In short: The usual residence permit for recognised nurses is § 18a AufenthG (skilled worker with vocational training), which allows any qualified employment. The EU Blue Card (§ 18g) requires an academic qualification and a minimum salary; nursing and midwifery professionals (ISCO group 222) are among the professions with a lowered salary threshold. In both cases you need the nursing licence.
Note: This page provides general information and is not legal advice. The law and the decisions of the competent authorities are decisive; rules can change. As of October 2026.
What does § 18a cover?
"A skilled worker with vocational training is granted a residence permit to pursue any qualified employment." For nurses this is the direct route after recognition. Before full recognition, § 16d applies.
When is the Blue Card possible?
Under § 18g (1), skilled workers with an academic qualification receive the Blue Card for employment appropriate to their qualification if the salary reaches at least 50% of the annual contribution ceiling of the statutory pension insurance. For certain shortage occupations – including ISCO group 222 – and for graduates of the last three years, 45.3% is sufficient, then with approval of the Federal Employment Agency. The euro amounts change every year.
Key practical differences
- Licence: regardless of the permit, working as a nurse requires the licence under § 2 PflBG.
- Salary: § 18a has no own salary threshold; the Blue Card does.
- Family: with both permits, spouses do not need to prove A1 German (§ 30 (1) sentence 3 no. 5).
How Berlin Tehran helps
We help healthcare professionals prepare their documents in an orderly way and coordinate with employers, following a transparent 8-step process with up to 90 days of support after arrival. We are specialised in Iran and support healthcare professionals from all countries where private recruitment is permitted (see our ethical recruitment rules). We do not provide legal advice; authorities make all decisions.
Apply as a healthcare professional For employers
Related guides
- Germany nurse visa 2026: requirements, documents, fees
- Family reunification
- Recognition partnership (§16d)
- Nurse salary in Germany
Frequently asked questions
Which residence permit do nurses usually get?
After recognition, typically the residence permit under § 18a for skilled workers with vocational training.
Can nurses get an EU Blue Card?
Possibly, with an academic qualification and a salary reaching the threshold; ISCO 222 professions have a lowered threshold of 45.3% of the contribution ceiling.
Do I still need recognition with a Blue Card?
Yes, the nursing licence under the Nursing Professions Act is required regardless of the residence permit.