Statutory minimum wage
General statutory minimum wage
13.90 € gross / hour
Valid from: 2026-01-01 · Valid until: 2026-12-31
Source: BMAS: gesetzlicher Mindestlohn · Checked: 2026-10-03
For Care Facilities & Social Service Providers
Recruitment for nursing and social care: we clarify your facility's needs and distinguish qualified nurses, trained nursing assistants and general housekeeping support. We assess qualifications, language skills and the employment route for each role while respecting the rules on international health-worker recruitment.
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Care is regulated differently than other sectors – we explain transparently which pathway applies to which position.
The Situation
According to the BA shortage analysis for 2025, nursing and healthcare remained among the occupations with the strongest skilled-worker shortages. We assess your facility’s needs by role, qualification and shifts. Source: Federal Employment Agency, press release of 2 September 2026
The federal government has for years strategically relied on international care professionals to stabilise care provision.
We assess experience, qualifications, language skills and personal expectations individually. A clearly agreed start supports both sides; nationality alone cannot demonstrate loyalty or long-term retention.
cost of an agency worker compared with a permanently employed nurse, according to the Berlin Hospital Association. This association statement from November 2025 is not a guaranteed saving.
Our Approach
Especially in healthcare, the way recruitment is conducted has direct effects on care provision in the countries of origin.
For health and nursing occupations, the recruitment restrictions under section 38 of the Employment Ordinance and the principles of the WHO Code of Practice must be considered. Before a search begins, we check the applicable rules, the role concerned and the permitted recruitment route.
We do not begin recruitment that is legally prohibited. These restrictions are assessed separately from the Employer Pays Principle: the employer covers recruitment costs and the associated visa and travel costs.
Source: WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel; §38 BeschV (German Employment Ordinance)
Legal Basis
Care is subject to special legal regulation – we know the details and provide structured support.
An automatic recognition procedure may apply to certain EU/EEA qualifications and qualifications from Switzerland. The specific training documents, professional authorisation and any other requirements must be clarified with the competent authority.
Where the requirements are met, the employer may initiate the fast-track skilled-worker procedure under section 81a of the Residence Act with the worker's authorisation. The current official fee is EUR 411; further costs are planned separately. Individual deadlines depend on complete documentation and other requirements. There is no fixed overall timetable or guarantee of a visa, entry or employment start.
A recognition partnership may allow a start before recognition is complete where the qualification, language and employer requirements are met. Permitted duties and supervision are assessed individually. Work as a qualified nurse is not automatically allowed before the required professional authorisation.
The Federal Employment Agency covers up to 100% of training course costs for qualifying international nurses under certain conditions.
Statutory minimum wage
13.90 € gross / hour
Valid from: 2026-01-01 · Valid until: 2026-12-31
Source: BMAS: gesetzlicher Mindestlohn · Checked: 2026-10-03
Sector minimum wage
16.52 € gross / hour
Valid from: 2026-07-01 · Valid until: 2027-06-30
Source: 7. PflegeArbbV, § 2 (geltende Verordnung) · Checked: 2026-10-03
Sector minimum wage
17.80 € gross / hour
Valid from: 2026-07-01 · Valid until: 2027-06-30
Source: 7. PflegeArbbV, § 2 (geltende Verordnung) · Checked: 2026-10-03
Sector minimum wage
21.03 € gross / hour
Valid from: 2026-07-01 · Valid until: 2027-06-30
Source: 7. PflegeArbbV, § 2 (geltende Verordnung) · Checked: 2026-10-03
Monthly gross median
3,335.00 € gross / month
Official occupational group: Berufe in der Altenpflege (ohne Spezialisierung) - Helfer-/Anlerntätigkeiten
Data year: 2025 · As of: 2025-12-31
Source: Bundesagentur für Arbeit: Entgeltatlas 2025 · Checked: 2026-10-03
Monthly gross median
4,438.00 € gross / month
Official occupational group: Berufe in der Altenpflege (ohne Spezialisierung) - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten
Data year: 2025 · As of: 2025-12-31
Source: Bundesagentur für Arbeit: Entgeltatlas 2025 · Checked: 2026-10-03
Median: official occupational group, full-time, Germany. This is not a salary promise for a particular vacancy. Sector minimum wages apply only within their scope and subject to the conditions in the source.
The Process
Specifically for care positions – from inquiry to first working day.
Care assistant or qualified nurse, how many positions, which department – we clarify the exact needs in a short conversation.
We explain transparently which legal pathway and timeline are realistic.
We assess qualifications, experience and language skills and observe the applicable limits on international health recruitment.
We coordinate the recognition procedure, visa application and arrival in Germany.
We support the start at your facility and remain available for both sides.
FAQ
Qualified nursing is a regulated profession; foreign qualifications and professional authorisation must be checked. Nursing assistance is not automatically a route without training or recognition: section 22a of the Employment Ordinance requires a recognised German nursing-assistance qualification or official recognition of an equivalent foreign qualification. Other requirements and Federal Employment Agency approval must be considered. General housekeeping is a separate role.
For health and nursing occupations, we assess the current recruitment restrictions under section 38 of the Employment Ordinance and the WHO principles. The role concerned, the applicable rules and the permitted recruitment route matter. We do not begin active recruitment that is legally prohibited.
The placement fee is 1.5 times the fixed gross monthly salary, with a minimum of EUR 2,480 net plus VAT per placement. Services, payment terms and any replacement arrangements are agreed in writing. Additional costs are planned transparently outside the agency fee. Candidates pay no recruitment fees.
Timing depends on qualifications, complete documentation, the recognition authority and other official procedures. The procedure under section 81a of the Residence Act does not create a fixed overall timetable or guarantee a visa. We clarify the schedule for the individual case.
This may be possible where the requirements of an appropriate employment and recognition route are met. Duties, qualifications, required supervision and official permissions are assessed specifically. Employment as a nursing assistant or qualified nurse is not guaranteed in advance.
Next Step
20 minutes, free, non-binding. We'll clarify together whether and how we can help you.
Request a free consultation