For nurses from abroad – free of charge, with a signed contract before you travel
Work as a nurse in Germany: free placement with recognition, German course and visa
German hospitals, rehabilitation centres and care homes are looking for registered nurses. DIH International Recruiting places you with vetted employers, manages your professional recognition, organises your German course and runs the accelerated visa procedure. Free for you, with a dedicated contact on WhatsApp.
We work with candidates from India, the Philippines, Turkey, Latin America, the Arab countries and the Balkans. What matters is your qualification, your experience and your willingness to learn German, not your passport.
Send us a photo of your diploma and your CV on WhatsApp. We reply within 48 hours in English, German or Turkish.
Requirements
Qualification
State-recognised nursing qualification: Bachelor (4 years), diploma or a programme of at least three years. A four-year Bachelor makes the equivalence check much easier.
- B.Sc. Nursing, GNM (India), BSN (Philippines)
- Hemşirelik Lisans (Turkey)
- Licenciatura en Enfermería (Latin America)
- Licence / Bachelor (Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan)
- Medical secondary school plus practice (Balkans)
German
A1 or A2 is enough to start. We plan your path to B1 (entry) and B2 (licence) with you, including nursing terminology and exam preparation.
- Online courses and partners in your country
- Funding or employer coverage often possible
- telc, Goethe or ÖSD certificates
Experience and attitude
Hospital experience in ICU, theatre, geriatrics or psychiatry is a plus. More important than a specialisation is your readiness for a new country and a new team.
- Police clearance and medical certificate
- CV in German format (we help)
- Video interview with the employer
How it works
WhatsApp consultation
Diploma, experience, German level, preferred region. You get an honest assessment and a timeline.
Documents and German course
Certified translations, CV, language course to B1/B2. We organise and accompany.
Employer and contract
Introduction to hospitals or care homes, video interview, employment contract with salary and location.
Recognition and visa
Application to the state authority, deficit notice, accelerated skilled-worker procedure under § 81a.
Arrival and start
Housing, registration, bank account, health insurance. Start as nurse in recognition, then full licence.
Typical duration: 4 to 6 months with German B1/B2, 12 to 18 months without prior German. Authority processing times are outside our control.
What to expect in Germany
Salary and security
Collective-agreement salary in hospitals from about €3,300 gross, shift allowances, 30 days of leave, permanent contracts. Slightly less during the adaptation period, full rate after recognition.
Recognition with support
If your training differs from the German one, you close the gap through a knowledge test or an adaptation period while already working. We coordinate school, authority and employer.
Family and future
Family reunification, child benefit, permanent residence after a few years. Many of our nurses bring partners and children within the first year.
Frequently asked questions
Does the placement cost me anything?
No. DIH does not charge nurses a placement fee. The employer in Germany pays our fee after the contract is signed (employer-pays principle). Translations, authority fees and language exams are costs within the process; many employers cover part of them, and we put that in writing before you sign.
Which degree do I need?
A state-recognised nursing qualification: Bachelor (B.Sc. Nursing, BSN, Hemşirelik Lisans, Licenciatura en Enfermería), diploma or a nursing programme of at least three years. Hospital experience helps. We check your documents free of charge before you apply.
How much German do I need, and who pays for the course?
German B2 is required for the full licence. For entry into the adaptation period most states accept B1. Many employers finance the course or reimburse it after arrival; we connect you with subsidised courses in your country and online.
How long does it take until I can travel?
With B1 or B2 typically 4 to 6 months; starting from zero German 12 to 18 months including the language course. The accelerated skilled-worker procedure (§ 81a) shortens the visa stage considerably.
What do nurses earn in Germany?
Hospitals pay by collective agreement (TVöD-P) from about €3,300 gross per month, plus shift allowances and an annual bonus. During the adaptation period the salary is lower and rises after recognition. All figures are in your contract before you travel.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Spouses and minor children can join you, often within the same procedure. Requirements are adequate housing and secured income. We discuss this in the first conversation.
Send your application
Fastest on WhatsApp. Or use the form below and upload your CV and diploma. We reply within 48 hours.