In short: Once your application is complete, the authority must decide on recognition of a nursing qualification from a non-EU country within four months at the latest; it confirms receipt and tells you about missing documents within one month. Fees are set by each federal state and depend on the effort – for example EUR 164 in Berlin, or EUR 40–70 plus EUR 40 for the certificate in Bavaria. Translations, certified copies and any knowledge test or adaptation course cost extra.
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.
How long does it take?
- Within one month: the competent authority confirms receipt and lists any missing documents.
- Within four months after complete documents: you receive a decision (Bescheid) – either full recognition or a deficit notice listing the gaps.
- After a deficit notice: the adaptation course or knowledge test takes additional time; adaptation courses often last several months.
The clock only starts once your file is complete. Missing translations or unclear documents are the most common reason for delays – see our documents checklist.
What does it cost?
There is no single nationwide fee. Official examples (as of October 2026):
- Berlin: EUR 164 for the recognition procedure for nurses with a non-EU qualification (Service Berlin).
- Bavaria: procedure EUR 40–70, plus EUR 40 for the licence certificate (Bavarian State Office for Nursing).
Additional costs can arise for translations by sworn translators, copies, obtaining documents from your country, the knowledge test or adaptation course and optional preparation courses. Ask your authority for its current fee schedule.
Financial support
If you already live in Germany, you may be able to get financial support for recognition costs (for example the federal "Anerkennungszuschuss" or state programmes). Apply before you submit your recognition application. Free advice is available through the "Anerkennung in Deutschland" hotline and IQ advice centres.
Faster with the accelerated procedure
If your employer uses the accelerated skilled worker procedure (§ 81a Residence Act), the foreigners authority initiates and coordinates recognition. It is faster in practice but does not guarantee the outcome.
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 support healthcare professionals from all countries where private recruitment is permitted, with a particular strength in Iran. We do not provide legal advice; authorities make all decisions.
Apply as a healthcare professional Our ethical recruitment rules
Related guides
- Working as a nurse in Germany: requirements, recognition and visa
- Documents checklist for recognition
- Knowledge test or adaptation course?
- Accelerated skilled worker procedure (§ 81a)
- Apply with Berlin Tehran
Frequently asked questions
How long does nursing recognition take in Germany?
At most four months after your documents are complete, for qualifications from non-EU countries. The authority confirms receipt within one month.
How much does nursing recognition cost?
It depends on the federal state, for example EUR 164 in Berlin or EUR 40–70 plus EUR 40 for the certificate in Bavaria. Translations and compensation measures cost extra.
Can I get help paying recognition costs?
People living in Germany may qualify for federal or state financial support. Apply before submitting the recognition application.
Does the accelerated procedure speed up recognition?
Yes, the foreigners authority coordinates it under § 81a, but the result still depends on the recognition authority.