Nursing Jobs: Requirements for Indian Nurses to Work in Germany
How to Become a Nurse, Work in Germany
Germany was always a popular destination for Indian workers, nurses aren’t exception. The good news is that some foreign health workers, especially nurses are eligible to work in Germany with their already earned qualifications. However, there are few special requirements for Indian nurses willing to live, work and of course pay taxes in Germany:
- First and foremost your qualifications must be recognized in Germany
- You must have a German language certificate of level B1 or B2
- All certificates must be translated into German and notarized
- Physical and mental health
- Proof of impunity (police certificate)
Accordingly to statistics, only 50% of applicants get their nursing education recognized. The other 50% will need to pass additional exams and attend some courses. Read below for more detailed information.
How to work as an Indian nurse in Germany
There are thousands of foreign qualified nurses coming to Germany each year to work. Even if their degree and certificates don’t get recognized there are many ways to pursue the career. Recognition depends on the country of origin of the candidate:
You received full recognition of your professional degree/qualifications. As soon as you have a specific job offer, you can apply for a German working visa or residence and working permit if already in Germany.
You don’t receive full recognition of your professional qualifications. In this case, you can pass the necessary exams and take additional courses in Germany, so you can cover this lack of theoretical or practical knowledge.
Especially as an Indian nurse you will need is a university bachelor’s (BSc or PBBSc) in Nursing, a few years of work experience (optional) and of course, a German Language Certificate at B2 level.
Option 1. If you fall into the second category and your qualifications could not be accepted, and you already have a job offer as a certified nurse your employer may agree to downgrade your job contract to a nursing assistant. This will enable you to apply for a German working visa and work while you are gaining missing credentials on the side. However, expect a lower salary but also many advantages such you get practical experience and skill training while not carrying the full weight of responsibility for your patients. After you pass an exam, your job status and salary will be upgraded to the qualified nurse.
Option 2. In case you don’t have a current job offer then you have a chance to receive a visa for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications.
It can be issued only under certain conditions in order to undertake further training and earn missing qualifications for a maximum length of 18 months.
In these 18 months, you are able to take all educational measures such as adaptation courses, preparatory courses for examinations, language courses or company-based continuing education. You are even allowed to work as a nursing assistant and earn income if you find a suitable job.
After the recognition procedure has been completed positively, and you passed all the needed exams, your visa can be extended for up to one year in order to find a job as a qualified nurse. And finally, you are almost there!