Recognition of a Nursing Diploma in Germany: Your Path to a European Career

How to get your nursing qualification recognised in Germany and start working in EU clinics

Qualified nurses from non-EU countries increasingly choose Germany as a place to build a stable and well-paid medical career. Modern clinics, clear professional standards, competitive salaries and long-term prospects make Germany one of the most attractive destinations in Europe.

The key requirement for employment as a nurse in Germany is the official recognition of your foreign nursing diploma. Below we explain how the recognition process works, what documents are required, how long it takes, and how professional support can significantly simplify each step.

Who needs diploma recognition in Germany?

If you obtained your nursing education outside the European Union and plan to work as a nurse in Germany, your qualification must be formally assessed by the competent German authority. This applies regardless of your professional experience.

Recognition confirms that your education meets German nursing standards and allows you to work legally in clinics, hospitals, and care facilities across Germany.

Basic requirements for employment as a nurse in Germany

To obtain a nursing position in Germany, you need:

• a recognised nursing diploma
• German language skills at B2 level (required for employment, but not for submitting recognition documents)

Step 1: Application for recognition of your nursing qualification

Nurses with diplomas from non-EU countries must submit an application for recognition to the State Authority for Nursing Professions (Landesbehörde für Pflegeberufe).

The authority evaluates:

• your nursing diploma,
• your CV,
• professional experience (if available),
• and compares your education with German nursing training (equivalence assessment).

Based on many years of practice, full equivalence at the first stage is extremely rare. In most cases, the authority identifies substantial differences between foreign education and German standards.

As a result, applicants usually receive partial recognition, along with a detailed notice specifying:

• missing theoretical subjects,
• insufficient practical hours,
• and the scope of additional training required.

Important:
You can apply for diploma recognition without a B2 language certificate.
However, B2 German is mandatory for employment as a nurse.

We provide professional support in preparing and submitting all recognition documents.
Our services are free of charge — applicants only cover the cost of certified translations, if documents are not already in German.

Translations must be completed by a certified sworn translator officially recognised in Germany.

 Step 2: Adaptation course and preparation for the state exam

After receiving the deficit notice from the authority, the next step is to complete an adaptation (compensation) programme.

We assist in finding a German clinic that:

• accepts you for an adaptation course,
• combines professional training with German language courses (B1–B2),
• and covers all training costs.

Practical training and salary during adaptation

Practical training takes place in medical departments specified by the authority and is supervised by qualified instructors.

• Practical hours are paid working time
• Monthly income during training may reach up to approx. €1,800 gross, depending on working hours

With guidance from mentors and instructors, you acquire the practical skills required to pass the final qualification exam.

The total preparation period usually lasts 6 to 12 months, including:

• professional adaptation training,
• German language studies up to B2 (if needed),
• and the final state exam.

State examination and professional recognition

Knowledge assessment is conducted as a state examination in a clinical setting, in accordance with the German Nursing Professions Act.

The exam consists of:

• a theoretical part,
• and a practical assessment.

After successful completion:

• the clinic issues a certificate,
• submits it to the state authority along with a medical certificate and police clearance,
• and the authority grants full professional recognition as a nurse in Germany.

Employment conditions after recognition

• Clinics that provide free training usually require a two-year employment commitment after recognition. In return, nurses receive:

• a full-time position according to their qualification,
• no deductions for training costs,
• full salary from the first working day.

• Example salaries:

• starting salary for a recognised nurse: from €3,656 gross/month
• with experience and specialisation: €3,700 – €5,232 gross/month

All amounts are gross, based on full-time employment (40 hours/week) plus applicable allowances.

Benefits of having a recognised nursing diploma in Germany

• Legal employment in medical institutions throughout Germany
• Residence permit in Germany
• Stable income and long-term career development
• Right to family reunification (spouse and minor children)

Start your nursing career in Germany with professional support

Our company provides comprehensive assistance to nurses from Eastern Europe who wish to continue their careers in Germany. Services include:

• consultation and document preparation,
• support with diploma recognition,
• organisation of German language courses,
• placement in clinics that fully finance professional and language training.

Important:
Our services for nurses are completely free of charge.
All costs are covered by German employers.

To apply, please send us your CV.

Minimum requirements:

• German language level A2 or higher (B2 required for employment),
• age up to 45 years
  (exceptions apply for Ukrainian nurses residing in Germany under §24).