In short: Colombian nurses can work in Germany after recognition of their qualification and reaching the required German level. Colombia is not on the WHO safeguards list, so private support is allowed.
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.
Is private recruitment allowed from Colombia?
Yes. Colombia is not on the WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguards List 2023 or on the annex to § 38 of the German Employment Ordinance (BeschV) (checked 11 October 2026). Private agencies may therefore support Colombian health workers – but fair-recruitment rules still apply, and nurses should not pay placement-related costs.
Step 1: Recognition of your qualification
Your nursing qualification (usually a bachelor degree in nursing (Enfermagem/Enfermería)) is compared with the German nursing qualification by the competent authority of the federal state where you will work. If there are substantial differences, you receive a deficit notice and can close the gaps with a knowledge test or an adaptation course in Germany. The official Recognition Finder on "Anerkennung in Deutschland" shows the responsible authority and the documents you need.
Step 2: German language
For the full professional licence, the federal states generally require German at level B2, often proven with a nursing-specific language exam. For entry via the recognition partnership (§ 16d (3) Residence Act), A2 is usually enough at the start. Realistically, most people need many months of intensive study.
Step 3: Job offer and visa
With a German employer, common routes are the recognition partnership (§ 16d (3)) or the visa for adaptation measures (§ 16d (1)); employers can use the accelerated skilled worker procedure (§ 81a). You apply for the visa at the German Embassy in Bogotá. Check its website for current appointments, fees and document lists.
No government programme – choose carefully
As of October 2026 there is no Triple Win programme for Colombia. You can apply directly to German employers, use the job portal of the Federal Employment Agency, or work with a private service. Ask any agency in writing who pays which costs before signing.
How Berlin Tehran helps
We help healthcare professionals prepare their documents in an orderly way and coordinate with employers in Germany, 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. We do not provide legal advice; authorities make all decisions.
Apply as a healthcare professional Our ethical recruitment rules
Nursing apprentices (APAL): the Federal Employment Agency’s APAL programme places young people from El Salvador, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador into nursing and medical apprenticeships in Germany (ZAV – APAL Gesundheit). This is a training route, not recognition of an existing nursing degree.
Next steps
- Check in 2 minutes: can I work as a nurse in Germany?
- Nurse net salary calculator 2026
- City guides: Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne
- All country guides
Related guides
- Country guides overview
- Ethical recruitment: WHO list and employer pays
- German language requirements for nurses
- Recognition partnership (§ 16d (3))
- Recruitment fees and scams
Frequently asked questions
Can private agencies recruit nurses from Colombia for Germany?
Yes. Colombia is not on the annex to § 38 BeschV (WHO safeguards list), so private recruitment is permitted, subject to fair-recruitment standards.
Is a nursing qualification from Colombia recognised in Germany?
Not automatically. The competent state authority compares it with the German qualification; partial recognition with a knowledge test or adaptation course is common.
What German level do I need?
Generally B2 for the full licence, often with a nursing-specific exam. For the recognition partnership, A2 is usually required at entry.
Where do I apply for a German visa in Colombia?
At the German Embassy in Bogotá. Check its website for current requirements.