In short: Kenya is not on the WHO safeguards list, and Germany and Kenya signed a comprehensive migration and mobility partnership on 13 September 2024. It creates legal pathways for skilled Kenyans, including nurses, but does not replace German recognition and visa rules. Kenyan nurses need recognition of their qualification and German language skills, usually B2 for the full 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.
The Kenya–Germany partnership
According to the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, the partnership agreed in September 2024 aims to expand legal pathways for work, study and training and to strengthen fair recruitment, while also cooperating on returns. It sets no fixed quota. Kenyan authorities have announced stronger vetting of recruitment agencies – only use agencies that are properly licensed in Kenya.
Recognition
Your nursing diploma or degree is assessed by the competent authority of the German federal state where you plan to work. A deficit notice is common; you then complete a knowledge test or an adaptation course. Use the Recognition Finder on Anerkennung in Deutschland.
German language
Plan for B2 for the full licence, often with a nursing-specific language exam. For the recognition partnership (§ 16d (3)), A2 is usually enough at entry.
Visa
With a German employer, typical routes are the recognition partnership (§ 16d (3)) or the visa for adaptation measures (§ 16d (1)). Visa applications are handled by the German Embassy in Nairobi.
Fees
Under the employer-pays principle, nurses should not pay placement-related costs. Read our guide on fees and scams 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
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
- Recognition partnership (§ 16d (3))
- Documents checklist for recognition
- Apply with Berlin Tehran
Frequently asked questions
Is Kenya on the WHO health workforce safeguards list?
No. Kenya is not on the WHO list 2023 or the annex to § 38 BeschV, so private recruitment for German health jobs is permitted.
Does the Kenya–Germany agreement give me a job or visa automatically?
No. It creates a framework for legal pathways. You still need recognition, German skills, a job offer and a visa.
Where do Kenyan nurses apply for a German visa?
At the German Embassy in Nairobi. Check its website for current appointments and document requirements.
Can Berlin Tehran help nurses from Kenya?
Yes. We help with documents and coordinate with employers in Germany; authorities decide on recognition and visas.