Working as a Midwife (Hebamme / Entbindungspfleger) in Germany
Midwives provide pregnancy counselling, birth assistance, postnatal care and breastfeeding support. The profession is regulated and now academically structured in Germany, so foreign applicants need recognition before independent practice.
What the job involves
- Monitor pregnancy and birth progress
- Assist during deliveries
- Provide postnatal home visits
- Advise on breastfeeding and infant care
Requirements
- Recognised midwifery qualification
- Professional permission
- German B2 or higher for safety-critical communication
- Clinical birth experience
Recognition of your qualification
Requires Anerkennung (recognition) and professional permission as Hebamme/Entbindungspfleger; academic and practical equivalence is checked by the competent authority.
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
| Entry level | €3,300–€4,000 / month (gross) |
| Experienced | €4,000–€5,200 / 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 academic training (§18b) after recognition
- Study visa (§16b) for German midwifery degree programme
- Opportunity Card / Chancenkarte (§20a, points)
Typical employers
- Hospitals with maternity wards
- Birth centres (Geburtshäuser)
- Outpatient midwife practices
- University hospitals
Outlook
Demand is high because maternity care requires continuous personal support and many regions report gaps in midwife availability.
Your next steps
- Check recognition of the midwifery qualification
- Collect practical training and birth-care evidence
- Improve German for obstetric communication
- Find a hospital or supervised practice partner
Not sure this path fits you?
See which routes to Germany could realistically match your profile — free to start.
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.