Record number of foreign nursing staff recognized – opportunity or bureaucratic hurdle?

The nursing sector in Germany continues to face enormous pressure. The shortage of skilled workers is palpable, particularly in hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient care. This makes the current development all the more significant: In 2024, 32,500 foreign nursing professionals were recognized in Germany —a new record and 19 percent more than the previous year. Almost half of all recognitions of foreign professional qualifications were in nursing. This clearly demonstrates how attractive Germany is for nursing professionals from abroad . But despite these positive figures, the hurdles to entering the profession remain high, and this is precisely where the challenge lies for applicants.

Long procedures as a stumbling block for international nurses

Many foreign skilled workers find that recognition procedures and visa processes in Germany take a very long time. It is not uncommon for it to take months or even years for an application to be fully reviewed and a decision to be made. While in other countries the integration of nursing staff is successful within a few months, applicants in Germany often have to endure long waiting times. These delays not only mean uncertainty for the skilled workers themselves, but also for their future employers. Nursing facilities that urgently need staff are faced with the difficult task of leaving positions vacant for months . International nursing workers also run the risk of abandoning their career plans or moving to other countries with faster procedures.

Demands for reforms and opportunities for applicants

The German Employers' Association for Nursing is therefore calling for far-reaching changes that are also of great importance for foreign nursing staff . These include digital and binding recognition procedures that should last a maximum of eight weeks. Furthermore, they demand the abolition of work bans for those granted protection and the nationwide introduction of successful models such as the " Bavarian Fast Lane ." Such measures could bring enormous benefits to applicants from abroad: less bureaucracy, faster decisions, and earlier integration into the German labor market. Strengthening trust in reputable agencies and companies also plays a major role in providing applicants with greater security.

Conclusion: Great demand, but patience required

Germany urgently needs international nursing staff – and many skilled workers want to come to Germany. However, those who want to pursue this path should be prepared for patience and begin the recognition and visa processes in good time. At the same time, it's worth seeking professional support to avoid typical pitfalls and expedite the process. Despite all the hurdles, the German nursing sector remains an attractive job market with long-term prospects. This is an opportunity for foreign nursing staff – and a necessary investment in the future of care for Germany.