Visa for nurses: § 81a, § 16d, recognition partnership and family reunification
The accelerated skilled-worker procedure shortens the way to Germany to a few months. We explain deadlines, residence titles and documents and run the procedure with your employer.
Standard in every DIH placement · Fee usually paid by the employer
The accelerated skilled-worker procedure
Your future employer applies for the visa procedure under § 81a of the Residence Act at the central foreigners authority of its state. The authority coordinates the recognition office, the Federal Employment Agency and the embassy with fixed deadlines. The fee of €411 is usually paid by the employer.
- The recognition office decides within two months after the documents are complete
- Embassy appointment within three weeks after pre-approval
- Visa decision usually within another three weeks
- Spouse and children can be included in the same procedure
Which visa fits your situation
| Situation | Residence title | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Licence granted | Skilled worker (§ 18a or § 18b) | Licence, employment contract, approval of the Federal Employment Agency |
| Deficit notice, compensation in Germany | Recognition of foreign qualifications (§ 16d) | Deficit notice, contract as nurse in recognition, German usually B1 to B2, secured livelihood |
| Procedure not yet started, employer confirmed | Recognition partnership (§ 16d para. 3) | Recognised training of at least two years, German A2, agreement with the employer, application after arrival; work as assistant until the licence |
| German course before starting work | Language course (§ 16f) or combined with § 16d | Course place, financing, goal of recognition |
The foreigners authority and the embassy decide which title applies. We prepare the documents and coordinate the procedure with the employer; we do not provide legal advice.
Family, child benefit, future
Family reunification
Spouse and minor children can travel with you or shortly after, often in the same § 81a procedure. Requirements: adequate housing and secured livelihood. Spouses of skilled workers are usually exempt from the language requirement.
Child benefit and school
Child benefit of €255 per child per month (2026). Kindergarten and school are free or inexpensive; we help with registration on site.
Permanent residence and citizenship
After a few years with a skilled-worker permit, permanent residence is possible, later naturalisation. We explain the requirements when the time comes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the visa really take with § 81a?
From complete documents to the visa we expect six to ten weeks. The statutory deadlines are shorter; in practice translations, appointment allocation and document requests add time. Without § 81a, six to twelve months are not unusual.
What does the visa cost?
The fee for the accelerated procedure is €411, the visa itself €75. Translations, apostilles and the flight come on top. Which costs the employer covers is set in the employment contract; we raise this before signing.
Can I enter with A2 already?
Yes, through the recognition partnership under § 16d paragraph 3, if the employer takes part and your training lasted at least two years. Until the licence you then work as an assistant and continue German in Germany.
Visa with a plan
We check which residence title fits your situation and start the § 81a procedure together with your employer.
Send your application
Required fields are marked. Attach your CV and diploma as PDF or photo, or send them later on WhatsApp.