How can a nurse immigrate to Germany?

Germany has introduced a new law that will ease visa requirements for nurses, information technology [IT] specialists, professionally trained workers, and other technicians in high demand in the country.

Those who want to work long-term in the nursing profession in Germany need official authorization to practice their profession. As a general rule, the following formal requirements must be met in order to work in the nursing profession in Germany:

Recognised qualification

The nursing qualification obtained in your country of origin must be recognised in Germany. To this end, the authority responsible for your case will check whether your professional qualification is equivalent to German qualifications. If this is not the case, you can take an assessment test or a conversion course, in order to prove an equivalent level of knowledge. The application for professional recognition can be submitted to the responsible authority in the state in which you intend to work. The German professional recognition obtained is valid nationwide.

Sufficient knowledge of German

Depending on the state, you will need to have a German level equivalent to the B2 or B1 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Appropriate state of health

You must prove through certification by a German doctor that you are physically and mentally healthy, and are therefore suitable for a job in the nursing profession.

Personal suitability/Trustworthiness

In order to prove your trustworthiness, you will require proof that you do not have a criminal record. Depending on your situation, you can prove this with a certificate of good conduct from your country of origin or with a German certificate of conduct