94% retention rate after 2 year
Start building your
Nursing career in Germany
Are you a qualified nurse looking to work in one of Europe's leading healthcare systems? Alma Recruiting supports you from day one through to your first day on the job in Germany.
For companies that hire internationally. And talent that seeks a real career. Our approach: Honest preparation, cultural understanding, and support that goes far beyond the first day at work.
€3.000 - €4.500
Monthly salary
€3.000 - €4.500
Monthly salary
€0
Upfront fees
€0
Upfront fees
5 - 7
Months to Germany
5 - 7
Months to Germany
5 - 7
Months to Germany
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Why is Germany the right choice for your Nursing career?
Germany is facing a serious shortage of qualified nursing specialists. This has opened up solid, long-term career paths with strong prospects for international candidates who want to build a professional nursing career here.
Stable Income
An attractive salary starting from €3,000 gross per month, depending on your position, qualifications, professional experience and the applicable collective agreement.
Professional Working Environment
Work in modern hospitals and care facilities with high medical standards, state-of-the-art equipment and clearly structured workflows.
Clear Advancement Prospects
The German healthcare system offers transparent career paths. As a qualified nursing professional, you can advance your career through specialisation or by taking on leadership roles.
Permanent Residency
With relevant professional experience and once all requirements are met, you can secure long-term residence status, leading to permanent settlement in Germany.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Why is Germany the right choice for your Nursing career?
Germany is facing a serious shortage of qualified nursing specialists. This has opened up solid, long-term career paths with strong prospects for international candidates who want to build a professional nursing career here.
Stable Income
An attractive salary starting from €3,000 gross per month, depending on your position, qualifications, professional experience and the applicable collective agreement.
Professional Working Environment
Work in modern hospitals and care facilities with high medical standards, state-of-the-art equipment and clearly structured workflows.
Clear Advancement Prospects
The German healthcare system offers transparent career paths. As a qualified nursing professional, you can advance your career through specialisation or by taking on leadership roles.
Permanent Residency
With relevant professional experience and once all requirements are met, you can secure long-term residence status, leading to permanent settlement in Germany.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Why is Germany the right choice for your Nursing career?
Germany is facing a serious shortage of qualified nursing specialists. This has opened up solid, long-term career paths with strong prospects for international candidates who want to build a professional nursing career here.
Stable Income
An attractive salary starting from €3,000 gross per month, depending on your position, qualifications, professional experience and the applicable collective agreement.
Professional Working Environment
Work in modern hospitals and care facilities with high medical standards, state-of-the-art equipment and clearly structured workflows.
Clear Advancement Prospects
The German healthcare system offers transparent career paths. As a qualified nursing professional, you can advance your career through specialisation or by taking on leadership roles.
Permanent Residency
With relevant professional experience and once all requirements are met, you can secure long-term residence status, leading to permanent settlement in Germany.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENT
What we're looking for
You don't need to be perfect, just meet the requirements below. Alma Recruiting takes care of the rest.
Qualification
Bachelor's or associate degree in Nursing from a Vietnamese institution
License
Valid Vietnamese nursing practice license.
German
B1 level or above (B2 preferred)
Personal qualities
Strong communication skills, discipline, maturity, resilience under pressure, and empathy for patients and elderly care recipients
Haven't reached B1 level in German yet? Get in touch with Alma - we can advise on a suitable language pathway to help you qualify sooner.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENT
What we're looking for
You don't need to be perfect, just meet the requirements below. Alma Recruiting takes care of the rest.
Qualification
Bachelor's or associate degree in Nursing from a Vietnamese institution
License
Valid Vietnamese nursing practice license.
German
B1 level or above (B2 preferred)
Personal qualities
Strong communication skills, discipline, maturity, resilience under pressure, and empathy for patients and elderly care recipients
Haven't reached B1 level in German yet? Get in touch with Alma - we can advise on a suitable language pathway to help you qualify sooner.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENT
What we're looking for
You don't need to be perfect, just meet the requirements below. Alma Recruiting takes care of the rest.
Qualification
Bachelor's or associate degree in Nursing from a Vietnamese institution
License
Valid Vietnamese nursing practice license.
German
B1 level or above (B2 preferred)
Personal qualities
Strong communication skills, discipline, maturity, resilience under pressure, and empathy for patients and elderly care recipients
Haven't reached B1 level in German yet? Get in touch with Alma - we can advise on a suitable language pathway to help you qualify sooner.
SERVICES
You focus on your career
Alma handles the rest
The path to Germany typically involves complex paperwork and legal procedures. Alma Recruiting manages the entire process on your behalf, saving you time so you can focus fully on your career with peace of mind.
Qualification recognition
We assess your documents, determine the right recognition pathway, and handle the full process with the relevant German authorities.
Job placement and contract signing
We connect international candidates with reputable employers across Germany, provide full interview preparation, and support you directly through contract negotiation and signing.
Visa and relocation support
Once your contract is signed, we ensure your visa application is complete and support you through the early stages of relocating to Germany.
Support after you arrive
We continue supporting you through supplementary training, language coaching, and the Kenntnisprüfung - until you officially qualify as a Pflegefachkraft.
SERVICES
Transparent processes. Predictable team development.
The path to Germany typically involves complex paperwork and legal procedures. Alma Recruiting manages the entire process on your behalf, saving you time so you can focus fully on your career with peace of mind.
Qualification recognition
We assess your documents, determine the right recognition pathway, and handle the full process with the relevant German authorities.
Job placement and contract signing
We connect international candidates with reputable employers across Germany, provide full interview preparation, and support you directly through contract negotiation and signing.
Visa and relocation support
Once your contract is signed, we ensure your visa application is complete and support you through the early stages of relocating to Germany.
Support after you arrive
We continue supporting you through supplementary training, language coaching, and the Kenntnisprüfung - until you officially qualify as a Pflegefachkraft.
SERVICES
Transparent processes. Predictable team development.
The path to Germany typically involves complex paperwork and legal procedures. Alma Recruiting manages the entire process on your behalf, saving you time so you can focus fully on your career with peace of mind.
Qualification recognition
We assess your documents, determine the right recognition pathway, and handle the full process with the relevant German authorities.
Job placement and contract signing
We connect international candidates with reputable employers across Germany, provide full interview preparation, and support you directly through contract negotiation and signing.
Visa and relocation support
Once your contract is signed, we ensure your visa application is complete and support you through the early stages of relocating to Germany.
Support after you arrive
We continue supporting you through supplementary training, language coaching, and the Kenntnisprüfung - until you officially qualify as a Pflegefachkraft.
QUALIFICATION RECOGNITION
Understanding the recognition process
This is the most important step - and the one candidates worry about most. In practice, there are two possible outcomes, and both come with a clear path forward.
Direct work visa
VISA
§18a / §18b
Not recommended
Germany only grants a direct work visa (§18a / §18b) if your nursing qualification is assessed as fully equivalent to the German standard. In practice, this is very difficult to achieve with a Vietnamese nursing degree. This route also requires German at B2 level minimum, which means a high risk of rejection and wasted time.
Direct work visa
VISA
§18a / §18b
Not recommended
Germany only grants a direct work visa (§18a / §18b) if your nursing qualification is assessed as fully equivalent to the German standard. In practice, this is very difficult to achieve with a Vietnamese nursing degree. This route also requires German at B2 level minimum, which means a high risk of rejection and wasted time.
Direct work visa
VISA
§18a / §18b
Not recommended
Germany only grants a direct work visa (§18a / §18b) if your nursing qualification is assessed as fully equivalent to the German standard. In practice, this is very difficult to achieve with a Vietnamese nursing degree. This route also requires German at B2 level minimum, which means a high risk of rejection and wasted time.
Qualification recognition
VISA
§16d
Alma recommends
This is the pathway Germany designed specifically for international nurses. You enter the country fully legally, work in your field, and gain hands-on experience in Germany while completing the recognition process to officially become a Pflegefachkraft (fully qualified nurse).
To match each candidate's real-life circumstances, Alma offers three optimised programmes under §16d - all leading to the same destination of becoming a Pflegefachkraft, but flexible in study intensity and timeline. Choose the path that fits you best!
Qualification recognition
VISA
§16d
Alma recommends
This is the pathway Germany designed specifically for international nurses. You enter the country fully legally, work in your field, and gain hands-on experience in Germany while completing the recognition process to officially become a Pflegefachkraft (fully qualified nurse).
To match each candidate's real-life circumstances, Alma offers three optimised programmes under §16d - all leading to the same destination of becoming a Pflegefachkraft, but flexible in study intensity and timeline. Choose the path that fits you best!
Qualification recognition
VISA
§16d
Alma recommends
This is the pathway Germany designed specifically for international nurses. You enter the country fully legally, work in your field, and gain hands-on experience in Germany while completing the recognition process to officially become a Pflegefachkraft (fully qualified nurse).
To match each candidate's real-life circumstances, Alma offers three optimised programmes under §16d - all leading to the same destination of becoming a Pflegefachkraft, but flexible in study intensity and timeline. Choose the path that fits you best!
PROGRAMMES
Three programmes
Three programmes
One Destination
One Destination
All three programmes lead to full recognition of your qualification and to working as a nurse in Germany. The differences lie in: how quickly you move to Germany, when you sit the Kenntnisprüfung, and which procedures you are required to complete before leaving Vietnam.
All three programmes lead to full recognition of your qualification and to working as a nurse in Germany. The differences lie in: how quickly you move to Germany, when you sit the Kenntnisprüfung, and which procedures you are required to complete before leaving Vietnam.
Best for candidates who
Requirements
How it works
Ideal Process
Program 01
Recognition Partnership
Anerkennungspartnerschaft
§16d Para. 3
Want to move to Germany and start earning as soon as possible
Are ready to complete recognition after arrival.
Valid nursing practice license
ZAB Statement of Comparability (Zeugnisbewertung)
German B1 (B2 preferred)
An employer willing to sign a recognition-partnership and sponsorship agreement
In Vietnam: Interview, sign contract, submit ZAB application.
In Germany: Work as a nursing assistant (Pflegehelfer) while completing the recognition procedure and supplementary training with your employer's support, preparing for the Kenntnisprüfung
Interview and sign contract
2 to 3 weeks
Submit ZAB application
up to 1 month
Apply for visa
up to 2 months
→ Arrive in Germany
about 4 to 5 months in
Work as assistant + submit Defizitbescheid application
Supplementary training + B2
Kenntnisprüfung + await results
→ Become a fully qualified Pflegefachkraft
Total time to become a Pflegefachkraft: no more than 3 years.
Program 01
Recognition Partnership
Anerkennungspartnerschaft
§16d Para. 3
Best for candidates who
Want to move to Germany and start earning as soon as possible
Are ready to complete recognition after arrival.
Requirements
Valid nursing practice license
ZAB Statement of Comparability (Zeugnisbewertung)
German B1 (B2 preferred)
An employer willing to sign a recognition-partnership and sponsorship agreement
How it works
In Vietnam: Interview, sign contract, submit ZAB application.
In Germany: Work as a nursing assistant (Pflegehelfer) while completing the recognition procedure and supplementary training with your employer's support, preparing for the Kenntnisprüfung
Expected timeline
Interview and sign contract
2 to 3 weeks
Submit ZAB application
up to 1 month
Apply for visa
up to 2 months
→ Arrive in Germany
about 4 to 5 months in
Work as assistant + submit Defizitbescheid application
Supplementary training + B2
Kenntnisprüfung + await results
→ Become a fully qualified Pflegefachkraft
Total time to become a Pflegefachkraft: no more than 3 years.
Program 02
Standard Recognition
Standard Anerkennung
§16d Para. 1
Already have a confirmed employer and a clear recognition path, and want maximum certainty before leaving Vietnam
Valid nursing practice license
Defizitbescheid from the responsible German state authority
German B1 (B2 preferred)
Confirmed place in a supplementary course (Vorbereitungslehrgang)
"Pflegefachkraft in Anerkennung" contract
In Vietnam: Interview, sign contract, complete the recognition procedure
In Germany: work as a nursing assistant (Pflegehelfer) while attending a preparatory course, preparing for the Kenntnisprüfung.
Submit Defizitbescheid application
about 3 months
Interview and sign contract
2 to 4 weeks
German course
1 to 2 months
→ Arrive in Germany
about 4 to 5 months in
Work as an assistant, supplementary course, and reach B2
4 to 8 months
Kenntnisprüfung and await results
about 1 month
→ Become a fully qualified Pflegefachkraft.
Total time to become a Pflegefachkraft: approximately 10 to 14 months.
Program 02
Standard Recognition
Standard Anerkennung
§16d Para. 1
Best for candidates who
Already have a confirmed employer and a clear recognition path, and want maximum certainty before leaving Vietnam
Requirements
Valid nursing practice license
Defizitbescheid from the responsible German state authority
German B1 (B2 preferred)
Confirmed place in a supplementary course (Vorbereitungslehrgang)
"Pflegefachkraft in Anerkennung" contract
How it works
In Vietnam: Interview, sign contract, complete the recognition procedure
In Germany: work as a nursing assistant (Pflegehelfer) while attending a preparatory course, preparing for the Kenntnisprüfung.
Expected timeline
Submit Defizitbescheid application
about 3 months
Interview and sign contract
2 to 4 weeks
German course
1 to 2 months
→ Arrive in Germany
about 4 to 5 months in
Work as an assistant, supplementary course, and reach B2
4 to 8 months
Kenntnisprüfung and await results
about 1 month
→ Become a fully qualified Pflegefachkraft.
Total time to become a Pflegefachkraft: approximately 10 to 14 months.
Program 02
Standard Recognition
Standard Anerkennung
§16d Para. 1
Best for candidates who
Already have a confirmed employer and a clear recognition path, and want maximum certainty before leaving Vietnam
Requirements
Valid nursing practice license
Defizitbescheid from the responsible German state authority
German B1 (B2 preferred)
Confirmed place in a supplementary course (Vorbereitungslehrgang)
"Pflegefachkraft in Anerkennung" contract
How it works
In Vietnam: Interview, sign contract, complete the recognition procedure
In Germany: work as a nursing assistant (Pflegehelfer) while attending a preparatory course, preparing for the Kenntnisprüfung.
Expected timeline
Submit Defizitbescheid application
about 3 months
Interview and sign contract
2 to 4 weeks
German course
1 to 2 months
→ Arrive in Germany
about 4 to 5 months in
Work as an assistant, supplementary course, and reach B2
4 to 8 months
Kenntnisprüfung and await results
about 1 month
→ Become a fully qualified Pflegefachkraft.
Total time to become a Pflegefachkraft: approximately 10 to 14 months.
Programm 03
Group Cohort Programme
Special School Programme
§16d (1)
Want to focus fully on studies, with financial support
Want to travel together with a cohort
Valid nursing practice license (CCHN)
Defizitbescheid (partial recognition notice)
German B2
In Vietnam: complete the recognition procedure, join a cohort and travel to Germany together.
In Germany: study full-time with state financial support while interviewing with employers to sign official contracts, and complete hands-on practical experience at the company before sitting the Kenntnisprüfung.
Submit Defizitbescheid and visa application
about 3 months
German course
1 to 2 months
→ Arrive in Germany with your cohort
about 4 to 5 months in
Full-time study + B2, state-supported
2 months
Meet employers, sign contract, continue studying
2.5 months
On-the-job practical experience
About 1 month
Kenntnisprüfung and await results
about 1 month
→ Become a fully qualified Pflegefachkraft.
Total time to become a Pflegefachkraft: approximately 10 to 12 months.
Programm 03
Group Cohort Programme
Special School Programme
§16d (1)
Best for candidates who
Want to focus fully on studies, with financial support
Want to travel together with a cohort
Requirements
Valid nursing practice license (CCHN)
Defizitbescheid (partial recognition notice)
German B2
How it works
In Vietnam: complete the recognition procedure, join a cohort and travel to Germany together.
In Germany: study full-time with state financial support while interviewing with employers to sign official contracts, and complete hands-on practical experience at the company before sitting the Kenntnisprüfung.
Expected timeline
Submit Defizitbescheid and visa application
about 3 months
German course
1 to 2 months
→ Arrive in Germany with your cohort
about 4 to 5 months in
Full-time study + B2, state-supported
2 months
Meet employers, sign contract, continue studying
2.5 months
On-the-job practical experience
About 1 month
Kenntnisprüfung and await results
about 1 month
→ Become a fully qualified Pflegefachkraft.
Total time to become a Pflegefachkraft: approximately 10 to 12 months.
Programm 03
Group Cohort Programme
Special School Programme
§16d (1)
Best for candidates who
Want to focus fully on studies, with financial support
Want to travel together with a cohort
Requirements
Valid nursing practice license (CCHN)
Defizitbescheid (partial recognition notice)
German B2
How it works
In Vietnam: complete the recognition procedure, join a cohort and travel to Germany together.
In Germany: study full-time with state financial support while interviewing with employers to sign official contracts, and complete hands-on practical experience at the company before sitting the Kenntnisprüfung.
Expected timeline
Submit Defizitbescheid and visa application
about 3 months
German course
1 to 2 months
→ Arrive in Germany with your cohort
about 4 to 5 months in
Full-time study + B2, state-supported
2 months
Meet employers, sign contract, continue studying
2.5 months
On-the-job practical experience
About 1 month
Kenntnisprüfung and await results
about 1 month
→ Become a fully qualified Pflegefachkraft.
Total time to become a Pflegefachkraft: approximately 10 to 12 months.
Still not sure which path is right for you?
Let Alma review your file in detail and recommend a personalized pathway from your very first consultation.
A FEW GERMAN TERMS
YOU'LL COME ACROSS
Defizitbescheid
The official notice outlining any gaps in your qualification.
The official notice outlining any gaps in your qualification.
Vorbereitungslehrgang
The specialised supplementary training course.
The specialised supplementary training course.
Kenntnisprüfung
The official knowledge exam
The official knowledge exam
ZAB Zeugnisbewertung
The formal qualification-equivalence certificate.
The formal qualification-equivalence certificate.
COSTS
No upfront payment
No upfront payment
You only pay on results
You only pay on results
Alma Recruiting charges a service fee for document processing and relocation support. But we stand behind our results - which is why the fee is split into two instalments:
Alma Recruiting charges a service fee for document processing and relocation support. But we stand behind our results - which is why the fee is split into two instalments:
Programme
Partnership
Instalment 1
Contract signed and ZAB submitted
Instalment 2
Visa issued
Programme
Standard
Instalment 1
Defizitbescheid received and contract signed
Instalment 2
Visa issued
Programme
Group Cohort
Instalment 1
Cohort place confirmed and Defizitbescheid received
Instalment 2
Visa issued
No upfront costs, payment follows progress across two clear stages.
No upfront costs, payment follows progress across two clear stages.
Exact figures are discussed directly with you; get in touch for a detailed cost breakdown tailored to your programme.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What you want to know
ON REQUIREMENTS & DOCUMENTS
What do I need to qualify?
What do I need to qualify?
What documents do I need to prepare?
What documents do I need to prepare?
ON PROCESS & TIMING
How long does the whole process take, from application to working in Germany?
How long does the whole process take, from application to working in Germany?
Will my nursing qualification be recognised in Germany?
Will my nursing qualification be recognised in Germany?
What if my qualification is fully recognised?
What if my qualification is fully recognised?
What if my qualification is only partially recognised?
What if my qualification is only partially recognised?
ON COSTS & PAYMENT
Is there a fee for Alma Recruiting's services?
Is there a fee for Alma Recruiting's services?
What exactly does Alma Recruiting help with?
What exactly does Alma Recruiting help with?
ON LIFE IN GERMANY
What's the real nursing salary in Germany?
What's the real nursing salary in Germany?
Can I bring my family to Germany?
Can I bring my family to Germany?
Can I settle permanently in Germany?
Can I settle permanently in Germany?
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Your first consultation is completely free. We’ll review your profile, walk you through a concrete pathway, and answer all your questions with no commitment, no obligation.
Or contact us directly via
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Your first consultation is completely free. We’ll review your profile, walk you through a concrete pathway, and answer all your questions with no commitment, no obligation.
Or contact us directly via
Empowering people,
strengthening industries
Alma Recruiting GmbH
Christinenstraße 6
10119 Berlin, Deutschland
©2026 Alma Recruiting
Empowering people,
strengthening industries
Alma Recruiting GmbH
Christinenstraße 6
10119 Berlin, Deutschland
©2026 Alma Recruiting
Empowering people,
strengthening industries
Alma Recruiting GmbH
Christinenstraße 6
10119 Berlin, Deutschland
©2026 Alma Recruiting
Start Your Journey
