Nurse CV for Germany
For nurse jobs in Germany, lead with State permission (Erlaubnis) to use the title Pflegefachfrau / Pflegefachmann, after recognition (Anerkennung). Employers usually expect a CV on A4 paper, most recent experience first. Length: 2 pages (tabular). A photo, the date of birth and nationality are usually included, but optional. Many CVs there end with place, date and signature.
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Registration and licences
| Nurses | State permission (Erlaubnis) to use the title Pflegefachfrau / Pflegefachmann, after recognition (Anerkennung) |
|---|
Put it near the top of the CV. If you are still applying, list it with the status “In progress” and the date you applied. Confirm current requirements with the regulator before you apply.
In the EU/EEA, this profession has automatic recognition under Directive 2005/36/EC: mention recognition of your diploma (or that it is in progress).
Sections to include
| Section (in this order) | How important | Heading in German |
|---|---|---|
| Profile | Recommended | Kurzprofil |
| Registration & licences | Expected | Zertifikate & Zulassungen |
| Experience | Expected | Berufserfahrung |
| Education | Expected | Ausbildung |
| Clinical skills | Recommended | Kenntnisse |
| Courses & CPD | Recommended | Weiterbildung |
| References | Recommended | Referenzen |
Length: 2 pages (tabular).
Personal details in Germany
| What it is called | Lebenslauf (usually written in German or English) |
|---|---|
| Length | 2 pages (tabular) |
| Paper size | A4 |
| Layout | Tabular, dates in a left column |
| Order | Most recent first |
| Dates | Numeric (MM/YYYY) |
| Photo | Usually included |
| Date of birth | Usually included |
| Nationality | Usually included |
| Marital status | Optional |
| Right to work / visa status | Optional |
| References | Leave referees off the CV; have a list ready |
| Explain gaps longer than | 3 months |
| At the end | Place, date and signature |
Key facts
- In Germany, nurses need state permission to use the title Pflegefachfrau or Pflegefachmann under the Nursing Professions Act (PflBG). Source: gesetze-im-internet.de
- In the EU, qualifications of nurses responsible for general care and of midwives are recognised automatically under Directive 2005/36/EC. Source: employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu
- Germany's General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) aims to prevent discrimination on grounds of race or ethnic origin, sex, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual identity, including in recruitment. Source: gesetze-im-internet.de
- Germany's Federal Employment Agency says a photo is not required in a job application, although many employers still expect one. Source: arbeitsagentur.de
- In Germany, foreign qualifications for regulated professions such as medicine and nursing must be formally recognised (Anerkennung) before you can practise. Source: anerkennung-in-deutschland.de
Facts checked 2026-10-15.
Tips
- Lead with your registration (e.g. NMC PIN, AHPRA number, RN licence) and its status.
- For each post give the ward or unit, patient group, bed numbers and shift pattern.
- List competencies: IV, cannulation, medicines management, specific equipment.
- Overseas nurses: state your OSCE / NCLEX / IELTS or OET status.
- In the EU/EEA, automatic recognition (Directive 2005/36/EC) covers nurses responsible for general care; specialist nursing qualifications go through the general recognition route.
- A tabular CV with dates on the left (MM/YYYY) and the newest first is standard.
- A professional photo is still common, but no law requires one, and under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) employers may not discriminate on grounds a photo or birth date can reveal; CVs without them are widely accepted.
- End with place, date and signature.
- Instead of referees, attach references from past employers (Arbeitszeugnisse) and certificates.
- Gaps of more than 2–3 months are usually explained.
Questions
What registration do nurses need on a CV in Germany?
Nurses applying in Germany should show State permission (Erlaubnis) to use the title Pflegefachfrau / Pflegefachmann, after recognition (Anerkennung) near the top of the CV, with the registration number and status. If you are still applying, list it with the status “In progress”. Put it in its own section, above your experience. Requirements change, so confirm the current rules with the regulator before you apply.
Should a nursing CV for Germany have a photo?
Usually, yes. A professional photo is common on a nursing CV in Germany, although it is rarely required and many employers accept CVs without one. If you include it, use a recent head-and-shoulders picture with a plain, light background and business clothing, placed in the header next to your name. A professional photo is still common, but no law requires one, and under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) employers may not discriminate on grounds a photo or birth date can reveal; CVs without them are widely accepted.
How long should a nursing CV be in Germany?
Aim for 2 pages, the norm in Germany. Put your registration and most recent roles on the first page, keep older roles to a line or two each, and use A4 paper. Employers in this field usually check your registration first. CV Atlas warns you when the CV runs longer than usual.
What sections does a nursing CV for Germany need?
A nursing CV for Germany needs your contact details, experience, education and registration and licences, plus the place, date and signature at the end. In the header, include a professional photo, your date of birth and your nationality. Put the most recent role first and describe each post with the setting, scope and results. CV Atlas applies this structure when you choose the job and the country, and its readiness check lists anything missing.
Can I use my qualification from another EU country in Germany?
Usually, yes. Nurses have automatic recognition of qualifications across the EU, the EEA and Switzerland under Directive 2005/36/EC, so mention that your diploma is recognised in Germany, or that recognition is in progress. You still need to register with the authority in Germany before you start work, and you may need to show language skills. Confirm the process and timescales with the competent authority before applying.
Related guides
General guides: CVs for Germany and Nursing & midwifery CVs in any country.
Other jobs in Germany: Doctor, Dentist, Pharmacist, Allied health, Teacher, Engineer, Lawyer, Accountant, Electrician and trades, Care worker, Childcare worker, Social worker, Software engineer.
Nurse CVs for other countries: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, France, Sweden, Norway, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Singapore, Japan.
Start your nurse CVYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
Guidance checked October 2026; facts checked 2026-10-15. General information for most employers, not legal or immigration advice. A job advert’s own instructions always come first. CV Atlas is not affiliated with any regulator or professional body named.