which limits the weekly working time to 48 hours and the daily working time to 10 hours.
Career development and further education: Germany offers many opportunities for career development and further education for nurses. Nurses in Germany can specialise in different fields, such as intensive care, palliative care, oncology, or psychiatry, and obtain additional qualifications and certificates. Nurses in Germany can also pursue higher education, such as a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in nursing, and advance their academic and professional skills. There are many universities and colleges that offer nursing programs in Germany, some of which are taught in English.
To find a job as a nurse in Germany, you can use various sources and methods, such as:
Online job portals: There are many online job portals that list job offers for nurses in Germany, such as the Federal Employment Agency, the Make it in Germany portal, or the EURES portal. You can search for jobs by location, sector, or qualification, and apply online or by email.
Recruitment agencies: There are many recruitment agencies that specialise in placing foreign nurses in Germany, such as the Triple Win project, or the Medi-Jobs portal. You can contact these agencies and register with them, and they will help you find a suitable job and assist you with the recognition procedure, the language training, and the relocation process.
Personal contacts: You can also use your personal contacts, such as friends, relatives, or former colleagues, who work or live in Germany, and ask them for referrals or recommendations. You can also network with other nurses or healthcare professionals in Germany, and join online forums or groups, such as the German Nursing Association or the Facebook group Nurses in Germany.
Conclusion
Becoming a nurse in Germany is a great opportunity for foreign nurses who want to work in a dynamic and rewarding profession. However, it also requires a lot of preparation and effort, as you have to meet the requirements and follow the procedures for the recognition of your nursing qualification, as well as learn the German language and culture. In this article, we have provided you with a comprehensive guide on how to become a nurse in Germany, covering the recognition procedure, the language requirements, the duration and costs, the required documents, and the steps to follow. We have also given you some tips and resources on how to find a job as a nurse in Germany, and the benefits and challenges of working as a nurse in Germany. We hope that this article has helped you understand the process and the possibilities of becoming a nurse in Germany, and that you will pursue your dream of working as a nurse in Germany.
Frequently asked questions
How can I become a nurse in Germany if I obtained my nursing degree from another country?
If you have a nursing degree from another country, you need to have your qualifications recognised in Germany. This process involves applying for recognition through the competent authority in the state where you intend to work as a nurse.