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Zwei Kolleginnen stehen im Flur und lächeln in die Kamera

Information for nursing staff from abroad

We are delighted to have specialists from all over the world working at the Charité – maybe you will be one of them soon.
Our aim is making everyone feel comfortable and well advised – from the first contact to full integration – and to stay with us for the long term.
On this page, we have compiled all the information you need on the immigration and recognition process:

  • The Charité & Berlin: What can you expect?
  • The immigration and recognition process
  • FAQs & answers
  • Contact
     

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us any time! 

The Charité & Berlin: What can you expect?

   

Are you living outside of Germany and thinking about applying to the Charité? That is something we like to hear. But to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into, here is a short and honest summary ...
 

Your new workplace

The Charité is the largest university hospital in Germany with more than 23,000 employees from over 120 nations. We treat a good 850,000 cases every year. 

Our colleagues in the health care professions usually work 39 hours a week to achieve this. These hours can of course also be reduced.

The salary is based on a labor agreement. In 2022, the average full-time gross salary was roughly between € 58,500 and € 72,000. It is now higher due to pay rate increases.

Note: Until your professional qualification is recognized by the state, you will be employed as a specialist nurse in training. This means fewer responsibilities, but also a little less salary. After full professional recognition, you will then be paid as a specialist nurse and take on more responsibility at the same time.

Here you can take a closer look at the Charité on a virtual tour:
To the 360° Tour

 
 

Your new city

Berlin has many faces. Colorful and vibrant in spring and summer, but often cold in the wintertime. The city has beautiful areas, great restaurants and almost no end to cultural offers. But as in any big city, there are also stressful corners. Berlin is an incredible city to live in and has something up its sleeve for everyone.

Apartments in popular districts are hard to find and therefore also expensive. It can take some time to find a neighborhood and apartment in which to feel comfortable. We are therefore happy to support our colleagues from abroad with temporary accommodation.
 

See all benefits

The immigration and recognition process

   

Nursing is considered an “understaffed profession” in Germany, which is why it is comparatively easy for professionally qualified people from abroad to work here. But there are still a few things to keep in mind.
We have prepared a description of the usual immigration and recognition process in five steps that you can use for orientation purposes. Naturally, we will support you throughout the process and cover some costs during the recognition process.
 

1. step: Recruiting

The first step is to get to know each other and determine whether the Charité is a good fit for you and your needs. And also whether you and your professional background match a vacancy at the Charité. For this we also need your professional certificate, proof of your experience, an assessment from the State Office of Health and Social Affairs and a B1 language certificate. 

You can find information on how to apply for an assessment from the State Office of Health and Social Affairs here. 

If you are from a country outside the European Union:

See all information

If you are from a country within the European Union: 

See all information


If everything is in order, we will explain the further process in your individual case. This is because procedures differ slightly depending on the country of origin. 
 

2. step: Language course, visa or residence permit

One of the prerequisites for your work and integration in Germany is the language: Working in health care professions requires a B2 level of German.  
If you have not yet done so, you must complete a language course in your home country and achieve at least level B1. 
At the same time, we will support you in applying for a residence permit or visa – there are differences depending on your country of origin. 
As a rule, this step takes between 6 and 12 months at most, depending on country of origin and language skills.

3. step: Arrival and start of work

Things are getting “serious” now. You are about to enter Germany. 
We have already helped you find an apartment or will provide you with one at cost. We will also be happy to help you open a bank account, get a cell phone contract and buy a ticket for public transportation. 
And then comes your first day of work at your ward. Until your professional recognition is complete, you will be employed as a specialist nurse in training. 
You will be introduced to the work slowly and shown everything. A mentor will always be available to answer your questions.

4. step: Adjustment qualification

Depending on your country of origin and professional qualification, adjustment qualification may be required. The aim of the course is to familiarize you with German professional practices and processes. This is important for the recognition of your professional qualification.
At the same time, you can improve your German language skills because you must achieve the B2 language level for professional recognition.   
Qualification takes about 8 months. The Charité covers the costs of the course. 

5. step: Professional recognition

In the final step, you will go through the professional recognition process. To do this, you need to submit an application and all the important documents – i.e. professional qualifications, a successfully passed adjustment course and proof of your B2 level language skills.
Of course, we will also assist you during the application process. The process and the examination of the documents usually takes two months. 
You can then officially use your professional title in Germany and, with a residence permit and the appropriate specialist nurse work permit, you will also be paid according to your qualification.

FAQs & answers

Where and how can I apply?

Please fill out this form to apply for a job with us: To the form

How long does the recognition process take?

The recognition process can take up to 12 months.

Can my family accompany me during the immigration process?

Yes, you can apply for family reunification if you have found an apartment appropriate for the number of family members and if you have a valid residence permit (no longer a visa).

What expenses does the Charité cover and what will I have to pay for myself?

The Charité covers the costs of the B2 level language course and the expenses for the adjustment qualification.

Contact

Do you have any questions or would you like to apply? We look forward to hearing from you! 
integration-pflege@charite.de