Leistungen A-Z

Online procedure possible: no

Written form required: yes

Personal appearance required: no

The activity as a health and paediatric nurse is regulated by precise regulations in Germany. This means that in order for you to be able to work as a health and paediatric nurse in Germany, you need a state permit. With this permit, you may use the professional title "Health and Pediatric Nurse" and work in the profession.

Permission to use the professional title of health and paediatric nurse is required to practise the profession. It must be applied for. Permission is granted if you

• have completed the training period prescribed by law and passed the state examination,
• are not guilty of conduct which gives rise to unreliability in the exercise of the profession,
• are suitable for the exercise of the profession from a health point of view,
• have the knowledge of the German language required for the exercise of their professional activity.

• training in the profession of health care and paediatric nursing completed abroad that is equivalent to a German training or an equivalent level of knowledge
  • The equivalence of the level of knowledge must be demonstrated, if necessary, by means of an examination or an adaptation period.
• health suitability
• Proof of reliability and appreciation for the practice of the health profession of health care and pediatric nursing
• Sufficient knowledge of German at level B 2
• Proof of competence

The LAVG will tell you which documents you need to submit. Important documents are generally:

• Proof of identity (for example, your passport or ID card)
• If you change your name: marriage certificate
• Curriculum vitae in tabular form and in German (list of your training courses and professional experience)
• Proof of your professional qualification (certificate, detailed overview of subjects and hours on theory and practice, Diploma Supplement)
• A certificate stating that you are allowed to work as a health and paediatric nurse in your country of training
• Proof of your professional experience (e.g. certificates from employers)

• Proof of your other qualifications
  (e.g. professional training, courses, seminars)
• Registration certificate or proof that you want to work in the federal state where you are applying
• A written declaration as to whether and to which body you have already submitted an application for a determination of equivalence. If available, also the notification received
• Proof of your German language skills
• Proof of your personal suitability:
  • Official certificate of good conduct from a German authority. Another name for the official certificate of good conduct is "Certificate of Good Conduct Document Type O".
    In Germany, you can get the certificate of good conduct from your residents' registration office or citizens' registration office. As a rule, the official certificate of good conduct should be no more than 3 months old when it is presented.
    Likewise, a certificate from an authority in your home country: for example, an extract from the criminal record
  • a Certificate of Good Standing
  • A signed declaration that no criminal proceedings are underway against you and that you are not under investigation

• Proof of health fitness: A medical certificate or certificate of your health. The proof must be no more than 3 months old when you submit the application.

The LAVG will tell you which documents you need to submit in the original or as a copy.

You must submit your documents in German. This often means that your documents need to be translated. Translations must be carried out by translators who are publicly appointed or authorised.

The procedure costs money. The LAVG will inform you about the costs. The costs generally depend on the effort required for processing.
The cost of the procedure is different in each state.
In addition, additional costs may arise (e.g. for translations, certifications or compensatory measures). These costs vary from person to person.

The course of the procedure may vary from state to state. In most federal states, the procedure is as follows:

You must apply in writing for permission to use the professional title "health and paediatric nurse" or "health and paediatric nurse" with a professional qualification from abroad:

Examination of equivalence

• Submit an application for permission and the necessary evidence to the LAVG. (The application is called differently in each state.)
• The LAVG will then check whether you meet all the requirements.
• The LAVG compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification as a health and paediatric nurse.
• The LAVG will check whether your professional qualification is equivalent. The professional qualification is equivalent if there are no significant differences between your foreign professional qualification and the German professional qualification.

Possible results of the test

• If your professional qualification is equivalent, the LAVG will recognise your foreign professional qualification.
• The LAVG can confirm the result to you in writing.
• You still have to meet the other requirements and prove your language skills.
• Then you will receive permission to use the job title.
• If the LAVG identifies significant differences, you may be able to compensate for the differences through your professional practice.
• You must prove that you have professional experience.
• However, it may be that your professional experience is not sufficient. In this case, you will not be able to compensate for the essential differences.
• The LAVG will tell you in writing about the main differences and why you cannot compensate for them through your professional practice.
• However, the LAVG offers you a compensatory measure.
• If you successfully complete this action, you will be able to compensate for the significant differences.
• Your professional qualification will then be recognised.  

Compensatory measures

As a compensatory measure, you can choose between

• an adaptation period, and
• an aptitude test (for professional qualifications from the EU/EEA/Switzerland) or a knowledge test (for professional qualifications from third countries)
• Adaptation period: practical post-qualification; can last the entire German training period for the profession (up to 3 years)
• Aptitude test: Examination of only the differences identified by the LAVG
• Proficiency test: Your knowledge in specific subjects and areas will be tested

If you complete the adaptation period or pass the aptitude test or knowledge test (and meet all other requirements), you will receive permission to use the professional title "Health and Pediatric Nurse" or "Health and Paediatric Nurse"

None.
Sometimes documents for the procedure are still missing. The LAVG will inform you and give you deadlines. Then you need to submit the documents by the deadline.

State Office for Occupational Safety, Consumer Protection and Health (LAVG)

State Office for Occupational Safety, Consumer Protection and

Health (LAVG)

Department of Health, Division G1

Wünsdorfer Platz 3

15806 Zossen (Ortsteil Wünsdorf)

Phone: 0331 8683821

Fax: 0331 8683826

E-mail: DezernatG1@lavg.brandenburg.de

There are numerous counselling services. These can be found on Recognition in Germany .

Get personal advice on this procedure and your qualifications at an IQ counselling centre . The advisors will also help you with your documents before submitting your application. The consultation is free of charge.

You can also call the hotline of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. The hotline will answer your questions on the subject of "Working and living in Germany".

Phone Number: +49 30 1815-1111

Hours:
Monday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Section 58 (1) of the Nursing Professions Act (PflBG)

• Freedom to provide services
  As a citizen of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland with a professional qualification from these countries, you do not need a state permit if you only want to work temporarily and occasionally as a service provider in Germany. However, special requirements apply: You must report your work to the LAVG before the 1st activity. The LAVG will inform you in detail about the procedure.
• Notice of equivalence
  In the approval procedure, the LAVG compares your professional qualification from abroad with the German professional qualification (equivalence test / equivalence assessment). You may be able to obtain a separate notification (equivalence notice) for the result of the examination.

• Information on the recognition of foreign professional qualifications on "Recognition in Germany"
• Information on the recognition of foreign professional qualifications on the BQ portal
• Financial aid in the recognition procedure
• Information on the Point of Single Contact
• Points of Single Contact in Germany
• Publicly appointed translators in Germany

Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Integration and Consumer Protection