Your step-by-step timeline: from abroad to nursing licence in Germany

In short: Most international nurses go through the same stages: learning German, preparing documents, finding an employer, recognition, visa, arrival and – after a knowledge test or adaptation course – the German nursing licence. The order can vary: with a recognition partnership, recognition is completed after entry. Tick off each step below as you go (nothing is saved or sent).

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 steps

1. Check eligibility: your country is not on the § 38 BeschV list for private recruitment; your nursing qualification is state-recognised in your country.
2. Start German: aim for A2 for entry via a recognition partnership and B2 for the licence.
3. Collect documents: diploma, transcripts, proof of experience, passport, CV – then sworn translations.
4. Find an employer: sign a contract or a recognition partnership agreement.
5. Recognition application: decision within four months after complete documents (or after entry, in a recognition partnership).
6. Visa: apply at the German mission – optionally faster via the employer's accelerated procedure (§ 81a).
7. Arrival: registration of address, bank account, health insurance, tax ID, residence permit appointment.
8. Compensation measure: knowledge test or adaptation course, plus B2 / nursing language exam.
9. Licence: permission to use the title Pflegefachfrau / Pflegefachmann – you now work as a registered nurse.

Print this plan

Official time limits you can rely on

• Recognition authority: receipt confirmation within one month; decision within four months after complete documents.
• Opportunity Card: valid for up to 12 months of job search.
• Recognition partnership (§ 16d (3)): residence permit for initially up to one year, extendable up to three years.

Everything else – language learning, finding an employer, visa appointments – depends on you, your employer and the German mission in your country.

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

• Working as a nurse in Germany: requirements, recognition and visa
• Documents checklist for recognition
• Recognition: time and cost
• Recognition partnership (§ 16d (3))
• Apply with Berlin Tehran

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to work as a nurse in Germany?

It depends mainly on how quickly you reach the required German level and how complete your documents are. Recognition itself is decided within four months after complete documents.

Can I move to Germany before recognition?

Yes, for example with a recognition partnership (§ 16d (3)) or a visa for adaptation measures (§ 16d (1)).

Is my checklist saved?

No. The checkboxes only work in your browser window; nothing is stored or sent.

Sources (official, as of October 2026)

• Anerkennung in Deutschland – recognition portal
• § 16d Residence Act (German)
• § 38 Employment Ordinance (German)
• Make it in Germany