You have completed a degree in the healthcare field abroad (e.g. as a nurse) and would like to work in Germany? Are you looking for a partner who will help you achieve the recognition, find an employer and support you?
MEDWING will be happy to support you during the entire process from the German language training to the successful recognition in Germany.
MEDWING will be happy to support you during the entire process from the German language training to the successful recognition in Germany.
Working as a healthcare professional
Why move to Germany?
Further information can be found in this detailed brochure
Learn more about the healthcare landscape in Germany, i.e. the professional environment, tasks and work areas of nurses or professional associations.
Furthermore, you can find information on your rights and obligations as an employee in Germany.
In the section on the immigration process and integration support, you can find out which political, social, religious and cultural opportunities you can exercise or participate with in Germany.
Furthermore, you can find information on your rights and obligations as an employee in Germany.
In the section on the immigration process and integration support, you can find out which political, social, religious and cultural opportunities you can exercise or participate with in Germany.
How it works
The recognition process
What does "regulated jobs" mean?
All professions in the healthcare sector in Germany are regulated, meaning that you cannot simply practice these professions. Foreign degrees need to be recognized by the German authorities. This applies to nurses, radiologic technologist, medical staff, surgical technologist, anesthesia technologist and midwives.
Thus, in order to be allowed to work as a nurse in Germany, the foreign degree must be officially recognized in Germany. A training or study alone from abroad is (mostly) not sufficient, which is why the professional recognition is very important.
Where and how do I apply for recognition?
Foreign professionals apply for recognition in the federal state in which they wish to work. In this process, the so-called "Gleichwertigkeitsprüfung" or “equivalence assessment” is usually checked, i.e. the degree obtained abroad is compared with the relevant German training. The practical and theoretical content of the training, as well as professional experience, if this can be demonstrated (e.g. by work references), are taken into account.
Tip: Please be sure to follow the checklist of the respective federal state and carefully check which documents are required – and especially in which format. Some documents might need e.g. an apostille or a certified copy from the German embassy in your home country.
What is the result of the "Gleichwertigkeitsprüfung"?
The result of the equivalence assessment will be communicated to you in an official assessment statement. This statement will list the deficits for the relevant specialities (e.g. internal medicine, surgery). This means that the hours you could prove for each specialty are compared with the hours of the German education for the profession. The “missing hours” are listed as deficits. Depending on the amount of deficits, the following three results can be determined:
- Notice of approval (e.g. on the basis of professional experience)
No recognition process necessary - Notice of deficits
Deficits have to be compensated by an adaption qualification (see next section) - Notice of rejection
Deficits are too high but it is possible to complete the entire apprenticeship in Germany (in nursing 3 years).
In the case of degrees from third countries, i.e. outside the EU, a notice of deficits is generally determined and an adaptation qualification is recommended. The time needed for the recognitions process varies between 3 and 10 months depending on the federal state.
Tip: If you have no or little work experience, you can waive the equivalence assessment in some federal states and thus speed up the whole process.
Tip: If you have no or little work experience, you can waive the equivalence assessment in some federal states and thus speed up the whole process.
Adaption qualification: Knowledge test and refresher training
If you receive a notice of deficits, you can choose between two different options – but usually this also depends heavily on your employer:
Knowledge test (or aptitude test for EU degrees)
- Comprehensive test, regardless of the identified deficiencies
- Has an oral and a practical part
- Preparation usually by a preparatory course (optional)
- The duration varies depending on the employer and the course concept (e.g. 3-6 months)
Refresher training
- This training consists of several courses with different modules – if possible adapted to the identified deficiencies
- Close support and a good combination of theory and practice
- Duration depending on employer and concept between 6-9 months
- Instead of an exam, there is a “final interview” – but you also have to prepare well to pass it
Hint: Take enough time for preparation, as you only have two attempts to pass the knowledge test or the refresher training. MEDWING will be happy to advise and support you on the best options.
How we will help you
Support from MEDWING
We will help you with each step and cover the costs incurred together with your future employer.
Here you can find more information about what MEDWING can offer you:
Here you can find more information about what MEDWING can offer you:
Job search & interview
We thoroughly consider your preferences and find the right employer for you out of >2,500 partners. In doing so, we consider the type of institution and in which specialty you want to work, your geographical preferences, and which employers are a good cultural fit for you.
We inform you transparently about available job offers, answer all your questions about Germany and the process, and prepare you for the interview with the employer.
We inform you transparently about available job offers, answer all your questions about Germany and the process, and prepare you for the interview with the employer.
Language training
The German language is very important not only for recognition but also for integration – after all, you should understand colleagues, patients and new friends in Germany. At the latest by the end of your adaption qualification, you have to present a B2 certificate – but often you need an A2, B1 or even B2 level for the visa. In general, only Telc-, ÖSD or Goethe certificates are recognized.
MEDWING organises your language course and also covers the costs of the course and the necessary language exam. Details may depend on your home country and will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.
The B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) is currently required for professional admission. In the future, the language proficiency test will be based on a B2 specialist language test, i.e. for specialist language care. In addition to the general language courses, there are also courses that prepare you specifically for the practice of nursing professions.
MEDWING organises your language course and also covers the costs of the course and the necessary language exam. Details may depend on your home country and will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.
The B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) is currently required for professional admission. In the future, the language proficiency test will be based on a B2 specialist language test, i.e. for specialist language care. In addition to the general language courses, there are also courses that prepare you specifically for the practice of nursing professions.
Recognition, Work permission, Visa process
We create checklists with the documents that we need from you at the authorities for all processes. This is complex, but we support you and we have local contacts through our partners in many countries, who can help you on site and in your native language. We or our partners take care of the translation and certification of your documents and submit the applications to the German authorities.
We support you, but it is also important that you apply for certain documents in your home country (such as a police clearance certificate, documents from your university or training) and provide them to us in good time. When all the documents are available, we apply for recognition, a work permit and organize the visa appointment.
We support you, but it is also important that you apply for certain documents in your home country (such as a police clearance certificate, documents from your university or training) and provide them to us in good time. When all the documents are available, we apply for recognition, a work permit and organize the visa appointment.
Relocation
To ensure that you get to Germany safely, we organise your trip to Germany and cover the travel expenses together with your employer. We will explain all the processes before you leave and also review a packing list, so that you don’t forget anything. But also don’t take too much with you to Germany.
After your arrival, we also help you with all important matters: health insurance, registration in Germany, appointments at the immigration office, bus timetable and work routes, etc.. An apartment is arranged for you by either your employer or MEDWING – we take into account that it won't be too expensive and you can pay the rent well.
After your arrival, we also help you with all important matters: health insurance, registration in Germany, appointments at the immigration office, bus timetable and work routes, etc.. An apartment is arranged for you by either your employer or MEDWING – we take into account that it won't be too expensive and you can pay the rent well.
Integration & Support
In addition to the administrative aspects in the relocation process, we will accompany you during your first months on behalf of your employer with various trainings, activities and lots of opportunities for discussion. For example, we take a city tour, an excursion into the surrounding area, digital consultation hours, give you tips in our social media groups or organise a Christmas party.
You are part of the MEDWING community and together we want to make you feel at home in Germany, at your employer and at your new place of residence. We have a team of integration guides who will support and accompany you in the integration process.
You are part of the MEDWING community and together we want to make you feel at home in Germany, at your employer and at your new place of residence. We have a team of integration guides who will support and accompany you in the integration process.
Are you looking for a job in Germany? Click on the button and fill out our request form - we will get in touch with you shortly!
A placement with MEDWING
What we expect from you
Completed education in your home country
You should have successfully completed a nursing education or training as a nurse (or in the respective profession) in your home country.
Language skills
Active participation and successful completion of a German course at B1 or B2 level (depending on the employer) are prerequisites for working in Germany. At the latest, when you reached B1 you should plan a lot of time for the language course (details will be discussed in the preliminary discussions).
Required documents
All documents required for the process must be submitted on time – for some documents we need your help! It would be great if you request all the documents on time – you can always contact us if you have any questions.
True motivation for the Job and employer
If you accept a job and sign an employment contract, we ask you to make a conscious decision and plan to work for the employer for at least 2 years. Even if there is no minimum term specified in the contract, this is a fairness we expect from you.
A time overview
The mediation process
Here you get an idea at what time you can expect the individual process steps. The exact process depends on several factors like your german proficiency or your home country.
Our international recruiting team
Your contact persons
Depending on your home country or -region, MEDWING has specialized contact persons who will support you and handle the whole process.
Our actions and all services offered are based on our values. You can find them in our policy statement.
With our network and expertise
We support you
You can reach us from Monday to Friday between 9 am to 5 pm. Arrange a free consultation appointment or submit a complaint – you can view our complaint process here. We will contact you within 48h.