In short: International nurses in Germany have the same minimum employment rights as all employees. The employer must document the essential terms in writing, a probation period may last at most six months (notice then two weeks), and for Federal Employment Agency approval the conditions may not be less favourable than for comparable domestic employees.
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 must the contract contain?
The Evidence Act (§ 2 NachwG) obliges employers to record the essential terms in writing, sign and hand them over – including the parties, start (and end) date, place of work, job description, probation period, pay including overtime and allowances, working time, breaks and the shift system. Some details must be provided by the first working day at the latest.
Probation and dismissal protection
During an agreed probation period of at most six months, notice of two weeks applies (§ 622 (3) BGB); collective agreements may differ. The Dismissal Protection Act applies after more than six months of employment (§ 1 KSchG), roughly in businesses with regularly more than ten employees (§ 23 KSchG).
Leave and working time
- Leave: at least 24 working days per year based on a six-day week (§ 3 BUrlG), i.e. 20 days with a five-day week. Collective agreements often give more.
- Working time: in principle at most eight hours per working day, up to ten only with compensation on average (§ 3 ArbZG).
Equal conditions
For permits requiring Federal Employment Agency approval, the agency checks that the person is not employed on less favourable terms than comparable domestic employees (§ 39 (2) AufenthG). If a contract contains repayment clauses (e.g. for language or travel costs), get qualified advice, for example from an advice centre or trade union.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
How long can probation last?
At most six months, with two weeks' notice during that time (§ 622 (3) BGB), unless a collective agreement says otherwise.
Does the contract have to be in writing?
The employer must document the essential terms in writing (§ 2 NachwG).
How much leave do I get at least?
24 working days with a six-day week, i.e. 20 days with a five-day week (§ 3 BUrlG).
May international nurses be paid less?
For Federal Employment Agency approval, conditions may not be less favourable than for comparable domestic employees (§ 39 (2) AufenthG).