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The state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany’s most populous state, has voted to make the NRW nursing chamber (Pflegekammer NRW) responsible for issuing the licence to practise (Berufserlaubnis) for nurses trained abroad. The aim is to bring the language exam and the final licence under one roof and speed up recognition. No start date has been set yet.
Key points
- The NRW Landtag passed a CDU and Green Party motion (Drucksache 18/21618), announced on 4 November 2026.
- The Pflegekammer NRW has run the B2 nursing language exams (Fachsprachprüfung) for foreign nurses since January 2024.
- The plan is to combine the language exam and the licence in one digital process.
- The SPD opposition criticised the move; the chamber rejected the criticism. The takeover date is still open.
What was decided
According to the Pflegekammer NRW, the Landtag adopted a motion from the governing CDU and Bündnis 90/Die Grünen to transfer the issuing of the Berufserlaubnis for foreign nursing professionals to the chamber. The motion aims to digitise administrative steps and help international nurses start work faster.
Chamber president Sandra Postel called the move “the next logical step” to reduce bureaucracy in the recognition process. The trade news site Bibliomed Pflege reported that the SPD group described the plan as “exceptionally unfortunate” during the debate. The chamber says it is ready for the task, but it has not yet been told when it will take it over.
Why it matters for foreign nurses in Germany
Recognition is one of the biggest hurdles for international nurses moving to Germany. To work as a registered nurse (Pflegefachfrau or Pflegefachmann), you need your qualification recognised, German at B2 level shown in a nursing language exam, and then the Berufserlaubnis from the responsible authority. Delays at any step can leave qualified nurses working as assistants for months.
Long waits are a known problem in other states too. Altenpflege magazine reported this month that recognition of nursing qualifications in Thuringia can take up to two years. In August, the Pflegekammer NRW also criticised a gap in residence rules: international nursing trainees’ residence permits can end on the day of their final exam, and getting a new permit can take up to six months, according to the chamber.
- One place for two steps: applicants in NRW could deal with one body for both the language exam and the licence.
- Digital processing: the motion explicitly aims to digitise the procedure.
- Not yet in force: until the transfer happens, the current authorities remain responsible, so applications continue as before.
What to do if you plan to work in NRW
- Keep following the current process and the instructions from your recognition authority or employer.
- Prepare early for the B2 Fachsprachprüfung, since it is already run by the Pflegekammer NRW.
- Watch the Pflegekammer NRW website for an announcement on when it takes over the Berufserlaubnis.
- If you are already working in NRW with a licence, note that membership of the Pflegekammer is compulsory for registered nurses who live or work in the state.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues the nursing licence for foreign nurses in NRW now?
For now, the existing state authorities remain responsible. The Landtag decision transfers the task to the Pflegekammer NRW in the future, but no date has been announced.
What language level do foreign nurses need in Germany?
Nurses usually need German at B2 level, shown through a nursing-specific language exam (Fachsprachprüfung). In NRW, the Pflegekammer has run these exams since January 2024.
Related on Nurses Notes
- Germany nursing law 2026: nurses gain new powers
- Nursing minimum wage in Germany 2026
- Pflegefachassistenz: Germany’s new nursing assistant training
- Nursing jobs and migration news
Sources
- Anerkennung aus einer Hand: Pflegekammer NRW erteilt perspektivisch die Berufserlaubnis für ausländische Fachkräfte. Pflegekammer NRW (4 November 2026).
- Pflegekammer NRW soll Berufserlaubnisse für ausländische Pflegefachpersonen vergeben. Bibliomed Pflege (November 2026).
- Pflegekammer NRW soll künftig Berufserlaubnis für ausländische Pflegefachpersonen erteilen. Altenheim (4 November 2026).
- Thüringen: Anerkennung von Pflegeabschlüssen dauert bis zu zwei Jahre. Altenpflege (11 November 2026).
- Pflegekammer NRW kritisiert Aufenthaltslücke. Bibliomed Pflege (August 2026).
This summary is for information only and does not replace official guidance or advice from a qualified professional. It is not legal or immigration advice.
