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Apply for recognition as a nursing assistant with professional qualifications from abroad

Would you like to work as a geriatric nursing assistant in Germany? Learn how to have your professional qualifications recognized and obtain permission to use the professional title here.

Detailed description

To work as a geriatric care assistant in Germany, you need a government permit. Only with this permit are you allowed to use the professional title and work in the profession.

If you acquired your professional qualification abroad, you must have your foreign professional qualification recognized in order to obtain permission.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • You want to work as a nursing assistant in Germany.
  • You have a comparable professional qualification from abroad.
  • Their professional qualifications are equivalent.
    • The professional qualification is equivalent if there are no significant differences between your professional qualification and the German professional qualification.
  • You are reliable for work and have no criminal record.
  • You can work mentally and physically in the profession.
  • You have German language skills at the required level. This is usually level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Documents required

  • Proof of identity (identity card or passport)
  • if your name has changed through marriage: marriage certificate
  • CV
  • Proof of your professional qualifications (e.g. certificates, professional certificates)
  • Training certificates
  • Evidence of your relevant professional experience or knowledge
  • If applicable: promise of a job or employment contract
  • Proof of your personal suitability: criminal record extract or certificate of good conduct from your country of origin.
  • Proof of your health suitability: Medical certificate.
  • Proof of your German language skills: Language certificate

Which documents are required in your specific case depends on your specific circumstances. The responsible office will tell you which documents you need to submit and when. They will also tell you which documents you need to submit as a simple copy, a certified copy, or the original.

Please note

There are no clues or special features.

Deadlines

There is no deadline.

Procedure

  • You submit your application to the responsible authority.
  • The responsible authority will examine your application and request any missing documents or information from you.
  • The responsible body will compare whether your professional qualification is equivalent to the German professional qualification.
    • If the competent authority identifies significant differences, you may be able to compensate for these by providing evidence of your professional experience, other knowledge, skills or competencies.
    • If you are unable to compensate for the significant differences, you can take compensatory measures (for example, an adaptation course or a knowledge test).
    • You can also forgo an equivalence assessment and take a compensatory measure directly.
  • If your professional qualifications are equivalent or you have been able to compensate for any significant differences, and you meet the other requirements, your foreign professional qualification will be recognized. The responsible authority can confirm the result in writing.
  • You will receive permission to use the professional title.

Processing time

The responsible authority will confirm receipt of your application within one month. Once you have submitted all the required documents, you will receive a notification with the outcome within three months at the latest. In certain cases, the responsible authority may extend the process.

Fees

No

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

Ordinance on Vocational Training in Geriatric Care (AltPflVO)


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Keywords: training Recognition in Germany professional qualification abroad professional recognition equivalence Recognize Foreign professional qualification Elderly care assistant Helper profession Nursing assistance Nursing assistant Nursing profession LPA

Last updated: 28.10.2025