All occupations in the health sector in Germany are regulated professions, i.e. you cannot simply practice these professions in Germany: You need recognition in Germany to graduate from abroad. This applies, among others, to nurses (nursing specialist), radiology assistance (MTRA), medical staff, surgical assistance (OTA), anesthetic assistance (ATA) and midwives. Therefore, in order to be able to work as a nursing professional in Germany, the foreign professional qualification must be officially recognized in Germany. Education or study from abroad alone is (usually) not sufficient, which is why professional recognition is very important. Recognition is granted when the education acquired abroad is recognized as equivalent. Equivalence is checked on the basis of defined formal criteria such as the content and duration of training. If there are differences between the foreign certificate and the German reference qualification, it is possible to take a so-called proficiency test. It is checked whether the applicant's knowledge is equivalent to the knowledge required for vocational training in Germany. Preparation courses are offered for this purpose in Germany. The examination is based on the content of the German state examination for the nursing profession. After passing the examination, the applicant may use the respective job title. Until formal state recognition, you may work as a nursing assistant in Germany. In this role, you have the opportunity to gain practical experience and consolidate your nursing skills in order to finally pass the exam based on the content of the training period.

In order to be able to work as a nurse in Germany, the foreign professional qualification must be officially recognized in Germany. Education or study from abroad alone is (usually) not enough, which is why professional recognition is very important.

The process until successful recognition usually takes 8-12 months.

You will receive a detailed checklist from us — feel free to contact MEDWING.
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Depending on the federal state, you have a certain amount of time to complete recognition; in exceptional cases, an extension is also possible. After successful recognition, you can remain in Germany as long as you have a German employer. Anyone who lives permanently and legally in Germany for eight years has the opportunity to obtain German citizenship - this is only the case in a few countries.

During the first week in Germany, we will explore your new surroundings together on a sightseeing tour. We'll show you shopping opportunities and places for leisure activities.

Of course, the exact process depends on various influencing factors, such as your knowledge of German or your country of origin. Here is an idea in which week you can expect the respective process steps: For timetable (available in DE, EN, FR, AR, FAR, IND, VN, TR)

We help you find accommodation for your start in Germany. Candidates usually live in shared apartments or in individual apartments with their colleagues as neighbors.

On average, the salary of nursing professionals is 2,800€/month (gross) and increases with professional experience. In addition to monthly income, employers offer many other supplements and employee benefits. Germany also offers a wide range of social benefits, such as health insurance, pension funds or unemployment insurance. In this context, there is often talk of gross and net salaries in Germany. The gross salary corresponds to the salary before deduction of taxes and social security contributions, which are paid on a mandatory basis. What remains after this deduction — your net salary — is paid to you monthly.
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Recognition means that, after checking your documents, your degree is recognized for professional practice in Germany.

Foreign specialists submit an application for recognition in the federal state in which they would like to work. As a rule, the so-called “equivalence” is checked, i.e. the degree obtained abroad is compared with the relevant German education. Both the practical and theoretical content of the training and professional experience are taken into account, if this can be proven (e.g. through work references). Tip: Please be sure to follow the checklist of the respective federal state and check exactly which documents are required - and above all in which format. Some documents, for example, require an apostille or a certified copy from the German embassy in your home country.

When receiving partial recognition, you can freely choose between two different options - but this usually also depends heavily on the employer:
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‍ Knowledge test (or aptitude test for training in the EU) Comprehensive examination, regardless of the deficiencies listed
Has an oral and a practical part
Preparation usually through a preparation course (optional)
The duration varies depending on employer and course concept (e.g. 3-6 months)
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‍ Adaptation qualification
‍ Course with usually different course modules - if possible adjusted to the identified deficiencies
Close support and a good combination of theory and practice
Duration between 6-9 months, depending on employer and concept
Instead of an exam, there is a 'final interview, 'but you also have to prepare yourself well for this and you have to pass
Tip: Take enough time to prepare, as you only have two attempts to successfully complete the knowledge test or the final interview.
MEDWING will be happy to advise and support you on the best options.

We help you with every step of the way and cover the costs incurred together with your future employer. There is also some funding, for example for the integration or German course. We support you in applying for this funding. In particular, the “Ordinance on Work-Related German Language Funding” — DeuFöV for short — is the legal basis on which vocational language courses for the German language are conducted. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) is responsible for running DEUFÖV courses. The BAMF approves public and private agencies for this purpose. Persons in the recognition phase of their foreign professional qualification can be issued by the BAMF. You can find more detailed information in this brochure.

Family reunification to Germany is generally possible. We recommend that you plan to reunify your family after successful recognition and/or after completing your probationary period. Only then have you really arrived and can start your life in Germany in the long term.

Upon receipt of partial recognition, you can freely choose between two different options - but usually this also depends heavily on the employer:Knowledge test (or aptitude test for training in the EU) Comprehensive examination, regardless of the deficiencies listed, has an oral and a practical part of preparation usually through a preparation course (optional) The duration varies depending on the employer and course concept (e.g. 3-6 months) Adjustment qualification course with Rule different course modules - if possible Adapted to the identified shortfalls, close monitoring and a good combination of theory and practiceDuration of between 6-9 months, depending on the employer and concept, there is a 'final interview' - but you also have to prepare yourself well for this and must you pass Tip: Take enough time to prepare, as you only have two attempts to successfully complete the knowledge test or the final interview. MEDWING will be happy to advise and support you on the best options.