Germany Nursing Program FAQs

Please review the Frequently Asked Questions below to learn about our nursing opportunities in German-speaking countries. If you are interested in advancing your career in Germany, please start your application or contact us for more information.
River and bridge in Heidelberg
What are the steps to get a job in Germany as a staff nurse?

Once the employer accepts your CV in Germany, METAEON shall arrange your online interview with them. If the employer provides an offer, the nurse needs to start training for and pass the German language B1/B2 level (if not already passed).

After you pass the B1/B2 level exam, your application pack will be submitted to the German Nursing Council for competency checking. Most BSc nurses with experience usually meet competency criteria.

Once that is done, the employer will provide a sponsorship letter to apply for a Visa. The employer will provide a contract which is subject to the condition that the nurse passes the language exam.

If the B2 level is not completed before you reach Germany, you need to complete the language B2 level, and until then will work as an assistant nurse. After completing the B2 level, you will get full registration and start working as a Registered Nurse.

Which exam do I need to pass to get a job in Germany?

A nurse needs to complete the B1 level of German language to place their application for assessment to the German Nursing Council. However, to work as a Registered Nurse, you need to complete the B2 level. Nurses can complete the B2 level in Germany.

However, if you wish to, you can pass the exam before leaving for Germany. If you pass the B2 level and obtain approval from the Nursing Council, you can work from day 1 as an RN.

Is German language mandatory to work in German?

Yes, it is. You can not obtain a Visa or start a job without language skills.

Can I attend the interview without clearing the language test?

Yes, you can. However, the offer letter will be provisional and will become effective once you pass the B1/ B2 level German exam.

Is there a Course Centre available near to my location?

German language courses are usually available in all major cities with various training institutes. If there is no German language training institute in your city, online trainings are available through our partners.

How much of a work gap is acceptable?

Through this program, nurses who have a long gap have the chance to get into the nursing field once again. However, you must clear the interviews and have at least one year of previous work experience. The more experience a nurse has, the easier to pass the assessment.

Is this interview for a position in a hospital?

Currently, our positions are only in hospitals.

Which specialities are accepted in Germany?

Our client provides jobs in Hospitals. If you have experience in any speciality, you are eligible to apply for this program.

Are there any exams that need to be cleared or any adaptations to be done after the assessment of my file by the Nursing Council in Germany?

The Nursing Council in Germany will assess your qualifications, transcripts, and experience. After your file is assessed, you will know if you are approved as such, or if any additional trainings or exams are required to pass.

In addition to the training hours in each subject, your hours in clinical experience and the type of experience are all evaluated to arrive at this decision. If the Nursing Council states so following your assessment, you may have to complete a short competency training course.

Will METAEON help me with the registration process?

Yes, our team and our partners in Germany will guide you through the process.

How long will it take to finish the Registration process?

There are two stages. The first could take 3-4 months after you have passed the B1 language level. After this stage, you will travel to Germany and work as an assistant nurse.

The final stage is in Germany, when you pass the B2 level. At this stage, your final assessment will take place. This may also take up to 3-4 months.

Nurses are permitted to have up to 12 months’ time to take the B2 test and (if necessary) test for assessment. Nurses can reappear once.

What are the required documents for the process for Germany?

Once you start the process, we shall keep you updated on the required documents for each stage of the process.

How long will it take for deployment?

Nurses are deployed within 3 to 4 months of passing the B2/B2 level exam.

Is there any payment needed to be done for German Registration?

Yes, there is a fee for Registration. For information, please contact us.

Is there any deposit? Will it be refunded?

Yes, there is a deposit which will be collected with the application is being processed. The deposit will be refunded after 3-4 months of successful onboarding in the hospital.

Is there any agency fee?

No, METAEON always provides FREE RECRUITMENT. You do not have to pay any fee to METAEON.

How much will the basic income be?

Registered Nurses in Germany get a salary of approximately Euro 2200 to 4000 p.m., depending upon experience and skills. Once the nurse reaches Germany and is awaiting to pass B2 level he or she gets paid around Euros 1500 p.m.

What is the overtime rate?

Usually, there is no overtime. However, depending on the requirements, the overtime rate is based on your salary. This is calculated as equivalent to the amount of salary you get per hour.

Is there a bonus for night shifts or weekends?

Payment for night shifts and weekends will depend on the employer. In most cases, a nurse will get an extra 20-40% on night shifts and 30-50% extra on Sundays.

Will I start working as a Registered Nurse immediately when I move to Germany?

Upon arrival in Germany, you will start working as an Assistant nurse. Once you complete the B2 German language level and receive an assessment from the Nursing Council in Germany, you can start working as a Registered Nurse.

Will the hospital provide free accommodation?

There is no free accommodation. However, the employer and our partner agency will help you find accommodation before you move to Germany. Note that you will pay the rent.

Do the people in Germany understand the English language?

Approximately 50% of German understand English. However, when working in healthcare, it is mandatory to have good local language communication skills. Also, many elder Germans do not speak English.

Is the German language hard to learn?

If you think about the opportunity you are getting by learning a language, it can encourage you to finish the process more quickly. Often, you can learn each level in around 6 months.

How much will the total expenses be for the program in Germany?

Recruitment through METAEON is free. We don’t charge any fee from the candidate.

You need to bear your expenses for the language training tuition fee and exam. You will also handle the expenses for certified translations of the papers/documents (this will be refunded).

Who will conduct the interview?

The interview will be done online by the employer in Germany. We shall arrange your interview with them. After the successful completion of the interview, you may get a provisional job offer.

Can I take my family with me?

You can take your family to Germany once you start working as a Registered Nurse. This may take around 6 months.

Am I eligible for benefits like PR or Health insurance if I work in a hospital?

Yes, you are eligible for both.

When will I get the PR and Citizenship?

You can get the PR once you complete at least 3 to 4 years of residency permit in Germany. You can apply for citizenship after 5 years.

Can I go to visit other countries with a German residence permit?

Yes, a German residence permit entitles you to travel to other Schengen

Does the agency have a meet-and-greet program at the airport?

Yes, the employer and our partners will arrange your “Meet & Greet.”

What is the duration of my contract? Can I shift my job to get registration as an RN?

Your initial contract is for two years. This can be renewed by mutual consent. If you choose to leave, you may do so after completing 2 years of work as an RN.

Please note that the 2 years is counted from the day you start work as an RN and not from arrival.

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Find Your Place with METAEON

If you are ready to take the next step in your career, our nurse matching professionals are ready to help you match with an employer in Germany! Complete your online assessment to begin.