Nursing professionals: Starting your career in Germany
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Your journey to Germany
Are you a qualified nurse and would like to work in Germany? Then we will support you from your first contact with us right through to your start date. Starting afresh in another country is a big decision. That's why we support you every step of the way. We prepare you linguistically and help you with the organizational steps. This includes visas and residence permits, recognition of your qualifications, and your first steps in Germany.
Our services at a glance:
- Secure job: We support you in finding a permanent employment contract with a reputable employer in Germany.
- Professional license: We guide you through the certification process and prepare you for the necessary steps.
- Language preparation: We prepare you specifically for your everyday work and support you in acquiring the necessary German language skills.
- Visa: We support you with your visa application and compile the necessary documents.
- Personal contact: Our multilingual team accompanies you in your country of origin and in Germany.
- On-site support: Even after your arrival, we support you with your first steps and during the initial period.
Language
Fair recruitment. No costs for you.
TÜV Rheinland Academy guarantees fair and transparent placement of nursing professionals. There are no placement fees for you. We do not impose any binding or repayment obligations and adhere to recognized international standards. You can find more information in our policy statement on fair recruitment and placement.
Process of placement
We accompany you step by step on your way to Germany. The process is designed to be transparent so that you always know what steps follow and what tasks lie ahead for both sides.
1. Registration and checking your documents
You send us your documents. We check your education, professional experience, and language skills. To participate in the placement program, you must have completed training as a nurse, have a language certificate at least at B2 level, and have at least two years of professional experience. If these requirements are met, we will accept you into the program and inform you about the next steps.
2. Selection process
We present your profile to suitable employers in Germany. Interviews are usually conducted digitally. We prepare you for this and accompany you through the entire selection process until you have an employment contract.
3. Preparation in your country of origin
Before you arrive, we will help you prepare linguistically and get ready for life and work in Germany. This includes language training, nursing vocabulary, intercultural orientation, and information on the recognition process and possible compensatory measures.
4. Visa, recognition, and entry
We support you with your visa application, prepare all documents, and accompany you through the process until you are admitted to the labor market. We take care of translations, official requirements, and planning your entry. We also support you in finding temporary accommodation for the first few months and taking out the necessary insurance.
5. Arrival and integration in Germany
After your arrival, we will assist you with important organizational steps. These include registration, health insurance, and opening a bank account. In addition, we will accompany you through the further steps of your professional recognition and organize further language training if necessary. Our team will also be available to answer any questions you may have during the first few months.
International skilled workers are a real asset to us—but only with the right preparation. Thanks to the support of TÜV Rheinland, our team was on board from the very beginning.
Melanie Philipps
Human resources management, Rosenpark Klinik
Professional recognition in Germany
In order to work as a nurse in Germany, your foreign qualification must be officially recognized. We will guide you through every step of this process and ensure that your documents are submitted correctly, reviewed, and processed in full.
Submitting documents
We will assist you in compiling the necessary documents, such as educational certificates, professional experience, and language certificates. We will coordinate certifications and translations with you.
Review and decision
The competent authority will review your education in comparison to the German reference education. Different requirements and processing times apply depending on the federal state. You will then receive a decision on the full or partial recognition of your qualification.
Qualification
If there are differences between your education and the German qualifications, compensatory measures may be necessary. These include adaptation courses or knowledge tests. We organize these steps and support you linguistically and organizationally throughout the process. Many measures are eligible for funding.
Recognition
Once all requirements have been met, you will receive your professional license. This gives you official authorization to work as a nurse in Germany. This step marks the end of your recognition process and the beginning of your new career path.
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Our complaints procedure
If you have any questions, concerns, or problems, for example during the placement process or in the initial period after you start working in Germany, you can contact us at any time. It is important to us that you feel well supported.
1. How to reach us
You can contact us easily and confidentially.
Email: global-experts-intern-smbx@de.tuv.com
By mail:
TÜV Rheinland Akademie GmbH
Global Experts
Alboinstraße 56
12103 Berlin
2. What happens after you submit your request
We will confirm receipt of your message within 48 hours. We will then carefully review your request. You will receive a response with the next steps or a solution within three weeks at the latest.
3. Support and action
If immediate support is required, we will take action right away. We will keep you informed in a transparent manner about the measures that are planned or have already been implemented.
4. Personal contact
Your contact person is Maren Helget. She will accompany your request and is available to answer any questions you may have.
5. Confidentiality
Your message will be treated confidentially. It will be processed in accordance with the legal requirements for the protection of whistleblowers.
Frequently asked questions about working and living in Germany
Application and requirements
What requirements do I need to apply?
You need to have completed training as a nurse, have professional experience, and have a German B2 language certificate or be willing to achieve this level. It is important that your documents are complete so that we can guide you safely through the entire process.
Do I need German language skills to work as a nurse?
Yes. A German language level of B2 is required to work in Germany. If you have not yet reached this level, we will support you in achieving it and applying it confidently in your everyday nursing work.
How does the selection process work?
After we have reviewed your documents, we will suggest your profile to suitable employers. Interviews take place online. We will prepare you for this and accompany you until a decision is made.
Support from our team
How does our team support you along the way?
We won't leave you alone on this journey. We accompany you every step of the way, from the first contact to your arrival in Germany. We check your documents, prepare you for interviews, assist you with visas and recognition, and help you settle into your new everyday life.
Who will accompany me throughout the entire process?
You will have a dedicated contact person who will accompany you from the first contact to your integration in Germany.
Can I talk to participants who are already in Germany?
Yes. If you would like to hear about personal experiences, we will be happy to put you in touch with people who have already successfully completed the process.
Recognition of qualifications
How does recognition work?
Your training is compared with German nursing training. We prepare all the documents together with you, take care of certifications, and submit everything to the relevant authority. We remain at your side until you receive your professional license.
What happens if I only receive partial recognition?
If, during the review of your qualifications, significant differences to German nursing training are identified, the relevant authority will order so-called compensatory measures. These serve to adapt your knowledge and skills to German standards. You can choose whether to complete an adaptation course or a knowledge test. The decision is made in consultation with your future employer.
How long does recognition take?
The duration of the recognition process depends on the differences identified and the compensatory measure chosen, and usually takes several months to a year.
How does the language training work?
You attend appropriate language courses and prepare for level B2 or higher. In addition, we practice everyday nursing situations and nursing-specific vocabulary with you so that you feel confident.
Working and living in Germany
What will my employment contract look like?
You will receive a permanent employment contract with a reputable employer. All conditions comply with the legal requirements and standards in Germany.
As an international nursing professional in Germany, will I receive the same salary as German nursing professionals?
Yes. The principle of equal treatment applies in Germany. International nursing professionals earn according to the same rules and rates as German nursing professionals once they have provided all the necessary qualifications and evidence, such as language skills and professional recognition. You will receive the same salary, the same number of vacation days, and identical social security and health insurance benefits, and you will be entitled to benefits from the German pension insurance scheme.
How high are the living costs?
The costs vary depending on the region. We will give you a realistic estimate of rent, food, transportation, and insurance in advance so that you can plan accordingly.
Am I insured from day one?
Yes. You are covered by statutory health insurance from the start of your employment. We will assist you with the selection and registration process.
Will I receive support with finding accommodation, dealing with the authorities, and everyday life?
We will help you find temporary accommodation for the first few months, register with the authorities, take out health insurance, open a bank account, and take care of other important everyday matters. We will remain available to assist you even after your arrival.
Can I bring my family over to join me?
Family reunification is generally possible if certain conditions are met. We will explain what is important and what steps are necessary.
Costs, security, and data protection
Do I have to pay anything?
No. The entire process is free of charge for you. We work according to the employer-pays principle. This means that you will not be charged any fees.
Which countries do we recruit from?
We only work with countries that do not have a critical shortage of nursing staff. This ensures that local medical care is not compromised and that international guidelines such as the WHO Global Code are complied with.
How is my data protected?
Your data will be treated confidentially and processed in accordance with German data protection standards. It will be used exclusively for the application and recognition process.
What happens if problems arise in my day-to-day work?
We remain your point of contact even after your arrival and will support you if uncertainties or difficulties arise. If you have a concern that you would like to report, you can do so in writing or by email. You will receive a response within 48 hours, and your concern will be carefully reviewed and dealt with promptly.