In short: Yes, if your nursing qualification is recognised as equivalent (or you close gaps with a knowledge test or an adaptation course) and you speak enough German – in practice usually B2. Without a matching qualification, the path is nursing training (Ausbildung) in Germany. Answer five questions to see which path fits you.
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Your possible path
Path: recognition of your nursing qualification
With at least three years of nursing training you are in a good position to be recognised as a registered nurse (Pflegefachfrau / Pflegefachmann). The authority in your future federal state compares your training with the German one. If it finds substantial differences, you choose between a knowledge test and an adaptation course to close them (§ 40(3) PflBG).
There are several entry routes, e.g. a visa for recognition measures or the recognition partnership (§ 16d Residence Act); after full recognition, employment as a skilled worker (§ 18a).
Path: recognition with a compensation measure
German nursing training takes three years (at least 4,600 hours of theory and practice). With shorter training, recognition is possible, but the authority is more likely to find substantial differences. Work experience can compensate for them (§ 40(2) PflBG); otherwise a knowledge test or an adaptation course closes the gap.
Path: training in Germany or nursing assistant
Training of less than two years is usually not enough for full recognition as a registered nurse. Realistic options are three-year nursing training in Germany (paid; earlier training may be partly credited, § 12 PflBG) or the nursing assistant qualification, which is regulated nationwide from 1 January 2027.
Path: recognition under EU law
If you completed general-care nursing training in the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, it is usually recognised automatically under Directive 2005/36/EC. You still apply for a licence to practise at the competent authority and prove your German. EU citizens do not need a visa.
Path: recognition in your own profession
Other health professions such as midwifery, physiotherapy or medical technology can be recognised too – each under its own rules and authorities. The official Recognition Finder shows the path for your profession. If you want to switch to nursing, you can start nursing training in Germany.
Path: nursing assistant or full training
From 1 January 2027 there is nationwide nursing assistant training (usually 18 months full-time). Foreign nursing-aide qualifications can be recognised; the rules depend on the qualification and the federal state. To become a registered nurse, you complete the three-year nursing training – prior knowledge may be partly credited.
Path: finish your degree, then recognition
Recognition requires a completed qualification. Finish your training or degree and learn German in parallel – then the recognition path is open. Alternatively, you can start nursing training in Germany.
Path: nursing training in Germany
Without healthcare training, nursing training in Germany is the way: three years full-time, paid, ending with the state qualification as a registered nurse. You usually need an intermediate school-leaving certificate or equivalent (§ 11 PflBG); nursing schools usually ask for German at B1. There is a visa for vocational training (§ 16a Residence Act).
German
Start with German. For the licence to practise as a nurse, authorities in practice usually require B2; nursing schools usually ask for B1.
German
A1–A2 is a start. A2 is enough for the recognition partnership; for the licence to practise you will in practice usually need B2.
German
B1 is usually enough for nursing training and for some entry routes. For the licence to practise as a nurse, B2 is usually required in practice.
German
With B2 you meet the usual language requirement. The competent authority decides which certificate it accepts.
Work experience
Your work experience can compensate for differences from German training (§ 40(2) PflBG). Include employer references that describe your duties.
Note on the WHO safeguard list
Your country is on the WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguards List (annex to § 38 BeschV). For this country, private agencies such as Berlin Tehran may not actively recruit or place nurses; only the Federal Employment Agency may. You can still apply directly to employers in Germany on your own initiative or contact the Federal Employment Agency.
Next step
If you would like to take this path with us, send us your profile. Our goal is to reply to first enquiries within 48 hours.
Helpful guides
Guidance, not legal advice. The result is a first assessment based on your answers. Decisions are made by the recognition authorities, German missions abroad and immigration offices.
What the check is based on
§ 2 of the Nursing Professions Act (PflBG) sets four requirements for the licence to practise: a completed or recognised qualification, personal reliability, health fitness and the necessary German. Foreign qualifications are checked for equivalence (§ 40 PflBG). The country list matches the annex to § 38 BeschV, the WHO safeguard list (55 states, checked on 18 October 2026).
Frequently asked questions
Can I work as a foreign-trained nurse in Germany?
Yes. You need recognition of your nursing qualification (licence to practise), sufficient German – in practice usually B2 – plus reliability and health fitness (§ 2 PflBG). If there are substantial differences, you close them with a knowledge test or an adaptation course.
What German level do I need as a nurse?
For the licence to practise, authorities in practice usually require B2. B1 is usually enough for nursing training, A2 for the recognition partnership.
My training was shorter than three years – do I have a chance?
Yes. Differences can be compensated by work experience (§ 40(2) PflBG) or by a knowledge test or adaptation course. With very short training, nursing training in Germany or the nursing assistant route is often more realistic.
Why does the check ask for my country?
Training from the EU follows its own recognition rules. Also, private agencies may not actively recruit from countries on the WHO safeguard list (annex to § 38 BeschV). You can still apply on your own initiative.
Are my answers stored?
No. The check runs only in your browser; nothing is stored or sent and there is no tracking.