UNSER blog
Wertvolle Artikel für einen erfolgreichen Start mit TERN: Alles, was Sie wissen müssen, um den Rekrutierungs- und Integrationsprozess reibungslos zu gestalten.
Nursing in Germany
April 3, 2025
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3 mins
With workforce shortages impacting healthcare systems worldwide, Germany has emerged as a key destination for skilled international healthcare professionals. The country is projected to require an additional 150,000 nurses by 2025, and approximately 31% of doctors in Germany are aged 55 and above, highlighting an urgent need for new talent. Currently, over 6,000 Syrian doctors and thousands of other foreign-trained healthcare professionals are working in Germany, showcasing the country's reliance on international expertise.
We understand that’s a lot to take in. It’s crucial to grasp how these numbers have made their way to Germany’s healthcare landscape. For many foreign-trained healthcare workers, the journey to recognition and employment in Germany involves navigating complex regulatory processes, including the Defizitbescheid. Processing times for this document can vary widely, ranging from one month to seven months, depending on individual circumstances and the federal state. Understanding this document is crucial for both employers and candidates to ensure a seamless transition into the German healthcare system.
The Defizitbescheid is an official notification issued by German recognition authorities, outlining the specific gaps or deficiencies in a foreign healthcare professional’s qualifications compared to German standards. It serves as a roadmap, guiding candidates on the additional training, examinations, or practical experience required to achieve full professional recognition in Germany.
For healthcare employers, the Defizitbescheid plays a critical role in workforce planning. It helps determine the timeline and necessary steps before a candidate can fully integrate into the system as a licensed professional.
To obtain a Defizitbescheid, foreign-trained healthcare professionals must submit an application for professional recognition (Anerkennung) to the relevant regulatory body in their target German federal state. This typically includes certified copies of diplomas, transcripts, proof of work experience, and language proficiency certificates (usually B2-level German for nurses and C1-level German for doctors). Authorities will then assess the equivalence of the applicant’s qualifications and issue a Defizitbescheid if gaps exist. Once received, candidates can follow the outlined step such as additional coursework, practical training, or exams in order to achieve full recognition. Employers can assist by guiding candidates through this process and providing necessary support for qualification attainment.
At TERN, we believe in making the impossible possible by creating seamless, end-to-end recruitment and immigration solutions for international healthcare professionals. Our AI-enabled platform ensures that both employers and candidates navigate the recognition process efficiently, reducing delays and maximizing opportunities.
Here’s how we help:
For international healthcare professionals, the Defizitbescheid is a stepping stone to achieving full qualification and integration into Germany’s workforce. For healthcare employers, it represents an opportunity to strategically plan and support a diverse and skilled workforce. With TERN’s expertise, both candidates and employers can confidently navigate the complexities of the recognition process, ensuring a win-win for all stakeholders.
By addressing talent shortages with an innovative, AI-driven approach, TERN continues to bridge global healthcare gaps, propelled by a mission to empower professionals and strengthen healthcare systems worldwide.