The Best Nursing Jobs in Germany for Foreigners in 2023

The medical industry in Germany is booming, and the demand for nursing jobs in Germany has never been higher. The demand for qualified nursing professionals in Germany continues to rise as the population ages and needs more assistance with day-to-day tasks, such as bathing and dressing. The aging population means new jobs, too While the overall economy continues to grow, the number of available nurses and other healthcare professionals has not kept pace, which means that more opportunities are opening up than ever before for qualified professionals from abroad.

In 2023, Germany will need more people to help care for its aging population, and to be able to do so, the German government has been pushing to attract foreign talent with nursing jobs in Germany. Nursing jobs in Germany offer a wide range of options to potential ex-pats, depending on their preferences and experience level. Whether they are looking to work in a hospital or with an agency, foreign nurses have numerous options to choose from when deciding where to work in Germany. 

How do you find the best nursing jobs in Germany for foreigners? It’s an important question to answer if you’re planning on relocating and getting hired as a nurse in one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world. The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities to begin your career as a nurse in Germany, but the bad news is that not all those opportunities are created equal.

Therefore, whether you’re looking to start a new career in Germany or move back to your home country after living abroad, it’s never been easier to find satisfying, high-paying nursing jobs in Germany today. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the best nursing jobs in Germany in 2023. With this list of the best nursing jobs in Germany, you can easily identify those opportunities that will offer the highest pay and benefits, along with other perks and lifestyle improvements that will be hard to find anywhere else.

Overview

If you're a nurse looking for an exciting new opportunity, then look no further than Germany! In recent years, the German healthcare system has been experiencing a shortage of nurses. As a result, many hospitals and clinics are now hiring foreign nurses to help fill the gap. According to research conducted by the AOK (German statutory health insurance company), there is a need for more than 16,000 nursing professionals across Germany by 2023. And this number is only expected to grow as the population ages and medical needs increase.

So if you have a nursing degree and want to work abroad, the time is now! With so many positions open, you'll be able to find work quickly without much competition. Plus with your international experience, employers will know that they can rely on you to provide excellent care while boosting their international reputation at the same time. But don't worry about not being fluent in German because the job market is currently shifting toward English-speaking candidates. With a little training and patience, you'll get up to speed faster than ever before!

Job Prospects for Nurses in Germany

Due to the excellent living conditions in Germany, a considerable proportion of the population enjoys good health well into old age. But with increasing life expectancy and an aging society, in addition to the decreasing number of young people beginning their professional careers, the demand for professional nursing as well as basic medical care is rising.

Germany's healthcare system is stable; nevertheless, nursing professionals remain to be in high demand and their contribution is more important than ever. Hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities are always on the lookout for nursing personnel with various levels of qualification in order to meet the increasing demand in the healthcare and nursing professions. 

According to the German Federal Employment Agency, the number of nursing jobs is expected to rise by about 100,000 between now and 2025. This is good news for foreigners looking to work in Germany, as the nursing shortage provides plenty of opportunities.

However, these figures do not reflect the true scope of this trend because they only take into account positions that are regulated by law. Many more nurses find employment in private clinics where there are no government regulations on staffing levels. As a result, they can afford to pay their nurses much higher salaries than public hospitals can afford. A nurse who earns €4000 per month will earn more than double that amount in a private clinic - €10,000 per month.

How to Get a Nursing Job in Germany

Foreigners from all countries have a chance to become a nurse in Germany and start working and living in Germany. German hospitals as well as homes for the elderly in Germany are looking for males and females who want to work as nurses.

EU citizens can move to Germany and work in nursing without the need for a visa. Non-EU citizens can apply for a visa to Germany once they have a working contract or apprenticeship contract. There is also the option of applying for a job seeker visa for Germany when you want to work as a nurse in Germany,

The candidates need a license if they want to apply for nursing home jobs in Germany & work as a nurse in Germany. However, there are three main ways how to become a nurse in Germany:

• You can start a nursing apprenticeship in Germany if you do not yet have an education as a nurse. You will get paid during this training so that you can afford your personal living in Germany until you start working and getting a regular salary. However, the amount depends on the employer, the region in Germany, and your success in negotiations about the salary.
• There are even better options for you if you already have an education as a nurse. You may apply for recognition of your skills in Germany and start working directly as a nurse.
• Another option is to study nursing in Germany at a university.

Entry requirements for international nursing professionals

Those wishing to work in the nursing profession in Germany on a long-term basis require official authorization to practice their profession. Candidates must fulfill the following requirements in order to be permitted to work in the nursing profession in Germany:

Recognized qualification

The nursing qualification obtained in your country of origin must be recognized in Germany. The competent authority for your case will check whether your professional qualification is equivalent to German qualifications. If this is not the case, you could take an assessment test or go through an adaptation period to prove an equivalent level of knowledge. The application for professional recognition can be submitted to the competent authority in the state in which you intend to work in. The German professional recognition obtained is valid nationwide.

Sufficient knowledge of the German language

Depending on the state, you will have to be competent on a level equivalent to the B2 or B1 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Medical fitness

You must prove – through certification by a German doctor – that you are physically and mentally healthy and are therefore suitable for a job in the nursing profession.

Personal suitability/ Trustworthiness

In order to prove your trustworthiness, you will require proof that you do not have a criminal record. Depending on your situation, providing a certificate of good conduct from your country of origin or a German certificate of conduct is sufficient.

However, note that the decisive factor for the recognition of your qualification is not your nationality, but the place your qualification was obtained in.

FAQs

Furthermore, here are some of the frequently asked questions on how to get a nursing job in Germany.

How many years does it take to become a nurse in Germany?

The 2 primary ways to become a nurse in Germany are a university degree and vocational training. Each is 3 years and is eligible to work as a nurse, but a university degree has more career prospects. Required is a lot of experience before starting vocational training. The most popular way is for those who complete a program to become nurses and teachers at vocational schools. In addition to nursing, a qualified nursing student in German will get a job position once they enroll in the program.

What are the benefits of working as a nurse in Germany?

There are various reasons to work as a nurse in Germany as given below:

• Working as a nurse in Germany provides you with an excellent opportunity to learn about a new culture and healthcare system.
• The German healthcare system is one of the best in the world, and as a nurse, you will be able to play a vital role in providing high-quality care to patients.
• You will also have the chance to work with some of the most advanced medical technology and equipment available.
• Nurses can enjoy health, retirement, unemployment, education, and other social benefits.
• Nurses enjoy at least 20 paid holidays yearly.
• Nurses get an allowance even during the adaptation. When they are qualified, they will get a salary of €2500 to €2800 per month.
• Nurses can decide on how much time they want to do their job, and what their shift preferences are. They can choose if they only work 20 hours or 40 hours weekly and if they prefer to work in the morning or at night.

Can I work in Germany without speaking German?

A work permit as a nurse in Germany requires that candidates have a B2 level of proficiency in German. The applicant must hold a German language certificate at the level of B1 or B2

Final Thoughts

If you're a nurse looking for an international adventure, then Germany is the perfect place to start your search. With a wealth of opportunities and a strong economy, there are plenty of reasons to consider making the move. In addition, if you have experience as a caregiver or health care professional elsewhere, this will most likely be taken into account when it comes to hiring. 

Foreigners considering a career in Germany should pay particular attention to the health and elderly care sectors. The German healthcare sector, with seven million employees, is one of the largest employers in the country and also has the highest number of vacancies. There is a huge shortage of healthcare personnel - especially nurses and caregivers - in addition to the five thousand more medical doctors that are needed in the sector.