For nurses
Your path step by step
The path to Germany has many steps. Here we explain them in order. Not every step is the same for everyone. It depends on your degree and on the federal state (Bundesland).
Phase 1
Preparation in your home country
- You learn German with one of our partners.
- You collect your documents: your diploma, the list of subjects and hours of your training (Fächer- und Stundenübersicht), proof of work experience, your language certificate and your passport.
- One of our partners creates your profile with you.
Phase 2
Finding a facility
- Care facilities in Germany see your profile. They only see your name and contact details when both sides are interested.
- You have video interviews. You decide yourself who you want to continue with.
- If it works for both sides, you sign an employment contract (Arbeitsvertrag). Take your time and read it carefully. If you do not understand something, ask us.
Phase 3
Recognition and visa
- An authority in Germany checks your degree. This is called recognition (Anerkennung).
- At the same time, your visa is prepared.
- On the platform, you can see which documents are needed, which are already there and which are still missing.
Phase 4
Arrival and work
- You travel to Germany and start work at your facility.
- In the first weeks, you have many appointments: registering your address (Anmeldung), opening a bank account, health insurance (Krankenversicherung) and your residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel). We help you with this, in your language.
Phase 5
Full recognition
- After the check, some parts of your training are often still missing. Then you first work as a nursing assistant (Pflegehilfskraft).
- You make up the missing parts. There are two ways to do this: a knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung) or an adaptation course (Anpassungslehrgang).
- After that, you are a fully recognized nurse in Germany.
How long does it take?
We cannot say exactly. Full recognition often takes more than one year, sometimes much longer. How long it takes depends mostly on the authorities (Behörden). If someone promises you a fixed time, they cannot keep this promise.