Nurse in Germany: Explore Nursing Job Opportunities in Germany

Nurses, often regarded as the backbone of the healthcare system, stand second in the line of duty after doctors. Their care, dedication, and compassion toward patients place them on the highest pedestal of humanity.

Ranked 3rd in the 2024 World Index of Healthcare Innovation, Germany has once again proved its worth in providing the best healthcare facilities across the globe. Despite having the highest number of practising nurses in the EU, Germany still faces a shortage of skilled and qualified nurses. Because of the ageing population and increasing healthcare needs, there is a huge demand for qualified nurses in Germany. Well, if you are a qualified nurse and want to immigrate to Germany in search of better nursing job opportunities in Germany, then let us take you through our in-depth guide on how to attract nursing jobs in Germany. 

“Pflegefachfrau/-mann” or “Pflegefachperson” nurse in the German language, includes certain profiles such as health and nursing care, pediatric nursing, and geriatric nursing. The nurses are allowed to work in the following areas: 

❖  Inpatient acute care (e.g. hospital)

❖  Inpatient long-term care (e.g. nursing home)

❖  Ambulatory care (home care for private individuals)

❖  Medical rehabilitation (outpatient and inpatient)

❖  Palliative care (outpatient and inpatient) 

Why Being a Nurse in Germany

To be a nurse in Germany, applicants born few benefits available in the German healthcare system. Some of the key benefits are:

❖  Attractive salary packages

❖  Free healthcare and social benefits

❖  Work-life balance

❖  Excellent opportunities to work and reside in a world-class economy.

❖  Pathway to permanent residency after a few years of employment  

Requirements for Nurses in Germany

Nursing being a regulated profession in Germany requires official authorisation to practise their profession in the country. Without meeting certain formal nursing requirements, one cannot obtain the status of “ nurse” and look for nursing job opportunities in Germany. Some of the major requirements are: 

❖  Qualifications: one of the major requirements for being a nurse in Germany is the recognition of educational qualifications of the applicant according to the German standards. In order to do so, applicants can look for either of the pathways available:

a)  Equivalence assessment

In this pathway, applicants have to move through an assessment program which is based on the training an applicant must have gone through during their educational journey. During this process, applicants need to submit their educational qualification credentials to the *competent authority in German, where they are supposed to check whether the qualifications are equivalent to the German standards or not.

The German qualifications “Pflegefachfrau/-mann” or “Pflegefachperson” (nurse) is regarded as the reference occupation.

 b)  Adaption program

The second pathway, is the adaption program, which is used when applicants waive off the above mentioned pathway. With this route applicants move through a knowledge test that proves the qualifications are equivalent to the German qualifications.

*The competent authority is a one stop solution for qualified nurses who want to get their educational credentials assessed. The authority varies as it depends upon which state you want to work in. 

❖  Knowledge of German language: another requirement is knowledge of the German language at least level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 

❖  Medical certificate: one of the major requirements is the medical fitness assurance that proves the applicant is physically and mentally fit to work as a nurse. This can be done by obtaining a certificate claiming medical fitness. This certificate can also be obtained from the country of origin of the applicant.  

❖  Trust and accountability: another factor is trust and accountability the profession of nurse holds during their service. Applicants applying need to provide a proof that states “free of criminal record”. Applicants can also provide a certificate of good conduct from their country of origin or a German certificate of conduct.  

Eligible Pathway for Nurses in Germany

Qualified nurses who want to impart their services in Germany as a nurse must understand which eligible pathway can turn their dream into reality.

Qualified nurses can immigrate to Germany and can look up nursing job opportunities in Germany through the Germany Opportunity Card. 

Germany Opportunity Card is a perfect opportunity for qualified and skilled professionals who desire to relocate to Germany in search of better job opportunities available in the country. However, this card is valid for one year, during this period, applicants become eligible to find jobs in the country according to the working hours available, annual salary packages, and profile suitability.  

Germany, being a progressive nation in terms of economy, innovation, technological advancements, and even healthcare facilities, faces an acute shortage of skilled professionals, especially healthcare workers. Due to the ageing population, Germany is in an acute shortage of nurses, and to suffice the shortage, the country started the initiative of the Germany Opportunity Card. To make it more comfortable, the German government even outlisted Germany Shortage Occupation List, highlighting the professions who have faced a shortage.

Some of the Professions Under the Germany Shortage Occupation List 

Group 222

222 Nursing and midwifery professionals

2221 Nursing professionals

2222 Midwifery professionals 

You can also read our comprehensive guide on Job Opportunities in Germany, underlining some of the highest paying professions available in Germany. 

Average Salary of Nurses in Germany

Nurses in Germany, a reputed profession, incurs lucrative job opportunities with some of the highest pay scales. Some of the nursing profiles with average salary induced are as follows: 

Job Portals for Nurses in Germany

In order to look for nursing job opportunities in Germany, skilled and qualified nurses can apply for nursing jobs through valid job portals available in Germany. Some of the job portals available are as follows: 

1.   Make It in Germany- German government official website for jobs and information

2.   NursingWork.de – portal that connects international nurses with German hospitals, with visa and relocation support.

3.   NurseFoundJob – another portal that helps foreign-qualified nurses navigate job search, credential recognition and integration in Germany.

4.   TalentSure – portal that matches qualified international nurses with German employers following fair-recruitment practices, covering recognition and relocation processes.

5.   BorderPlus – specialised in nursing job pathways to Germany for Indian nurses, including full support from language training to job offer.

Through these job portals, qualified nurses who want to pursue their dream of imparting their services in Germany can secure nursing job opportunities in Germany. 

How to Apply Nursing Job Opportunities in Germany

Qualified and skilled nursing professionals can immigrate to Germany through the only available pathway i.e, Germany Opportunity Card. With this available pathway, applicants can apply and secure job opportunities in Germany.

Well, if you are a qualified nurse and want to apply for nursing jobs in Germany, then you can follow these simple steps:

 Step 1: Check Eligibility

The initial step is to check eligibility as the foremost ground for nurses is the professional degree they hold from their home country. 

 Step 2: Get Assessment

The next step for this process is to move through the assessment process- either equivalence assessment or adaption program.

 Step 3: Expertise German Language

The next step after getting assessment done, is to learn at least B2 level of German language so as to increase chances of positive response from the German employers.

 Step 4: Apply for Jobs from Valid Portals

After being confident in the language skills, applicants can now apply for jobs from valid job portals.

 Step 5: Obtain Opportunity Card

Once received a positive response from a German employer, apply for the opportunity card from the German Embassy or Consulate.

 Step 6: Travel to Germany

Once all the formalities have been achieved, travel to Germany and begin your professional journey.

 These 6 simple steps can help a qualified and professional nurse find nursing job opportunities in Germany with ease. If followed accurately, one can chase their dreams.

 Germany offers immense opportunities for qualified and passionate nurses who wish to grow their careers internationally. With attractive salaries, excellent working conditions, and a strong demand for healthcare professionals, the country provides a stable and fulfilling future for nurses worldwide. With dedication and consistency, professionals can secure nursing job opportunities in Germany. But, if you are still in doubt how you can secure nursing job opportunities in Germany, consult Province Immigration and we will help you achieve your dream of becoming a nursing professional in Germany.

For more Germany visa updates, call us at:+ 919896196762