In short: Genuine German employers need nurses and usually cover recruitment costs. Under the employer-pays principle of the state seal "Faire Anwerbung Pflege Deutschland", nurses should not pay placement fees, language-course or flight costs connected with the placement. Be cautious with anyone who asks for money up front, promises a guaranteed visa or a salary that sounds too good.
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.
Who should pay for recruitment?
Germany's state quality seal "Faire Anwerbung Pflege Deutschland" requires that nurses do not bear any costs directly or indirectly connected with their placement. The employer (or training provider) pays – including related costs such as language training and travel. Not every agency holds the seal, but its rules are a useful benchmark for what fair recruitment looks like.
Some origin countries have their own rules too. The Philippines, for example, only allows licensed agencies to recruit nurses for Germany and does not allow a placement fee to be charged to the nurse (see our Philippines guide).
Costs that are normal to pay yourself
Some costs are typically personal unless your employer agrees to cover them – for example your passport, your own exam attempts if you take them independently, or translations you order privately. Get every promise about costs in writing before you start.
Warning signs
- Upfront "processing", "registration" or "job reservation" fees.
- A "guaranteed" visa, recognition or job. Only German authorities decide on visas and recognition – no agency can guarantee them.
- No written contract, or a contract only in a language you do not understand.
- Pressure to sign quickly, or to hand over your passport or original certificates.
- A salary far above official figures (see our salary guide based on the Federal Employment Agency's data).
- Contact only via messenger, no company address, no German employer named.
- Recruiting health workers from a country on the WHO list (illegal for private agencies under § 38 BeschV).
How to check an offer
- Ask for the name and address of the German employer and check that it exists.
- Ask in writing who pays which costs, and what happens if you leave early (repayment clauses).
- Check if the agency holds the "Faire Anwerbung Pflege Deutschland" seal on the official list.
- Check the official requirements yourself on "Make it in Germany", "Anerkennung in Deutschland" and the website of the German embassy in your country.
- If you are from the Philippines, verify job offers with the Migrant Workers Office in Germany / Philippine Embassy.
Repayment clauses
Some contracts ask you to repay training or relocation costs if you leave within a certain time. German labour courts set limits on such clauses, but the details depend on the individual case. Read them carefully and get independent advice, for example from the advice service "Faire Integration".
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
Related guides
- Ethical recruitment: WHO list and employer pays
- Nurse salary in Germany: official figures
- Employment contract & probation
- Apply with Berlin Tehran
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to pay an agency to get a nursing job in Germany?
No. Under the employer-pays principle of the state seal "Faire Anwerbung Pflege Deutschland", nurses should not pay placement-related costs. German employers usually pay the recruiter.
Can an agency guarantee my German visa?
No. Visas are decided by the German embassy or consulate, and recognition by the competent state authority. Nobody can guarantee the outcome.
Where can I get free advice about my contract in Germany?
The nationwide advice service "Faire Integration" offers free, confidential advice to workers from non-EU countries on labour and social law questions.
How do I check whether an agency is fair?
Ask for everything in writing, check the employer, check the official seal list and compare the offer with official information from Make it in Germany and the German embassy.