Healthcare & care · Pflegefachkraft (Gesundheits- und Krankenpfleger:in)
Registered nurse
Nursing is one of Germany's biggest shortage occupations, and a regulated one: before you can work as a nurse, your qualification has to be recognised as equivalent to the German Pflegefachkraft and you need permission to use the title. You can start from abroad, or come first under a recognition partnership if you meet its conditions.
- Who recognises it
- The recognition office of the federal state (Bundesland) where you'll work — nursing is regulated at state level.
- German level
- B2 German for recognition and permission to use the nursing title. A lower level for a preparatory role does not permit work as a recognised nurse.
- Typical salary
- €4,587 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Pflegefachmann/-frau (Gesundheits- und Krankenpflege); 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
- 1Use the official Recognition Finder to identify your state's nursing recognition office.
- 2Submit your diploma + transcript + proof of work experience for an equivalence assessment.
- 3If gaps are found, complete an adaptation course (Anpassungslehrgang) or a knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung).
- 4Reach B2 German and pass any required language check.
- 5Receive the recognition notice (Anerkennungsbescheid) and start work as a Pflegefachkraft.
Documents you'll need
- Nursing diploma / certificate (with certified translation)
- Detailed transcript of hours and subjects
- Proof of relevant work experience
- German language certificate (B2)
- Passport + CV in German format
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.