Factsheet for measure
DE-2024-9/3791
– measures in Germany
Easier access to the labour market for nursing assistants
Erleichterter Arbeitsmarktzugang für Pflegehilfskräfte
Background information
The nursing professions are among the so-called shortage occupations. To attract more foreign labour, individuals with qualifications in the nursing field are to be specifically recruited and granted easier access to the labour market in Germany. To this end, the Skilled Immigration Act was reformed and new rules on employing and recognizing foreign nurses came into effect in March 2024.
Content of measure
Third-country nationals working as a nursing assistant (with nursing training of less than 3 years) were granted easier access to the Germany labour market. As of March 2024, they can now be employed in the healthcare and nursing sectors, if they fulfil certain requirements:
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Firstly, their foreign training certificates must be recognized in Germany, or their training must be completed in Germany.
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Secondly, applicants need have a specific job offer in Germany and a residence permit. The Federal Employment Agency grants the residence permit, after having checked the quality of the job offer. The agency, for example, checks if the working conditions of the foreign nursing assistant is equivalent to those of German nursing assistants. Also, if the foreign nursing assistant is over the age of 45 years, their minimum salary must be €53,130 (in 2025). If this is not the case, the applicant must provide proof of having acquired sufficient retirement provisions to start employment in Germany.
After having completed their training, applicants for a nursing assistant position can also search for a job in the healthcare and nursing professions. In this case, a residence permit can be issued for up to 12 months and extended for another six months. Successfully employed nursing assistants' residence permits end three months after their employment contract expires. If they have signed an open-ended employment contract, the residence permit is valid for a maximum of four years.
Use of measure
Since 2022, employment growth in the nursing sector has been driven exclusively by foreign nationals. 270,000 employees (or 16 percent) of the nursing staff in Germany held a foreign passport in 2023. In 2013, the share was only five percent.
In 2023, the largest share of foreign nursing staff — 65 percent — came from countries outside the EU. Fewer came from other EU countries, namely 35 percent.
Target groups
Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
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No special funding required
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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Consulted
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Consulted
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Form
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Direct consultation outside a formal body
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Direct consultation outside a formal body
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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No involvement
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Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level
Involvement
Social partners commented on the draft reform as it is usually the case when legislative drafts or amendments touch their area of expertise.
Views and reactions
The DGB acknowledged the planned steps in easing labour market access for nursing assistants but also called for stricter conditions. In the view of the DGB, only recognized qualifications should be accepted, and requirements for German language skills must be equally high for nursing assistants and professionals. The DGB warns that the current shortage of nursing staff must not be used to lower standards in the care sector, particularly in elderly care. Instead, sustainable improvements in working conditions and pay were necessary. Furthermore, newly recruited nursing assistants must be provided with timely and accessible opportunities for further qualification to become skilled professionals.
The employer organisation BDA stated in its position paper on the draft legislation that the rules were still too complex and bureaucratic for interested employees and nursing homes alike. Also, it was not possible to pay interested applicants the pay of a skilled worker before their credentials were not fully recognized.
Sectors and occupations
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This case is sector-specific
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Economic area
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Sector (NACE level 2)
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Q - Human Health And Social Work Activities
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Q86 Human health activities
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Q87 Residential care activities
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Q88 Social work activities without accommodation
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This case is occupation-specific
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Occupation (ISCO level 2)
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Health associate professionals
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Personal care workers
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Health professionals
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Sources
