Planning to relocate to Germany as a nurse from India? Understanding the complete financial picture is crucial for making informed decisions. This comprehensive guide breaks down every cost involved in your journey—from initial applications to settling in Germany. Whether you’re budgeting for your move or seeking financial planning advice, this detailed breakdown will help you prepare financially for your nursing career in Europe.
Overview: What’s the Total Investment?
The total cost of moving to Germany as a nurse from India typically ranges from ₹4,50,000 to ₹8,00,000 (approximately €4,500 to €8,000). This investment covers everything from language courses to visa fees, travel, and initial living expenses. While this might seem substantial, it’s important to view it as an investment in a career that offers salaries of €2,800-€4,500 monthly, excellent benefits, and valuable international experience.
Let’s break down these expenses into detailed categories so you can plan your budget effectively.
Pre-Departure Costs (India)
1. German Language Training
German language proficiency (B2 level minimum) is mandatory for nursing in Germany. This represents one of your largest pre-departure expenses:
| Course Type | Duration | Cost (INR) |
| A1 to B2 (Goethe Institut) | 8-12 months | ₹1,50,000-₹2,00,000 |
| Private language schools | 6-10 months | ₹80,000-₹1,20,000 |
| Online courses (supplementary) | Flexible | ₹20,000-₹40,000 |
| Study materials & books | – | ₹10,000-₹15,000 |
| Goethe B2 exam fee | – | ₹15,000-₹18,000 |
Total Language Training Budget: ₹1,75,000 – ₹2,93,000
2. Credential Recognition and Documentation
Getting your Indian nursing qualifications recognized in Germany involves several fees:
• Document translation (certified): ₹15,000-₹25,000 for nursing diploma, degree certificates, and experience letters
• Apostille certification: ₹2,000-₹5,000 for all educational documents
• Recognition application fee: ₹10,000-₹15,000 (varies by German state)
• Medical fitness certificate: ₹5,000-₹8,000
• Police clearance certificate: ₹2,000-₹3,000
Total Documentation Costs: ₹34,000 – ₹56,000
3. Kenntnisprüfung Preparation
The German nursing exam requires specialized preparation:
• Preparation course (optional but recommended): ₹40,000-₹80,000
• German nursing textbooks and materials: ₹8,000-₹12,000
• Kenntnisprüfung exam fee: ₹15,000-₹20,000
Total Exam Preparation: ₹63,000 – ₹1,12,000
4. Visa Application Costs
Visa-related expenses include:
• German national visa (Type D) fee: ₹7,000-₹8,000
• Health insurance (3 months): ₹25,000-₹35,000
• Blocked account (Sperrkonto): €11,904 or ₹10,50,000 (refundable, used for living expenses)
• VFS service charges: ₹2,000-₹3,000
Note: The blocked account is a significant amount but it’s YOUR money that you’ll use for living expenses in Germany during your first year.
Total Visa Costs (excluding blocked account): ₹34,000 – ₹46,000
5. Travel Costs
• One-way flight India to Germany: ₹40,000-₹70,000 (varies by season and booking time)
• Excess baggage (typically 2-3 bags): ₹10,000-₹15,000
Total Travel Costs: ₹50,000 – ₹85,000
Initial Settlement Costs in Germany
1. Accommodation (First Month)
Initial accommodation while you search for permanent housing:
• Shared apartment (WG): €400-€600 per month (₹35,000-₹52,000)
• Studio apartment: €600-€900 per month (₹52,000-₹78,000)
• Security deposit (Kaution): 2-3 months’ rent (₹70,000-₹2,34,000)
2. Initial Setup Costs
• Anmeldung (resident registration): Free
• Bank account opening: Usually free
• Mobile phone connection: €20-€40 (₹1,700-₹3,500)
• Basic furniture (if unfurnished): €500-€1,000 (₹43,000-₹86,000)
• Kitchen essentials: €100-€200 (₹8,600-₹17,000)
• Winter clothing and shoes: €200-€400 (₹17,000-₹35,000)
Complete Cost Summary
| Expense Category | Cost Range (INR) |
| Language Training (A1-B2) | ₹1,75,000 – ₹2,93,000 |
| Documentation & Recognition | ₹34,000 – ₹56,000 |
| Exam Preparation & Fees | ₹63,000 – ₹1,12,000 |
| Visa Application (excluding blocked account) | ₹34,000 – ₹46,000 |
| Travel Costs | ₹50,000 – ₹85,000 |
| Initial Settlement (first 2 months) | ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 |
| TOTAL (Minimum to Maximum) | ₹4,50,000 – ₹8,00,000 |
| Blocked Account (Sperrkonto – refundable) | ₹10,50,000 |
Ways to Reduce Migration Costs
1. Employer Support Programs
Many German hospitals and nursing agencies offer financial assistance to international nurses. These programs may cover:
• Language course subsidies or full sponsorship
• Preparation course fees
• Recognition and exam fees
• Relocation bonuses (€1,000-€3,000)
2. Smart Language Learning
• Mix online self-study with classroom courses to reduce costs
• Use free resources like Deutsche Welle, Duolingo, and YouTube channels
• Join language exchange programs to practice conversational German
3. Strategic Timing
• Book flights well in advance (3-6 months)
• Travel during off-peak seasons (avoid summer and Christmas)
• Consider starting with shared accommodation to save on deposits
Return on Investment: What to Expect
Understanding your financial investment is important, but so is recognizing the return. Here’s what you can expect:
| Benefit | Value |
| Monthly Salary (Starting) | €2,800-€3,500 (₹2,40,000-₹3,00,000) |
| Annual Income (Gross) | €33,600-€42,000 (₹28.8-₹36 lakhs) |
| Investment Payback Period | 2-3 months of salary |
| Additional Benefits | Health insurance, pension, paid vacation (30 days) |
Financial Planning Tips
Create a Timeline Budget
Break down your expenses into phases:
1. Months 1-6: Language training (₹1,75,000-₹2,93,000)
2. Months 6-9: Documentation and recognition (₹34,000-₹56,000)
3. Months 9-12: Exam preparation and visa (₹97,000-₹1,58,000)
4. Month 12-13: Travel and settlement (₹90,000-₹1,65,000)
Build an Emergency Fund
Add 15-20% buffer to your budget for unexpected expenses like exam retakes, additional documentation, or emergency travel.
Explore Funding Options
• Personal savings (ideal primary source)
• Education loans (available from Indian banks for skill development abroad)
• Family support
• Employer sponsorship programs
Conclusion
Moving to Germany as a nurse from India requires a substantial financial investment of ₹4,50,000 to ₹8,00,000 (excluding the blocked account). While this might seem daunting, remember that this is an investment in your career that typically pays for itself within 2-3 months of working in Germany. With monthly salaries starting at €2,800-€3,500, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career growth, the return on investment is significant.
Start saving early, explore employer sponsorship opportunities, and plan your timeline carefully. With proper financial planning and determination, your dream of building a successful nursing career in Germany is absolutely achievable. The investment you make today will open doors to professional growth, international experience, and financial stability for years to come.
References
1. German Federal Foreign Office – Visa Requirements
2. Make it in Germany – Official Portal for Skilled Workers