Germany requires nurses as a large portion of the population is getting retired, and the government needs nurses to take care of the retired. It’s a perfect opportunity to move and make a better future for yourself. This article brings you all you need to know about immigrating to Germany as a nurse.
How to Work in Germany as a Nurse?
Follow the below steps to immigrate to Germany as a nurse:
- Complete your education in nursing in your home country
- Get the language proficiency certificate
- Get your certificate recognized by German officials
- Apply for a job offer from a German employer
- Apply for a work visa
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Immigrate to Germany as a Nurse
Step 1. Complete your education in nursing in your home country
If you’re not studying nursing in Germany, you need to have an education certificate from your home country. In case your country requires a test or another certificate to authorize you as a nurse, you need to get it, too.
So, gather all the requirements from your home country and prepare yourself for everything.
Step 2. Get the language proficiency certificate
Language proficiency is necessary for nurses who want to work in Germany. I know you must be thinking about English fluency, but you will work with German people and need to understand them.
So, work on your German skills and get the B1 or B2. The certificate you need is up to the province you will move to and the position you will work in. So research what certificate you need. However, the more you know German, the better your conditions will be in the country.
Step 3. Get your certificate recognized by German officials
Your educational certificate must be recognized by the authorities in the German province where you will work. You need to ask them about the list of supporting documents they need and send them the translation plus the original copies.
There is also a processing fee with the recognition you need to pay. When they approve your documents, you can continue the step to moving to Germany as a nurse.
Step 4. Apply for a job offer from a German employer
Consider reaching out to recruitment agencies specializing in healthcare placements in Germany. They can assist you in finding suitable job opportunities and guide you through the application process. Some reputable healthcare recruitment agencies in Germany include TTA Personal GmbH, Time 4 Change, and Medpex Personal.
Step 5. Apply for a work visa
When you got the job offer, you can apply for a German Work Visa. You must complete the application form and gather the supporting documents to submit to the german embassy in your home country. The work visa application process has been explained in the related article. You can find out more from the right sidebar.
Video description.
the list of the authorities who issue the Nursing license certificate
The tool to know whether you certificate needs recognition
What are the requirements to immigrate to Germany as a nurse?
You need to prepare the below list of requirements and supporting documents so you can immigrate to Germany as a nurse:
Recognition of documents
To work as a nurse in Germany, your nursing certificate from your home country must undergo a recognition process by German authorities. This assessment determines if your certificate is equivalent to a German one. If it meets the criteria, you can pursue a career as a registered nurse in Germany. In cases where the equivalence is not established, an adaptation period may be required to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to practice nursing in Germany. Alternatively, you can opt to take an assessment test to demonstrate your eligibility as a nurse.
The evaluation of your documents for recognition is typically carried out by the province where you intend to work, and approval in one province often allows you to practice in others as well.
Language proficiency certificate
B2 or B1 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) are required to work in Germany as a nurse. The language requirement is up to the province you want to move to and their requirement and decision. But you need to be fluent to understand instructions and interact with patients.
Medical tests for being healthy
Applicants need to prove to be physically and mentally healthy to work as a doctor in Germany. It is required to take a medical test with a German doctor to prove the health conditions. Candidates need to be healthy to work as a nurse.
Clean record certificate with no criminal background
Applicants need to prove they have a clean record certificate to work as a nurse in Germany. It is mandatory to provide a clean record certificate from the police in your home country. If you are in Germany, you need a certificate of conduct (Führungszeugnis), and that is enough.
Bear in mind that if you have lived in another country for longer than six months, you might have to provide a certificate from there, too.
When you pass the recognition of documents, you can immigrate to Germany as a nurse and begin working as a nurse.
Professional Registration
After your nursing qualification is recognized, you’ll need to register with the appropriate nursing board or authority in Germany. This registration is necessary to practice as a nurse in the country.
Can I work as a nurse in Germany without speaking German?
Working as a nurse in Germany typically requires proficiency in German, as the ability to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues, and to understand medical documentation is essential. However, some international clinics or hospitals in major cities may have more flexibility regarding language requirements. It’s advisable to check with specific employers or through job listings to understand the language requirements for nursing positions in Germany. Additionally, investing in learning German can significantly enhance job prospects and integration into the healthcare system.
How many foreign nurses work in Germany?
Due to its significant healthcare workforce shortage, Germany has become an increasingly popular destination for foreign-trained nurses. The country expects a deficit of 200,000 to 300,000 nurses in the next decade. To address this, Germany has been actively recruiting nurses from abroad, making it the country with the second-highest number of foreign-born nurses in Europe, surpassed only by Ireland.
Nurses salary in Germany
Nurses’ salaries in Germany vary depending on their qualifications, experience, and the state they work in. As of 2023, the average salary for a Registered Nurse (RN) is approximately €34,464 per year, ranging from €25,000 to €46,000. This figure can include bonuses ranging from €201 to €10,000.
Let’s sum up…
In conclusion, immigrating to Germany as a nurse offers a promising career path due to the high demand for healthcare professionals. The process involves getting your nursing qualification recognized, achieving German language proficiency, and obtaining a work visa with a job offer from a German employer.
Studying nursing in Germany as a non-EU student includes options like apprenticeships and university degrees, requiring German language skills and a student visa. Nurses in Germany can expect competitive salaries and good job prospects, with opportunities for continuous learning and specialization.
This pathway provides a valuable opportunity for those seeking a fulfilling nursing career in a country with a strong healthcare system.
Frequently asked questions about immigrating to Germany as a nurse
Yes, nurses are required as a large portion of people are getting retired.
There are plenty of job opportunities; you can know them in the above section.
Yes, as long as your degree gets recognized.
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- Max-B.
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