Apply for permission to use the professional title as a nurse from third countries
Source: BUS Rheinland-PfalzThe profession of nurse is regulated in Germany. This means that in order for you to be able to work in Germany as a nurse, you need a state permit. With the permission, you may use the professional title "Health and Nurse" or "Health and Nurse" and work in the profession.
Even with a professional qualification from a so-called third country, you can obtain state permission from the competent authority in Germany. Third countries are all states that do not belong to the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. In order to obtain the permit, you must have your foreign professional qualification recognised.
On 1 January 2020, nursing training in Germany was reformed and the new Nursing Professions Act applies. The profession on this basis is called "nurse" or "nursing specialist" and is new. There is a transitional period for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications on the basis of the Nursing Act. Until 31 December 2024, foreign professional qualifications may still be recognised as a health and nursing nurse on a transitional basis. The competent authority will advise you.
In the recognition procedure, the competent authority compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification and checks its equivalence. The equivalence of the professional qualification is an important prerequisite for the granting of the state permit. In addition to the equivalence of the professional qualification, you must also meet other requirements for the granting of the permit. Further requirements are, for example, sufficient German language skills and health suitability.
If your professional qualification comes from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, different regulations apply.
You can also apply for the procedure from abroad.