How to work as a nurse in Germany with a foreign qualification (2026)

Official fees: Variessee the steps below
Steps: 4from degree to licence
Language: German: B2, usually with a nursing language exam
Planning time: About 1–2 years from starting German; the decision itself takes at most 4 months once your file is complete
Our estimate, not official

Where did you qualify?

Outside the EU and English-speaking countries EU, EEA or Switzerland UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand

Ask about a recognition partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft): with a job offer from a German employer and A2 German you can enter and complete recognition while you work.

Step by step

Each fee links to the page we took it from.

1

Learn German to B2
varies

B2 is required for the licence. Most states also want proof of nursing-specific German, usually through a specialist language exam. Source
2

Apply for recognition
set by each state

Send diploma, transcripts, proof of work experience, ID, certificate of good conduct and a medical certificate to the authority of your state. It decides within four months of receiving the complete file. Source
3

Close the gaps: knowledge test or adaptation course
set by each state

You normally choose. The Kenntnisprüfung tests the core subjects; the adaptation course (Anpassungslehrgang) is paid work under supervision in a hospital or care home, at most three years. If you waive the detailed comparison of your documents, only the knowledge test is open to you. Source
4

Receive the permit and start work
set by each state

With the permit to use the professional title you can work as a nurse anywhere in Germany.

Not included: courses, translations, travel, visas and living costs.

Practise with someone who passed

One-to-one online sessions with nurses who sat these exams themselves – they know what the examiners want.

Kenntnisprüfung – Pflege (nurses) tutors →

Study materials

Official practice tests, books and courses for each exam, checked on the publisher's or exam body's own page.

Kenntnisprüfung – Pflege (nurses) materials →

Stories from people who took this route

No story here yet. Took this route yourself? Share your story – it helps the next person more than any brochure.

Choose where to live

Compare Germany's 16 states side by side: immigrant population, people from your country, recorded crime and, where official data exists, hate crime. Official figures only, no scores.

Compare regions of Germany →

Settling in Germany

Renting a home, using your driving licence and the paperwork of your first months – three short guides, every rule linked to the official page.

Renting a home →Driving licence →Everyday life →

Agencies that help with this route

No agency listed for this route yet.

Recruiter, school or consultant for nurses in Germany? List your agency.

Questions

Can I start working before recognition?

Yes, through a recognition partnership with an employer or during the adaptation course, both under supervision. Ask your future employer and the authority.

Knowledge test or adaptation course – which is better?

The test is faster if your knowledge is solid; the adaptation course is paid and lets you learn on the job. You usually choose.

Sources

Last checked 19 October 2026. Fees and rules change – always confirm with the regulator before you pay. PassPeers is independent and not affiliated with any regulator or exam provider.