How to Work as a Nurse in Germany Without a German Degree

Germany has one of the most structured healthcare systems in the world — and right now, it urgently needs thousands of qualified nurses. The good news? You don’t need a German degree to work as a nurse in Germany.

If you hold a BSc Nursing or GNM diploma from a country like India, the Philippines, Nepal, Kenya, or elsewhere, you can still qualify for a fully legal and high-paying nursing job in Germany — provided you meet some basic criteria.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through:

• How to get your foreign nursing qualification recognized

• Required documents & eligibility

• Visa pathways for non-German graduates

• German language requirements

• How to apply for jobs and start your career

Is It Possible to Work in Germany Without a German Nursing Degree?

Yes. Germany allows foreign-trained nurses to work in the country through a process called "Berufsanerkennung" (Recognition of Qualifications).

Even if you studied abroad, you can:

• Work temporarily as a Nursing Assistant

• Complete adaptation training or exams

• Get full recognition and registration as a nurse (Pflegefachkraft)

• Start earning a full nurse salary in Germany

Who Can Apply?

You are eligible if you:

• Hold a recognized nursing qualification (e.g., BSc/GNM)

• Have completed minimum 3 years of training/study

• Are registered with a national nursing council

• Have a B1 or B2 level German language certificate

• Are willing to complete the recognition process in Germany
  

Even freshers or recent graduates can apply — many hospitals offer visa sponsorship + adaptation support.

What Is the Recognition Process (Anerkennungsverfahren)?

This is a legal procedure where your foreign nursing qualification is compared with the German curriculum.

3 Possible Outcomes:

1. Full Recognition – You meet all standards. You can work as a registered nurse immediately.

2. Partial Recognition – You need to complete:

   • An adaptation training (Anpassungslehrgang) or

   • A knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung/FSP)

3. Rejection – Rare, usually due to incomplete documents or non-accredited programs.

The process is handled by the regional health authority (Regierungspräsidium) in the state where your employer is located.

German Language Requirements

Certificate	Use
A2	For visa application (temporary nursing assistant)
B1	Required for recognition application
B2	Needed for full registration and direct employment
Telc Pflege / FSP	Specialized medical German exams for licensing

Example: Ich habe das B1-Zertifikat und arbeite im Anerkennungsverfahren. (I have the B1 certificate and I’m in the recognition process.)

Documents Required to Apply

• Valid Passport

• 10th and 12th mark sheets

• Nursing Degree or Diploma (GNM/BSc/Post-Basic)

• Nursing Council Registration (India or home country)

• Experience Certificate (if any)

• German Language Certificate (B1/B2)

• Updated CV (German or English)

• Statement of Purpose

• Passport-size photographs

• Police Clearance & Medical Test
  

All documents must be translated into German by a certified translator.

How to Find Nursing Jobs Without a German Degree

Once you’ve started your German language training and document preparation, begin applying to employers who offer:

• Adaptation support

• Visa sponsorship

• Mentoring during the recognition phase
  

Best Platforms to Apply:

• Make-it-in-Germany.com – Official government portal

• StepStone.de – Healthcare jobs in German hospitals

• LinkedIn.de – Use filters: “Pflege + Visa sponsorship”

• Recruitment agencies (Ensure they are registered and ethical)

Visa Options for Non-German Graduates

1. Recognition Visa (Visa zur Anerkennung ausländischer Berufsqualifikationen)

• Duration: Up to 18 months

• For those needing adaptation training

• Work as a nursing assistant during this period
  

2. Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräftevisa)

• For applicants with full recognition

• Long-term contract + full nurse salary

• Leads to PR in 3–5 years

Salary Range for Foreign Nurses in Germany

Role Type	Monthly Gross Salary
Pre-recognition (Assistant Nurse)	€1,800 – €2,200
Post-recognition (Registered Nurse)	€2,800 – €3,800
ICU/Pediatric/OT Nurse	€3,800 – €4,800
With Experience + Night Bonus	€4,500 – €5,500

Salary increases after full recognition, language fluency, and experience.

Learn German with Das Language Nest – Tailored for Nurses

We help you become job-ready by offering:

• Live online German classes (A1–B2)

• Specialized Telc Pflege / FSP exam prep

• Lifetime access to recordings

• SOP & CV writing support in German

• 98% success rate in job and exam outcomes
  

Ich bereite mich mit Das Language Nest auf meine Pflegekarriere in Deutschland vor. (I’m preparing for my nursing career in Germany with Das Language Nest.)

You Don’t Need a German Degree — Just the Right Plan

If you’re a licensed nurse outside Germany, you don’t need to start over. With:

✔️ Recognized qualifications  ✔️ German language skills  ✔️ A strong job application  ✔️ Willingness to adapt …you can build a successful, secure, and well-paying nursing career in Germany.

📌 Start learning German.  📋 Prepare your documents.  💼 Apply confidently — your opportunity awaits in Germany.