How to Become a Nurse in Germany

About the German Healthcare System

The German healthcare system is renowned for its high-quality services, combining public and private elements to ensure widespread coverage. It has a universal healthcare system, meaning that everyone legally residing in the country has access to healthcare. This includes residents, employees, and even tourists.

Individuals in Germany are required to have health insurance coverage. Most people opt for statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung or GKV), which is income-dependent. Certain professions or those with higher income can choose private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung or PKV).

The cost of healthcare is shared between employees and employers. Employees contribute a percentage of their income to health insurance, while employers cover the other portion. This ensures a steady flow of funds to support the healthcare system.

The system is known for its excellent medical services, advanced technology, and high medical standards and the country is home to many world-class medical facilities and renowned healthcare professionals. Emergency medical services are available 24/7. In case of emergencies, patients can go directly to the nearest hospital without prior authorization. Patients can even choose their doctors, hospitals, and specialists without the need for a referral.

The German healthcare system is designed to provide comprehensive and accessible healthcare services to residents, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to receive necessary medical care.

How to Become a Nurse in Germany

To become a nurse in Germany, you need to go through the following steps:

1. Put the Paperwork Together: To begin the process of becoming a German Nurse, you have to put together all the following required documents:
   - A valid means of Identification (International passport or personal ID).
   - Diploma or  bachelor’s certificate, and transcripts.
   - Your CV with information on school education, training(s), and professional career.
   - Evidence of duration of training from the school or training centre.
   - Evidence of the theoretical and practical subjects with hours per academic subject.
   - Proof of practical training such as clinical internships in the functional areas and departments (by hours).
   - Evidence of the type and scope of the final oral, written, and practical examination.
   - Evidence of activities in your learned profession. 
   - Evidence of further training.
   - Certificate of Current Professional Status and Good Standing.
   - Your marriage certificate or family register in the case of a change of name.
   - Police certificate.
   Depending on your situation, you may be asked to provide additional documents. These documents could also differ according to the authority or state you are applying to. 
    
2. Get the Documents Translated into German: You need to get all your documents translated into German before sending them to the German Embassy in your country for approval. Additionally, your documents may require an apostille to be considered valid in Germany, if you are coming from a fellow Hague country. To get accurate German translations as well as apostille translation services, you need to get a good Sworn Translator in Germany who can do the job according to the German standard.
    
3. Get approval for the translated documents: The German embassy has to approve the all your translated documents before they can be used. To do this, you should get an appointment from the German embassy and submit the required documents. This process will take about a week to complete. After you get them back, you are free to send them to Germany to start the next step which is the Anerkennung (Recognition) Process.
    
4. Sending the Documents for Recognition: If you already have qualifications in the Nursing field and want to use them in Germany, you must undergo the recognition process. A for­eign pro­fes­sion­al qual­i­fi­ca­tion can be recognised in Ger­many if it is equiv­a­lent to a Ger­man pro­fes­sion­al qual­i­fi­ca­tion. 
   To begin the process, send the documents and qualifications listed above, accompanied by your application, to the relevant authority in Germany. After the authorities have confirmed receipt of your application and documents, they will go through them and let you know if any more documents need to be added. The recognition process will take about three to four months, after which you will get a Notice from them on the outcome of the Recognition.
    
5. Interview with a German Employer and Secure a Job Offer: After getting your recognition response, you will need to get a job contract from a German employer. To get a nursing job in Germany, you can go through either of the ways; find a job yourself or let a job-finding agency find one for you.
   These interviews will be conducted in German so it is important to be fluent in the language. You do not need to take a language test or present a certificate yet. You can get your language certificate later.
    
6. Get the Approval of the Federal Employment Agency: This process is for foreign nationals who are not from EU member states and EFTA states. After getting your job contract as a foreign national from a third country, you still need the approval of the Federal Employment Agency where they will be assessed to see if you qualify as a German nurse. This process will also take about one to two months.
    
7. Apply for a visa at the German Embassy: As a non-EU resident, you will need to apply for a visa to enter, live and work in Germany. After you have collected all your approved documents, you can schedule an appointment at the German Embassy in your country to apply for a visa. This process can take about 4 to 6 weeks. If you are successful and receive visa approval, you can go ahead and make your travel preparations.

How can Translayte Help you on This Journey?

One of the most important steps in becoming a nurse in Germany is getting sworn translations for your foreign non-German documents. Ignoring this step means the needed German authorities will not approve your documents. You need a sworn translation to support immigration, civil, legal or academic application in Germany, and at a German Embassy.

Translayte provides you with qualified and experienced sworn German translators that are sworn in by regional or federal courts in Germany. We offer fast turnaround, attractive prices and excellent customer service.

Sworn translations provided by us are accepted by the Standesamt (Civil Registry Office), Jugendamt (Youth Office), Ausländerbehörde (Foreign Registration Office) and other German institutions, such as universities, banks, local authorities and courts. 

Request a free quote now and get started. 

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