Working as a Elderly Care Nurse (Altenpflegefachkraft) in Germany
Elderly care nurses care for older people with chronic conditions, mobility limitations or dementia. The occupation remains highly relevant for international recruitment because long-term care providers face persistent vacancies.
What the job involves
- Plan and document care
- Support medication and treatment care
- Assist with mobility and hygiene
- Support people with dementia
Requirements
- Care qualification or German Pflege-Ausbildung
- Anerkennung + professional permission
- German B1–B2
- Willingness to work shifts
Recognition of your qualification
Foreign elderly-care qualifications require Anerkennung (recognition) and permission to use the protected professional title in Germany.
German you'll need
This role typically expects around B2. German is essential for daily work and for the professional licence.
What you can earn
| During training | €1,200–€1,450 / month (gross) |
| Entry level | €2,900–€3,500 / month (gross) |
| Experienced | €3,400–€4,300 / month (gross) |
Indicative gross monthly pay — varies by region, employer and collective agreements.
Possible routes to Germany
Depending on your situation, these routes may apply:
- Recognition Partnership (§16d AufenthG)
- Skilled Worker with vocational training (§18a) after recognition
- Vocational training visa (§16a)
- Opportunity Card / Chancenkarte (§20a, points)
Typical employers
- Care homes (Pflegeheime)
- Non-profit providers (Caritas, Diakonie, AWO)
- Private care groups (Korian, Alloheim)
- Outpatient care services
Outlook
Demand will remain very high because Germany's elderly population is growing and care homes already face chronic vacancies.
Your next steps
- Compare qualification with German nursing standards
- Collect practical training evidence
- Reach B2 German or start an employer-backed language plan
- Apply for recognition or recognition partnership
Not sure this path fits you?
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Check your pathway Learn German →Sources
Make-it-in-Germany · Anerkennung in Deutschland · Federal Employment Agency Fachkräfteengpassanalyse
General information, as of 2025. DeutschBound provides orientation and German-language training — not legal advice, visa application services or job guarantees. Always confirm current requirements with the official sources above.