If you already trained as a nurse in Germany or Switzerland and want to move to Austria, your path is much simpler than for colleagues from non-EU countries. As a rule, no full Nostrifikation is needed, and EU citizens do not need a Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte either. This guide shows what matters for the move.
Key takeaways
- For nurses from Germany (EU) and Switzerland (via the freedom-of-movement agreement), the route is usually simpler and more direct than a full Nostrifikation.
- EU citizens have free access to the Austrian labour market — no Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte is required.
- Instead of Nostrifikation, it usually runs via recognition of your qualification plus mandatory entry in the Gesundheitsberuferegister.
- A shared language and comparable training make the move easier — but the official bodies are always authoritative.
Why the move is simpler for DACH nurses
Germany is an EU member, so EU-wide recognition of professional qualifications applies. Nursing qualifications from Germany are usually recognised in Austria without complication, because the training programmes are largely comparable. For Switzerland, the freedom-of-movement agreement between Switzerland and the EU brings similar advantages.
No labour-market hurdle
As an EU/EEA citizen — and, via the agreement, as a Swiss national too — you have free access to the Austrian labour market. You do not need a Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte, which is intended for non-EU nationals.
- Comparable training content and levels in nursing professions
- German as a shared working language — no separate language proof as often required for non-EU qualifications
- Freedom of movement instead of a residence and work permit for non-EU nationals
- Usually recognition rather than a full Nostrifikation
Recognition of your qualification and entry in the Gesundheitsberuferegister
Instead of a Nostrifikation, the route for DACH qualifications usually runs via recognition of your professional qualification. In Austria, Gesundheit Österreich GmbH (GÖG) is responsible for recognising foreign health-profession qualifications on behalf of the Health Ministry.
To work in Austria in a higher-level nursing role or a nursing-assistant profession, you must also register in the Gesundheitsberuferegister (health-professions register). This registration is a precondition for practising.
Prepare your documents
Have your diploma or final certificate, proof of your right to practise from your home country and proof of identity ready. Because these documents are already in German, certified translations are usually not needed for DACH qualifications.
Differences between the German/Swiss and the Austrian system
The systems are similar in substance but differ in the details. In Austria, the three-year qualified professional is called "Diplomierte Gesundheits- und Krankenpflegeperson" (DGKP). Today the training is mostly a bachelor’s degree at universities of applied sciences.
- Job title: DGKP (AT) instead of "Pflegefachfrau/-mann" (DE) or "Pflegefachfrau/-mann HF/FH" (CH)
- Assistant professions in Austria: Pflegefachassistenz and Pflegeassistenz
- Legal basis in Austria: the Health and Nursing Care Act (GuKG)
- Competencies, scope of practice and terminology can differ in the detail
Mind the terminology
Some terms sound familiar but do not mean the same thing. Check early how your previous role maps onto the Austrian profile (e.g. DGKP) — it makes applying and settling in easier.
Why nurses choose Austria
For many nurses from the DACH region, Austria is an obvious step: geographical proximity, a shared language and a comparable care culture keep the move manageable. Rather than a complete fresh start in an unfamiliar system, it is often more of a change of location within a familiar professional framework.
- Proximity and easy travel — the move need not mean a great distance
- A shared language: no need to learn one from scratch
- A comparable work and care culture
- A straightforward recognition route without a full Nostrifikation
Practical steps for the move
- 1
Check your qualification
Clarify with Gesundheit Österreich GmbH (GÖG) or the Health Ministry whether and how your training is recognised.
- 2
Apply for recognition
Submit the application to have your professional qualification recognised, together with the documents.
- 3
Register in the Gesundheitsberuferegister
Have yourself entered in the health-professions register in order to practise.
- 4
Register your residence
Register your address (Meldezettel); as an EU citizen, for a longer stay you also apply for the registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung).
- 5
Search and apply for a job
Apply to employers in Austria — ideally matching the DGKP or nursing-(specialist-)assistant profile.
No guarantee
Laws, responsibilities and procedures can change. For binding information, always rely on official sources (e.g. the Health Ministry, Gesundheit Österreich GmbH and the registration body of the Gesundheitsberuferegister).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Nostrifikation as a German nurse to work in Austria?
Usually not. For EU qualifications such as those from Germany, the simpler recognition of the professional qualification generally applies instead of a full Nostrifikation. Clarify the exact procedure with the competent body (Gesundheit Österreich GmbH or the Health Ministry).
Do I need a Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte?
Not as an EU/EEA citizen: you have free access to the Austrian labour market. The Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte is intended for non-EU nationals. Swiss nationals are largely treated equally via the freedom-of-movement agreement.
What is the nursing profession called in Austria?
The three-year qualified professional is the "Diplomierte Gesundheits- und Krankenpflegeperson" (DGKP). There are also the assistant professions Pflegefachassistenz and Pflegeassistenz. Check early how your existing qualification is classified.
What is the Gesundheitsberuferegister?
The Gesundheitsberuferegister is the mandatory register for certain health and nursing professions in Austria. To practise — for example as a DGKP — you must be entered in it.
