You want to work as a nurse in Germany and wonder: Do I need a visa or a residence permit? It can be confusing, but don’t worry! Careloop | Klett, as a nursing recruitment agency, has already successfully supported thousands of nurses and explains everything you need to know.
What is a visa for international nurses?
A visa is your document for entering Germany. You can apply for it at the German embassy or the German consulate in your home country. The validity period depends on the embassy that issues your visa.
For nurses, there is the visa according to § 16d AufenthG. You receive this visa with partial recognition of your professional qualifications. With the visa, you can enter Germany and already start working. If necessary, you can also leave and re-enter Germany during the validity period.
Especially good news for nurses: There is a fast-track procedure for skilled workers. In this procedure, the embassy already has all important information because the German immigration office provides these documents electronically. This means your application can be processed much faster.
What is a residence permit and which one do you need?
A residence permit is your document for a longer stay in Germany. You must apply for it at the responsible immigration office in Germany. Your entry visa is then converted into a residence permit for staying. Depending on your situation, the residence permit has different forms.
The residence permit according to § 16d AufenthG is intended for completing the recognition of your foreign professional qualifications. You can receive it for up to 24 months. An extension of twelve months is possible. Additionally, you may work 20 hours per week, but your side job must be outside of nursing.
After your full recognition, you receive the residence permit according to § 18a AufenthG. For this, you need full recognition and a professional license. Additionally, you must have a concrete job offer as a nursing professional. If you already have the recognition in your home country, you can also enter directly with it.
The Fiktionsbescheinigung helps you during waiting times. It is a temporary solution. You receive such a certificate when your application is still being processed. Sometimes documents are still missing or your electronic residence permit is not yet ready. The Fiktionsbescheinigung is valid until a decision is made on your main application.
Difference between visa and residence permit
Imagine: A visa is like a cinema ticket. A residence permit is like a season pass for the whole year. You need the visa to enter here. You must apply for it in your home country. The residence permit is for your life and work in Germany. You apply for it in Germany.
This is the timeline:
1. First, you need a visa to enter and work:
- With partial recognition: Visa according to § 16d AufenthG
- With full recognition: Visa according to § 18a AufenthG
2. Then you apply for the residence permit for a longer stay:
- With partial recognition: Residence permit according to § 16d AufenthG
- With full recognition: Residence permit according to § 18a AufenthG
Fee Overview
When you come to Germany, you will need some of these important documents. These documents cost money. So you can prepare well, here is a simple overview with the most important prices.
National Visa:
- Cost: approx. 75 euros (Note: Fees may vary depending on the German embassy. Get information from your local embassy.)
Residence Permit:
- Cost: 100 euros
Fiktionsbescheinigung:
- Cost: 13 euros
Do you still need help with your application?
You don’t have to go this way alone! We at Careloop | Klett support you with all steps from application to recognition. Our experts know all processes exactly and help you submit the right applications.
Register now on the Careloop | Klett platform and start your journey to Germany.
Still have questions? Feel free to write us an email at kandidaten@careloop.io.