Healthcare & care · Pflegefachkraft (Altenpflege)
Elderly / geriatric carer
This guide covers qualified geriatric nursing, not care-assistant work. The nursing title is protected and requires recognition and professional permission. General nursing training has included geriatric care since 2020; the authority decides which German reference qualification fits your training.
- Who recognises it
- The state recognition office for nursing/care professions.
- German level
- B2 German for recognition as a qualified nursing professional. Assistant-care roles have different requirements.
- Typical salary
- €4,438 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Pflegefachmann/-frau (Altenpflege); a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer.
- How long it takes
- Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure.
How recognition works
- 1Find your state's recognition office via the Recognition Finder.
- 2Submit training documents for an equivalence assessment.
- 3Complete an adaptation course or knowledge test to close any gaps.
- 4Reach the required German level and receive your recognition notice.
Documents you'll need
- Care/nursing qualification (certified translation)
- Transcript of subjects and hours
- Work experience references
- German language certificate
- Passport + CV
Costs & translations
Recognition fees are typically €100–600. Budget extra for certified German translations of your documents and, in some countries, an apostille/legalisation. Adaptation courses or exams can add further cost.
Come first, recognise here
For regulated jobs you can use a recognition partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft): enter Germany with a job offer and finish the recognition after you arrive, instead of waiting abroad.
Your visa routes
Last verified 2026-10-10. Recognition rules depend on the profession and the federal state, and they change. Confirm with the official authority linked above.