Employment Procedure for Nurses in Germany
If you wish to officially work as a registered nurse in a German clinic, your professional diploma must go through a recognition procedure. This process applies to everyone who obtained their nursing education outside the European Union. During recognition, the German licensing authority compares your training and work experience with the German standard in terms of duration, content, and specialization.
⚠️ Important: Nursing diplomas from Eastern Europe and Asia do not fully match German requirements. Usually, the recognition body grants only partial approval and specifies which subjects must be additionally studied before the qualification is considered equivalent to a German diploma.
Our company assists international nurses by arranging temporary work permits. This allows you to start working as a nursing assistant while completing the required adaptation training directly in the clinic where you will later work as a full nurse. The training ensures full diploma recognition.
Salary during adaptation period: €1,800–2,200 gross
Free accommodation provided
Typical duration: around 6 months
Step 1. Initial Consultation
General overview of recruitment opportunities for non-EU healthcare professionals
Guidance on diploma recognition procedures in Germany
Information about German language courses and enrollment
Step 2. Application Package
To apply, you need the following documents:
German language certificate (minimum B1, in some cases A2 is acceptable)
Resume with photo
Copy of employment record or work history
Copy of nursing diploma
📧 All documents should be sent to our email.
After that:
Online interview via Viber or Skype with Ost West Medpersonal representative
Interview with the employing clinic
Step 3. Document Translation & Diploma Recognition
Each federal state in Germany has its own list of required documents. After the clinic is selected, the exact list will be confirmed by the local licensing authority.
🔑 Please note: Only sworn translators in Germany are authorized to provide valid translations. Translations done abroad will not be accepted.
Once translations are ready, the documents are submitted to the recognition authority. Processing usually takes 1–3 months. The result may require additional practice or exams in missing subjects.
The employing clinic takes responsibility for organizing your adaptation training and practical experience in those missing areas. You will be hired as a nursing assistant during this stage.
Step 4. Work Contract & Visa
To begin your adaptation training, you must apply for a visa at the German Embassy in your home country.
👉 Exception: Ukrainian citizens currently staying in Germany due to the war are not required to apply for a visa.
All necessary visa documents will be provided:
Employment contract
Approval from the recognition authority
Confirmation of training and accommodation
After completing the adaptation period and obtaining B2 German language level, you will be granted a permanent nursing position with a salary of €2,800–3,500 gross.
Language training from A2 to B2 runs parallel with your adaptation program in Germany.
📌 This structured pathway ensures that international nurses can successfully obtain full recognition of their qualifications, start working legally in Germany, and build a stable nursing career.