In short: Indian nurses can work in Germany after their qualification is recognised and they have the required German skills. India is not on the WHO safeguards list, and Germany and India signed a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement in 2022. Besides private routes, the government programme Triple Win recruits nurses in Kerala and Telangana.
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.
Step 1: Recognition of your nursing qualification
Your degree (for example BSc Nursing or GNM) 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 (Defizitbescheid) and close the gaps with a knowledge test or an adaptation course in Germany. Use the official "Recognition Finder" on Anerkennung in Deutschland to find your authority.
Step 2: German language
For the professional licence, the states generally require German at level B2, often proven with a nursing-specific language exam (Fachsprachprüfung). For entry via the recognition partnership, A2 is usually enough at the start. Plan with at least several months of intensive study.
Step 3: Job offer and visa
With a German employer you can enter, for example, via the recognition partnership (§ 16d (3)) or the visa for adaptation measures (§ 16d (1)). Your employer can speed things up with the accelerated skilled worker procedure (§ 81a). Visa applications are handled by the German missions in India; check their current appointment and document rules.
Official programme: Triple Win (Kerala and Telangana)
Triple Win is run by the Federal Employment Agency and the German development agency GIZ. In India it recruits through state partners in Kerala and Telangana. If you live there, read the official programme pages and compare them with any private offer.
Germany–India migration agreement
The Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement signed by Germany and India in December 2022 aims to make legal migration easier while preventing irregular migration. It does not replace recognition or visa requirements.
Be careful with fees
Under the employer-pays principle, nurses should not pay placement-related costs. Read our guide on recruitment fees and scams before you sign anything.
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.
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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
- Documents checklist for recognition
- Recognition partnership (§ 16d (3))
- Recruitment fees and scams
- Apply with Berlin Tehran
Frequently asked questions
Is a BSc Nursing from India recognised in Germany?
Not automatically. The competent state authority compares it with the German qualification. Many Indian nurses receive partial recognition and close the gaps with a knowledge test or adaptation course.
What German level do Indian nurses need?
For the full licence generally B2, often with a nursing-specific language exam. For the recognition partnership, A2 is usually required at entry.
Is Triple Win available everywhere in India?
No. As of October 2026 Triple Win recruits nurses in the states of Kerala and Telangana.
Can Berlin Tehran help nurses from India?
Yes. India is not on the WHO safeguards list, so private support is permitted. We help with documents and coordinate with employers; authorities decide on recognition and visas.