Two verified pathways to Germany. Kerala and Telangana nurses may be eligible for the official Triple Win programme; nurses from other states pursue recognition through the individual route. Eligibility depends on current programme conditions at the time of application.
Your pathway to Germany
Your state is a starting point, not a guarantee — each Triple Win intake has its own eligibility conditions.
Government-run recruitment via GIZ and Germany's Federal Employment Agency, with no placement fees — though personal costs (documents, travel, exams) may still apply.
You can begin the recognition process independently, without an employer. An employer becomes relevant later, for the job offer and visa stage.
Our coverage in India
Candidates from any district within these two states are eligible to apply through NORKA Roots (Kerala) or TOMCOM (Telangana). Nurses from every other Indian state are equally welcome through the individual recognition route below.
Government programme
A government-to-government recruitment channel run by Germany's Federal Employment Agency (ZAV) and GIZ, in partnership with each state's own agency.
For nurses who already hold a recognised nursing qualification (GNM, B.Sc Nursing, or equivalent) and are ready to work. Kerala candidates apply through NORKA Roots; Telangana candidates apply through TOMCOM.
A separate track for candidates without a nursing qualification yet, who complete a 3-year vocational nursing training (Ausbildung) in Germany. Eligibility and entry requirements differ from the qualified-nurse track.
Applications are submitted directly through the official state agency for your region:
Eligibility criteria — age, professional experience, and required German level — vary between application rounds and are set by NORKA Roots, TOMCOM, and the Federal Employment Agency. Always check the current call for applications on the official website before preparing your documents.
The Triple Win programme itself charges no placement or recruitment fees. However, personal costs may still apply depending on the intake — for example, document translation, notarisation, travel to interviews or exams, and in some rounds, part of the language course.
All other Indian states
For nurses from states outside the Triple Win partnership, or those who prefer to start the process independently.
In Germany, you cannot practise or use the professional title Pflegefachperson without formal recognition of your qualification and the required professional licence (Berufserlaubnis). This applies regardless of your experience or the state you apply from.
Your application is submitted to the competent recognition authority in the German federal state where you intend to work — not to ZAB. You can identify the correct authority using the official Anerkennungs-Finder. Once granted, recognition is valid throughout Germany.
You can start the recognition process from India, before securing a job offer. An employer becomes relevant later — for the actual job placement and, eventually, the work visa — but is not a requirement to submit your recognition application.
B.Sc Nursing, GNM, and ANM are evaluated individually — there is no automatic equivalence. The recognition authority reviews the duration and content of your training, theoretical and practical hours, and your professional experience against the German reference qualification (Pflegefachfrau/Pflegefachmann). ANM in particular is not treated as automatically equivalent to Pflegefachperson.
Exact requirements vary by state and by case — the list above is indicative, not exhaustive.
Full professional practice generally requires German at B2 level, alongside proof of health fitness and professional reliability (Zuverlässigkeit). These are assessed separately from your qualification equivalence.
Step by step
The overall journey follows a similar shape for both pathways, though timing and sequence differ in the details.
Confirm whether you're eligible for Triple Win (Kerala/Telangana) or need the individual recognition route.
Apply through NORKA Roots/TOMCOM, or submit your file to the competent state authority via the Anerkennungs-Finder.
Work towards German B1/B2, depending on your pathway and the requirements of your target state or programme round.
Receive your outcome — full recognition, or a notice specifying an Anpassungslehrgang or Kenntnisprüfung.
Secure a job offer (via Triple Win matching or independently) and apply for your work visa.
Relocate to Germany, complete any remaining compensatory measures, and begin practising as a Pflegefachperson.
Timelines vary significantly by pathway, state, and individual case — this overview shows the general sequence, not a fixed schedule.
Professional referral network
If a qualified colleague in India is considering a nursing career in Germany, you may refer them to Berlin Gateway for an initial pathway assessment. We review their state, qualification, German level and intended route before recommending the appropriate next step.
Berlin Gateway works with international professionals and healthcare contacts in Germany.
Frequently asked questions
Other regions
Share your state, qualification, and current German level — we'll help you understand whether Triple Win applies to you or whether the individual recognition route is your path forward.