Skilled Workers & Education

Yes, for regulated professions such as nursing, professional recognition is required in Germany. This ensures that your qualifications meet German standards. You can find information on this on the "Recognition in Germany" website of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Your qualification will be assessed by comparing it with a German reference occupation. If there are differences in qualifications, you may need an adaptation qualification. Detailed information can be found on the "Recognition in Germany" portal.

German language skills at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages are usually required for recognition and work in the care sector. However, this varies depending on the federal state and employer. The following providers are recognized in Germany.

You can submit or acquire the following language certificates:

1. Goethe-Institut e.V.
2. telc GmbH
3. Austrian Language Diploma (ÖSD)
4. TestDaF-Institut e.V. (institute of the Fernuniversität Hagen and the Ruhr-Universität Bochum; language test level only from level "B2" CEFR)
5. ECL

To apply for a work visa, you usually need a job offer from Germany and proof that your qualifications have been recognized. You can find the exact conditions on the website of the German Embassy or the Federal Foreign Office.

You will usually need your proof of identity, diplomas, proof of professional experience and, if necessary, translations of these documents. The exact requirements may vary depending on the profession and federal state.

Yes, there are various support programs, such as the "Recognition Grant", which offers financial support for the costs associated with recognition. You can find information on this on the website of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

If you want to work as a nurse, it is primarily important that your professional qualification is recognized. A university degree only needs to be recognized if it is relevant to your professional activity in Germany.

Depending on the federal state and the complexity of the documents, the procedure can take between a few weeks and several months. On average, you should expect three to four months.

Nurses in Germany can expect regulated working hours, protection under labor laws, vacation entitlement and social benefits. The exact conditions may vary depending on the employer.

The salary of nursing staff can vary depending on qualifications, professional experience, area of work and federal state. Collective agreements often stipulate minimum salaries, which serve as a guide.

Integration courses, which include language lessons and an introduction to German society, are open to all immigrants and are compulsory for some visa categories. Information on this is provided by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).

For family reunification, you need a secure livelihood and sufficient living space. The exact conditions are described on the BAMF website.

Job exchanges, specialized placement agencies and the Federal Employment Agency are good places to find job offers for nurses in Germany.

In some cases it is possible, under certain conditions, to work before the recognition procedure has been completed. This should be clarified individually with the responsible recognition office.

The labor market for nursing staff in Germany is very receptive due to demographic change and the shortage of skilled nursing staff.

Work experience can be an important factor in the recognition of your qualifications and improve your chances on the job market.

Yes, agreements between Germany and certain countries can facilitate the recognition process. The details vary depending on the country of origin.

There are numerous advisory and support services available for foreign nurses, including language courses, integration programs and professional advisory services.