Every year, the German Federal Government’s Statistical Administration (Statistischer Bundesamt) and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung) release comprehensive analyses of socioeconomic trends in the country. Their latest reports highlight a particularly pressing topic: the surge in Qualification Recognition (QR) applications as Germany strives to meet its demand for highly skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.
Germany has long been recognized as an attractive destination for skilled professionals, but this need has become more critical than ever. With its aging population and ever-increasing healthcare demands, the country has focused on streamlining processes that allow qualified workers from abroad to integrate into the German workforce. One of the key markers of this trend is the sharp increase in QR applications—essential for foreign workers to practice regulated professions in Germany.
Let’s dive into the numbers and what this increase in QR applications means for Germany’s workforce.
In 2023, Germany saw an unprecedented rise in QR processes. A total of 48,546 applications and processes were submitted, marking a remarkable 23% increase compared to the previous year. This growth underscores how crucial it is for Germany to welcome professionals from abroad, with the healthcare sector leading the charge.
The healthcare field, particularly nursing, continues to dominate QR applications. In 2023, nurses (referred to as Gesundheits- und Krankenpfleger/in or Pflegefachperson in German) accounted for a significant portion of submissions—20,394 applications. This makes nursing the profession with the highest number of QR applications, followed closely by doctors and physiotherapists.
This trend highlights the urgent need for qualified healthcare professionals in Germany. The increasing number of applications from foreign nurses signals both the growing demand in the German healthcare system and the readiness of international workers to fill this gap.
Another noteworthy aspect of the 2023 QR statistics is the countries from which the applications are coming. While submissions from the EU, EWR (European Economic Area), and Switzerland have remained relatively stable, there has been a sharp rise in QR applications from outside these regions.
Turkey led the list with 6,240 applications, representing a staggering 89% increase from 2022. Bosnia and Herzegovina followed with 3,447 applications, while Tunisia ranked third with 3,309. Meanwhile, the Philippines and India were not far behind, making them the 4th and 5th largest contributors to the foreign nursing workforce.
The influx of applications from these countries signals a broader trend: international professionals, especially from regions like Asia and North Africa, are increasingly seeing Germany as a prime destination for career opportunities, particularly in healthcare.
At CWC Recruitment, we recognize the importance of these trends and are fully committed to supporting Germany’s healthcare sector by recruiting skilled nursing professionals from diverse countries. Our recent partnerships with new healthcare employers have allowed us to expand our task forces with our partner agencies in countries like the Philippines and India.
We believe in creating a global pool of talented nurses, offering them the opportunity to gain international experience while addressing Germany’s pressing demand for healthcare specialists. As we continue to expand our partnerships and recruitment services across more regions, our goal is to provide solutions that benefit both foreign workers and Germany’s healthcare system.
The sharp rise in QR applications in 2023 reflects the increasing importance of foreign professionals in strengthening Germany’s healthcare ecosystem. With a growing number of skilled workers from outside the EU stepping up to fill critical roles, Germany is well on its way to addressing its workforce shortages. CWC Recruitment is proud to be part of this movement, helping to bridge the gap between demand and supply, ensuring that both healthcare providers and patients receive the support they need.
Sources:
News and stories about nursing jobs in Europe
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