Application for a professional license as a nursing specialist from third countries
In order to be allowed to work as a nursing specialist in Germany, you need a professional permit. For this purpose, the equivalence of your foreign training with the German training will be checked. If there is equivalence, you can get...
In order to be allowed to work as a nursing specialist in Germany, you need a professional permit. For this purpose, the equivalence of your foreign training with the German training will be checked. If there is equivalence, you can get a work permit if the requirements are met. If there is no equivalence, you must first complete an adjustment measure (knowledge test/adjustment course) before you can receive a work permit.
Important notes
Prerequisites
- You have successfully completed training as a nursing specialist outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and are entitled to work independently as a nursing specialist there.
- You want to work as a nurse in Germany.
- Personal suitability: You are reliable to work as a registered nurse and have no criminal record.
- Medical suitability: You can work mentally and physically as a nurse practitioner.
- You have German language skills at the required language level. This is usually language level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Documents required
- Application (available online)
- Documents according to leaflet (available online)
- Proof of language proficiency B2/ technical language test (see leaflet)
- Medical certificate (available online)
- Official certificate of good conduct according to § 30 Para. 5 BZRG
Deadlines
No
Procedure & Fees
Procedure
You compile your documents using the leaflet that you can find on our website or that you have received from us. Submit the documents together with the application in the required form.
equivalence test
The competent authority will then check whether you meet all the requirements. An important prerequisite is the equivalence of your professional qualification. The competent authority compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification as a nursing specialist. The professional qualification is equivalent if there are no significant differences between your foreign professional qualification and the German professional qualification.
Possible results of the test
If there is equivalence, submit proof of your health, language and personal suitability (instruction sheet).
If there is no equivalence, you will complete an adjustment measure in the form of a knowledge test or an adjustment course. You will receive further information from us on this.
Processing time
- up to 2 months in the accelerated procedure
- up to 4 months in the regular procedure
Fees
at least EUR 225, depending on the effort up to EUR 600 plus EUR 42 for the certificate
Legal notes
Legal remedies
An objection to a negative decision can be raised within one month of notification at the office specified in the letterhead.
Legal basis
§ 1 para. 1, 40, 41, 42 43 Nursing Professions Act
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/pflbg/__1.html
§ 2 Nursing Professions Act
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/pflbg/__2.html
§§ 43 ff. Nursing Professions Training and Examination Ordinance - PflAPrV
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/pflaprv/__43.html
Section 10 of the Federal Expellees Act
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bvfg/__10.html
§ 17 Professional Qualifications Assessment Act
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bqfg/__17.html
Downloads & Links
Links on hamburg.de
Find out your responsible facility
Keywords: Foreign qualification Equivalency assessment Recognition in Germany adaptation course foreign degree professional qualification work permit Permission to use the professional title professional recognition Access to occupation adaptation period notice of recognition recognition procedure Aptitude test Certificate of Equivalence healthcare profession Professional Qualifications Assessment Act Directive 2005/36/EC
Last updated: 04.12.2023