Healthcare & care · Pflegefachkraft (Altenpflege)
Elderly / geriatric carer
Germany's ageing population makes elderly care one of the most in-demand fields. Since 2020 elderly care is part of the unified 'Pflegefachkraft' qualification — a regulated profession, so recognition of your training is required, but pathways (including recognition partnerships) are actively supported.
- Who recognises it
- The state recognition office for nursing/care professions.
- German level
- B1–B2 German.
- Typical salary
- ≈ €2,900–3,800 gross/month, plus bonuses.
- How long it takes
- 3–6 months once documents are complete.
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 2026-06-30. Recognition rules vary by federal state and change over time — always confirm with the official portal linked above.