Germany is facing a serious shortage of nursing and care professionals, with tens of thousands of unfilled positions across hospitals, clinics, and elderly care facilities. At the same time, a new report highlights how Australia has transformed nursing into one of its most attractive careers — well paid, socially respected, and rich in advancement opportunities. For expats considering a career in care in Germany, or those already working in the sector, this comparison raises important questions: What can you realistically expect in Germany? And why does the country still struggle to fill these roles despite active international recruitment?
In Australia, nursing professionals benefit from relatively high base salaries, strong union protections, and a cultural environment that genuinely values care work. Career ladders are clearly defined, part-time options are flexible, and the sector is backed by sustained public investment. The result: nursing is a respected profession that attracts domestic graduates and international recruits alike.
This stands in contrast to Germany, where care work has long been underpaid compared to other skilled trades and professions requiring similar levels of training. Long shifts, high patient-to-staff ratios, and limited career progression have contributed to widespread burnout and high turnover.
Germany has been actively recruiting nursing staff from abroad — particularly from countries such as the Philippines, Mexico, Tunisia, and the Western Balkans — through formal bilateral agreements and recognition pathways. The process, however, is lengthy. International nurses typically need to have their qualifications recognised (a process managed partly through regional authorities and BAMF in cases involving third-country nationals), complete language requirements (usually B2 level in German for clinical settings), and in many cases undergo an adaptation period or additional examinations.
Salaries in Germany's care sector have improved in recent years following the introduction of mandatory minimum wages for care workers, which rose to around €15.50 per hour for care assistants and higher for qualified nurses as of 2024. Tariff agreements through major employers (Caritas, Diakonie, public hospital groups) can push salaries for fully qualified nurses to €2,800–€3,500 per month gross, depending on experience and region.
That said, the gap with other countries — and with other professions in Germany requiring comparable qualifications — remains a point of debate.
If you are an internationally trained nurse or care professional considering Germany, here is the practical picture:
The process varies by Bundesland and by the country where you trained. EU-trained nurses benefit from automatic mutual recognition in principle, though German language proof is still required. Non-EU nurses typically go through a formal equivalence assessment, which can take 6–18 months. Some states have dedicated fast-track offices. It is worth contacting the competent authority (Anerkennungsbehörde) in the state where you plan to work as early as possible.
Most hospitals and care facilities require at least B2 (CEFR) in general German, and many additionally require a healthcare-specific language certificate (Fachsprachprüfung) issued by the regional medical chamber (Ärztekammer or Pflegekammer). Some employers sponsor language courses before and after arrival.
Salaries have improved and are above the general minimum wage, but Germany is not yet at the level of countries like Australia, Switzerland, or the Netherlands for care workers. Fully qualified nurses in Germany earn roughly €2,800–€3,500 gross per month depending on tariff agreement and seniority. The public sector and church-affiliated employers (Caritas, Diakonie) tend to offer more transparent and higher pay scales than private providers.
Germany needs international nursing professionals and is investing in recruitment pathways — but the sector still has structural challenges that countries like Australia have addressed more decisively. If you are planning a care career in Germany, go in with realistic expectations: the job is in demand, the paperwork is real, and language investment pays off. Research the recognition process in your target Bundesland early, compare employer tariff agreements before signing a contract, and look for employers who offer integration support beyond the first month.
Source: tagesschau
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