Nurse Visa Route

Eligibility requirements

• 1Nursing qualification equivalent to German 3-year Krankenpflege/Pflegefachmann standard
• 2Credential recognition (Anerkennung) from the relevant state authority (Landesbehörde)
• 3Job offer from a German hospital, care facility or healthcare provider
• 4B2 level German language proficiency (required for patient communication and registration)
• 5Health insurance (mandatory in Germany)
• 6No serious criminal record

Document checklist

• Valid passport
• Nursing qualification and certified German translation
• Credential recognition decision or application reference
• Job offer / employment contract from German employer
• German language certificate (Goethe B2, telc B2 or equivalent)
• Proof of health insurance
• Biometric passport photograph
• Completed visa application form

Step-by-step process

1. 1

   Apply for credential recognition through the relevant state nursing authority or the IQ Network Germany

2. 2

   If partial recognition: complete an adaptation measure (Anpassungsmaßnahme) or compensatory exam

3. 3

   Learn German to B2 level (minimum B1 for visa; B2/C1 needed for clinical work)

4. 4

   Apply for the position through the ZAV (International Placement Services) or directly to hospitals

5. 5

   Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa at the German embassy/consulate in your home country

6. 6

   Travel to Germany, register at the Einwohnermeldeamt (residents' registration office)

7. 7

   Apply for a residence and work permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis §16d or §18a)