Germany nursing assistant work route

People trained as nursing or care assistants in Germany, or whose foreign nursing qualification is recognised in Germany for assisting in nursing.

• Eligible nursing qualification

  You must have successfully completed vocational training as a nursing or care assistant in Germany, or have a foreign nursing qualification recognised in Germany for assisting in nursing. The page describes the route as covering nursing training of less than three years, or training recognised as less than three years.

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• Nursing assistant job offer

  You must have a concrete job offer as an assistant in nursing in Germany; a signed employment contract is described as ideal.

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• Employment approval

  The Federal Employment Agency must approve the employment and check that the working conditions are equivalent to those of German assistants in nursing. Approval is obtained internally during the visa process; you do not need to request it yourself.

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• Salary or pension provision if over 45

  If you are over the age of 45, you must earn a gross annual salary of at least €55,770 in 2026 or provide proof of adequate pension provision.

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• Means of support

  During the visa application process, you must prove that you can finance your living expenses in Germany. Depending on the purpose of stay, proof may include your future salary, a Declaration of Commitment or a blocked account.

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• Identity and travel document

  You must prove your identity and nationality and generally hold a valid, recognised passport or passport substitute; a valid passport submitted with the visa application is normally sufficient proof of identity and nationality.

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• No grounds for expulsion

  There must be no grounds preventing your stay in Germany; the authorities check whether you could pose a threat to public safety and order.

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• Health insurance

  You need health insurance in Germany from your first day there and must provide proof no later than when you collect your visa.

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• Long-stay entry visa applicationResearched just now · being double-checkedSource€75 per person

1. Get ready

   • Check whether you need an entry visa

     Check the rules for your nationality, as most applicants from outside the EU and EFTA must obtain a visa before entering Germany for work.

   • Establish your nursing assistant qualification

     Confirm that you completed the relevant training in Germany or have a foreign nursing qualification recognised in Germany for assisting in nursing.

     You’ll need: Training or qualification documents, Recognition evidence, if relying on a foreign qualification

   • Get a nursing assistant job offer

     Obtain a concrete offer for an assistant-in-nursing job in Germany, ideally with a signed employment contract.

     You’ll need: Job offer or employment contract

   • Check the age-related condition

     If you are over 45, check that your gross annual salary meets the stated 2026 minimum or that you can prove adequate pension provision.

     You’ll need: Salary details or proof of adequate pension provision, if applicable

   • Prepare your visa documents

     Check the responsible German mission’s document list and prepare evidence of your identity, nationality and means of support alongside your route-specific documents.

     You’ll need: Valid passport, Evidence of means of support, Documents required by the responsible German mission

2. Apply

   • Apply through the responsible German mission

     Apply in your country of residence through the Consular Services Portal if available for your application, or follow the alternative application process described by the responsible mission.

     You’ll need: Visa application, Required supporting documents

3. Visa

   • Attend your visa appointment

     Attend the required in-person appointment to provide biometric data, present any requested original documents and pay the application fee.

     You’ll need: Original documents requested by the mission

   • Arrange insurance and collect your visa

     Arrange health insurance covering you from your first day in Germany and provide proof no later than visa collection.

     You’ll need: Proof of health insurance

4. Travel

   • Travel to Germany

     When you arrive

     After your visa is granted, travel with your personal documents, including originals and digital copies.

     You’ll need: Passport and visa, Personal and qualification documents

5. Settle in

   • Apply for your residence permit

     After arrival, contact the competent foreigners authority and apply for the relevant residence permit before your entry visa expires.

     You’ll need: Documents requested by the foreigners authority

A residence permit for the employment contract’s duration plus three months, or for up to four years if the contract is permanent.

• Assistants in nursingmake-it-in-germany.comOfficial
• How do I apply for a visa?make-it-in-germany.comOfficial
• auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/consular-services-portalOfficial
• Visas for Germany - Federal Foreign Office auswaertiges-amt.deOfficial

Japper is an AI immigration assistant. It gives general information from official sources, not legal advice, and it can be wrong. For your own case, ask a licensed advisor.