Your path to Germany step by step

Working in Germany

1. Application and preparation in your home country (approx. 1–2 months)

ou apply to MyGermanWay through the online form or via a partner agency.
We review your documents and language skills and explain which steps are necessary for you to work in Germany as a registered nurse.

To get started, you need:

A completed nursing qualification,
German language skills at B1 level (for the recognition application) – B2 level is required later for working,
Your most important documents (CV, diplomas, passport copy, employment certificates), all translated into German.

We inform you about life in Germany in an online meeting. Afterwards, you sign the agreement with MyGermanWay so that we can officially support you throughout the process.

2. Matching with an employer (approx. 1–3 months)

We look for a suitable healthcare facility in Germany for you – for example, a hospital or a nursing home.
If your profile matches, you will have an online job interview.
We help you prepare and, if you wish, we can also join the interview.
If both sides agree, you sign your employment contract – completely free of charge.

3. Start of the recognition process (approx. 2–4 months)

Before you can apply for your visa, the recognition process has to begin. We help you submit your application to the competent authority in Germany and upload all required documents.

The authority reviews your education, professional experience and language skills.
The result is usually a deficit notice, which shows which subjects or practical hours you still need to complete in Germany.
With this notice, you can apply for your visa.

Support from MyGermanWay: We handle the communication with the authority, check your documents and guide you through each step of the process.

4. Visa and travel to Germany (approx. 2–5 months)

With your deficit notice and employment contract, you can apply for your visa for recognition or employment.
We assist you with the application, embassy appointments, and travel planning.

After your visa is approved, we organize your flight to Germany.
Upon arrival, you will be picked up and receive support with:

Finding accommodation,
Registration with local authorities,
SIM card, bank account, and all the first steps you need to settle in.

5. Arrival and onboarding in Germany (approx. 1–2 months)

In Germany, you get to know your team and the facility where you will work.
You receive personalised onboarding and can exchange experiences with other international nursing professionals.
We support you during the first weeks and help you settle into your daily life.

6. Adaptation programme or knowledge examination (approx. 6–12 months)

After your arrival, your adaptation programme or your preparation for the knowledge examination begins — depending on the outcome of your recognition notice.
During the adaptation programme, you learn theoretical and practical skills in a healthcare facility or nursing school.
In the knowledge examination, you demonstrate your theoretical and practical knowledge.
After successfully completing this phase, you receive your official German recognition certificate and are allowed to work as a registered nurse.

7. Working and living in Germany (ongoing)

With your recognition, you can fully practice your profession.

We continue to support you — with language training, integration services, and regular feedback meetings.

Many nurses later bring their families to Germany and build a new life there.

8. Your future (after 3–5 years)

After a few years, you can continue to develop professionally — for example as a practical training instructor, ward manager, or through a specialised qualification.
After about five years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

MyGermanWay supports you every step of the way — from your initial application to your new life and long-term professional future in Germany.