Registration, exams, visas, settling in, housing, work rights, family, money and help in Germany. Government and regulator sites first.
Anerkennung in Deutschland (Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training)
Why it helps: The official portal for getting your nursing degree recognised. Start with its Recognition Finder.
Make it in Germany (Federal Government)
Why it helps: The government guide for foreign nurses: recognition, language and jobs.
Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart (state authority)
Why it helps: A state authority explains the knowledge test and adaptation course. In German.
Goethe-Institut
Why it helps: The Goethe-Institut's German exams, including B1 and B2 that nurses often need.
Goethe-Institut
Why it helps: Free official practice for the B2 exam.
telc gGmbH
Why it helps: telc offers German tests, including a B1-B2 test for nursing.
Federal Foreign Office
Why it helps: Official visa rules and the embassy to apply at.
Federal Foreign Office
Why it helps: Apply online for many national visas, including for skilled work.
Make it in Germany (Federal Government)
Why it helps: The visa for nurses whose qualification is recognised.
Make it in Germany (Federal Government)
Why it helps: Come to Germany to finish recognition, for example an adaptation course.
Make it in Germany (Federal Government)
Why it helps: How and when you can stay permanently.
Make it in Germany (Federal Government)
Why it helps: Health insurance is required. Learn how public insurance works.
Federal Central Tax Office
Why it helps: Your employer needs this number. It comes by post after you register.
Make it in Germany (Federal Government)
Why it helps: How to open an account and what you need.
Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
Why it helps: Low-cost German and orientation courses for new residents.
Make it in Germany (Federal Government)
Why it helps: Find a flat and register your address within two weeks of moving in.
Faire Integration (funded by the Federal Ministry of Labour)
Why it helps: Free advice for migrant workers on pay, contracts and problems at work.
Gütegemeinschaft Anwerbung und Vermittlung von Pflegekräften aus dem Ausland
Why it helps: The seal for agencies and employers that recruit nurses fairly. In German.
Federal Ministry of Justice
Why it helps: The law on maximum hours, breaks and rest. In German.
Federal Ministry of Justice
Why it helps: The law on your minimum paid holiday. In German.
Deutscher Berufsverband für Pflegeberufe
Why it helps: The professional association for nurses. In German.
World Health Organization
Why it helps: The world rules for fair, ethical recruitment of nurses. Use it if an agency asks you for fees.
Make it in Germany (Federal Government)
Why it helps: How your spouse and children can join you.
Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
Why it helps: The rules for family to join a non-EU worker.
Federal Statistical Office (Destatis)
Why it helps: Official data on price rises.
TelefonSeelsorge (church-run helpline)
Why it helps: Free, confidential support by phone, any time, in German.
Your embassy or consulate can help if you lose your passport or need urgent help. These links come from your own government.
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