Apply now for Nursing Jobs in Germany with Visa Sponsorship. Germany is one of the top destinations for foreign healthcare professionals, especially nurses. With a rapidly aging population and a growing demand for medical staff, nursing jobs in Germany offer stable employment, high salaries, and pathways to long-term residency. The good news? Many German employers offer visa sponsorship for international nurses from non-EU countries such as India, the Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Indonesia, and more.
In this detailed guide, we cover:
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In-demand nursing roles
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Salary expectations
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Visa and sponsorship requirements
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Step-by-step application process
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Trusted job portals and agencies
Why Work as a Nurse in Germany?
Germany is investing heavily in its healthcare sector, offering opportunities to qualified nurses globally.
Top Reasons to Work in Germany as a Nurse:
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Shortage of over 100,000 nurses (expected to rise in 2025)
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Visa sponsorship programs for non-EU candidates
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Attractive salaries and benefits
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Opportunities to gain permanent residency
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Free or subsidized German language courses
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Safe, clean, and technologically advanced healthcare environment
Types of Nursing Jobs in Germany
Germany hires international nurses in both clinical and non-clinical settings.
Common Positions Include:
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Registered General Nurse (RGN)
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Geriatric Nurse (Altenpfleger)
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ICU/Intensive Care Nurse
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Theatre Nurse
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Surgical/Operating Room Nurse
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Pediatric Nurse
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Mental Health Nurse
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Home Care Nurse
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Nursing Assistants (for candidates in adaptation/training phase)
Nursing Salary in Germany (2025 Estimates)
Experience Level | Monthly Salary (Gross) | Remarks |
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Nursing Assistant (in training) | €1,200 – €1,800 | During adaptation/recognition phase |
Fully Recognized Nurse | €2,400 – €3,500 | Depends on region and experience |
Specialized Nurse (ICU/OR) | €3,500 – €4,500 | Higher pay with overtime |
Geriatric Nurse | €2,800 – €3,600 | Includes bonuses and night shift pay |
Who Can Apply?
You are eligible for nursing jobs in Germany with visa sponsorship if you:
- Have a degree or diploma in nursing (BSc Nursing or equivalent)
- Are registered with a nursing council in your home country
- Have relevant work experience (1–2 years preferred)
- Are willing to learn German to B1 or B2 level
- Have a clean criminal record and good health
Visa & Sponsorship Process for Nurses in Germany
Foreign nurses from non-EU countries must undergo professional recognition and apply for a work visa. Here’s how it works:
1. Nursing Qualification Recognition (Anerkennung)
Your nursing degree must be officially recognized in Germany. This involves:
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Submitting transcripts and curriculum
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Verifying equivalence with German nursing standards
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Completing adaptation training or exams if required
Authorities: Regierungspräsidium, ZAB, or regional Gesundheitsamt
2. Language Requirement
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Minimum B1 level for starting adaptation training
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B2 level German required for full recognition
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Exams: TELC B2 Pflege or Goethe-Zertifikat B2
Many employers pay for your language course or offer online German classes before arrival.
3. Visa Application (Work Visa for Skilled Workers)
Once recognized or conditionally accepted:
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Receive a job offer from a hospital or nursing home
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Employer provides visa sponsorship documents
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Apply for a Work Visa (D-Visa) at the German embassy
Documents Required:
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Valid passport
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Employment contract
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Recognition letter or adaptation plan
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Language certificate
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Proof of accommodation
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Health insurance
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Motivation letter
Processing Time: 6–12 weeks
4. Arrival & Residence Permit
Once in Germany:
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Register your address
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Apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office
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Begin working or enter adaptation program (Anpassungsmaßnahme)
Where to Find Nursing Jobs in Germany (with Sponsorship)
Here are top job boards and platforms where international nurses can apply:
Website | Description |
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Make it in Germany | Government portal for foreign workers |
EURES Portal | EU employment platform |
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) | Skilled workers recruitment programs |
Indeed Germany | Search “Krankenschwester visa sponsorship” |
Care.com Germany | Home-based and private care jobs |
ApoJob | Healthcare jobs across Germany |
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Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
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Helios Kliniken GmbH
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Asklepios Kliniken
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Diakonie and Caritas (faith-based nursing homes)
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Vivantes – Netzwerk für Gesundheit
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University Hospitals in Munich, Frankfurt, Leipzig
These employers often offer:
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Free language training
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Help with recognition process
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Subsidized accommodation
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Relocation assistance
How to Apply for Nursing Jobs in Germany (Step-by-Step)
1: Learn Basic German (A1–A2)
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Join online classes (e.g., Goethe-Institut, Duolingo, Babbel)
2: Prepare Documents
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Passport
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Updated CV (Europass format)
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Motivation Letter
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Nursing degree & transcript
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Nursing license or registration
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Reference letters
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German language certificate (if available)
3: Apply to Employers & Agencies
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Search for hospitals open to foreign candidates
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Submit your application via job portals or email
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Indicate if you need sponsorship
4: Complete Qualification Recognition
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Submit to German authorities
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Enroll in adaptation program if required
5: Apply for Work Visa
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Book embassy appointment
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Submit all required documents
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Wait for visa decision and travel to Germany
Sample Job Listing – Visa Sponsorship for Nurses
Job Title: Registered Nurse (General Ward)
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Salary: €2,800 – €3,400/month (after B2 recognition)
Requirements:
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BSc Nursing
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B1–B2 German
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Nursing license
Visa Sponsorship: Yes
Benefits: -
Free language course
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Support with residence permit
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1-month paid accommodation
Apply: Send CV to hr@frankfurtmedcare.de
International Recruitment Agencies for Nurses
Agency | Services |
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Promedis24 | Recruiting nurses from Asia and Africa |
Careloop | Digital platform for nurses & hospitals |
VPL Healthcare | International healthcare placements |
IPPNW Germany | NGO facilitating nurse placement |
Medicolink | EU and non-EU nurse relocation experts |
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Start learning German early – It’s essential!
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Apply to multiple employers and agencies
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Look for employers offering free German courses
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Never pay large upfront fees to recruiters
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Verify job offers and contracts carefully
Nursing Jobs in Germany for Foreigners FAQs
Do I need B2 German before applying?
Not necessarily. Some employers sponsor your language course and hire you as an assistant while you study.
Is experience required?
Yes. 1–2 years is usually required, especially for full nurse positions.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, after receiving your residence permit, you can apply for family reunification.
What if my qualifications are not fully recognized?
You can work as a nursing assistant while completing the required adaptation training or passing the knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung).
Some Useful Links
Final Thoughts
Germany’s demand for foreign nurses is not only real—it’s growing. With structured training programs, sponsored work visas, and strong labor protections, Germany offers a promising long-term career path for qualified nurses worldwide.
By meeting language requirements, preparing the right documents, and applying through trusted channels, you can secure a sponsored nursing job in Germany and start a new life in one of Europe’s most advanced healthcare systems.