Nursing License (Berufserlaubnis): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to obtain the legal authorization required to practice nursing professionally in Germany.
This scheme provides the legal authorization required to work as a professional nurse in Germany.
Who it's for
This license is designed for qualified nursing professionals who have completed their professional training. To be eligible, your specific nursing training and qualifications must be officially recognized by the relevant authorities in Germany.
What you get
The primary benefit of this scheme is receiving the formal legal authorization to practice your profession as a nurse. Without this specific permission, you cannot legally work in a professional nursing capacity within the country.
What it costs you
Applying for this license is not free. You will be required to pay administrative fees to the issuing body. The exact cost is not fixed across the country; instead, it is variable and depends on the specific state in which you are applying. Generally, you should prepare to pay a fee that falls between 100€ and 300€.
The catch to know
The most significant challenge often involves the recognition of foreign qualifications. If your nursing degree was obtained outside of Germany, you cannot simply apply for the license immediately. You must first undergo a formal recognition process, known as the Anerkennungsverfahren. This process is designed to ensure your training meets local standards, but it is often time-consuming and can take several months to finish before you can proceed with your license application.
How to apply
- Verify that your professional nursing training is officially recognized.
- If you trained abroad, begin the formal recognition process (Anerkennungsverfahren) to validate your degree.
- Contact your regional Landesamt für Gesundheit to submit your application for the license.
- Pay the required administrative fees to complete the process.