Nursing Jobs in Germany: A Complete Guide for Foreign Professionals (2025)

Germany is one of the top destinations for foreign nurses, thanks to its growing healthcare sector, excellent work environment, high salaries, and structured visa pathways. If you're a nursing professional from India, the Philippines, or another non-EU country, this guide will show you exactly how to start your nursing career in Germany.

Whether you hold a BSc Nursing, GNM Diploma, or have years of experience, Germany offers multiple opportunities with visa sponsorship and long-term growth potential.

Why Choose Germany for a Nursing Career?

• Over 50,000+ open nursing positions in 2025

• High salaries and secure contracts for registered nurses

• Visa sponsorship through hospitals and recruitment partners

• Clear pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

• Excellent work-life balance and employee benefits
  

Germany is actively hiring nurses for hospitals, old-age homes, rehabilitation centers, and home care services — making it one of the best countries for international nurses.

🏥 Types of Nursing Jobs Available in Germany

• Staff Nurse (Krankenschwester/Krankenpfleger)

• ICU Nurse

• Elderly Care Nurse (Altenpfleger/in)

• Pediatric Nurse

• Home Care Nurse

• Geriatric Nurse

• Operating Room Nurse
  

Ich arbeite als Krankenschwester in einem deutschen Krankenhaus. (I work as a nurse in a German hospital.)

Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Nurses in Germany

To work legally as a nurse in Germany, you must:

1. Hold a recognized nursing qualification (e.g., BSc Nursing, GNM, Diploma)

2. Have minimum 2–3 years of experience (preferred)

3. Pass German language exam (usually B1 or B2 level)

4. Get your qualification recognized by German health authorities

5. Receive a job offer or sponsorship from a healthcare employer in Germany
   

Even if your degree is not directly recognized, you may be allowed to work as a nursing assistant while completing your adaptation training.

German Language Requirement for Nurses

German proficiency is mandatory for working in healthcare roles. You must pass:

• B1 or B2 Level German Certificate (Goethe, Telc, or ÖSD)

• FSP (Fachsprachprüfung) – A medical German exam for licensing

• Telc Pflege B1–B2 – Nursing-specific language certification
  

Ich habe das B1-Zertifikat in Deutsch bestanden. (I have passed the B1 certificate in German.)

Salary of Nurses in Germany (2025 Update)

Experience Level	Monthly Gross Salary (EUR)
Nursing Assistant (pre-recognition)	€1,800 – €2,300
Recognized Nurse (post-B2 & licensing)	€2,800 – €3,800
ICU/Pediatric/OR Nurses	€3,500 – €4,500
With 5+ Years of Experience	Up to €5,000+

Salaries vary based on region, specialization, and working hours (night shifts pay more).

Visa Options for Foreign Nurses

1. Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräftevisa)
   

   • For recognized nurses with B1 or B2 German

   • Sponsored by the hiring hospital or employer
     

2. Visa for Qualification Recognition
   

   • If your degree is not directly equivalent

   • You work while completing adaptation training (Anerkennungsverfahren)
     

3. EU Blue Card (In Some Cases)
   

   • For highly experienced nurses in high-demand areas

   • Requires a minimum gross salary of ~€45,300/year

Documents Required to Apply

• Valid passport

• Educational certificates & mark sheets

• Nursing registration/license (India/Nursing Council)

• Experience letters

• German language certificate (B1/B2)

• Job offer letter or contract

• CV in German format

• Passport-size photos

• Visa application form

Where to Find Nursing Jobs in Germany

• Hospital Career Pages (e.g., Charité, Helios, Asklepios)

• LinkedIn.de & StepStone.de – Use “Krankenschwester + Visa Sponsorship”

• Make-it-in-Germany.com – Official portal for international job seekers

• German Recruitment Agencies – Many offer free placement + visa support

  Be cautious of agencies charging high upfront fees — always verify credentials.

How Das Language Nest Supports Aspiring Nurses

We specialize in career-focused German language training for healthcare professionals, offering:

• Live German classes (A1 to B2)

• Telc Pflege & FSP exam prep

• Lifetime access to class recordings

• One-on-one support for visa documentation

• Mock interviews, resume help & adaptation counseling
  

Learn German. Build your nursing career. Move to Germany with confidence.

Germany is Ready for You – Are You Ready for Germany?

If you're a trained nurse looking to work abroad, Germany offers one of the best career paths in 2025:

• High salary 

• Visa sponsorship 

• Long-term stability & PR options 

• Structured work environment 

• International respect as a healthcare professional
  

Start with German. The rest will follow.