Industry
Relocating international talent for healthcare & life sciences
Germany faces a projected shortfall of 500,000 healthcare workers by 2035. From doctors and nurses to pharma researchers and biotech specialists, relokate helps healthcare organizations navigate the complex intersection of medical licensing, immigration law, and relocation logistics.
500,000
Projected shortfall by 2035
2,500+
Doctors recruited from abroad annually
\u20ac45,934
Shortage occupation Blue Card threshold
B2-C1
German required for clinical roles
Roles we relocate in healthcare & life sciences
| Role | Visa route | Salary range | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctors (all specialties) | EU Blue Card | €55,000–€90,000+ | 4–8 weeks (visa) + Approbation |
| Pharma R&D Scientists | EU Blue Card | €55,000–€95,000 | 4–8 weeks |
| Clinical Researchers | EU Blue Card / §18b | €50,000–€80,000 | 4–10 weeks |
| Nurses (Pflegefachkräfte) | §18a (vocational) | €36,000–€48,000 | 6–12 weeks + recognition |
| Regulatory Affairs Specialists | EU Blue Card | €55,000–€85,000 | 4–8 weeks |
| Bioinformaticians | EU Blue Card | €52,000–€80,000 | 4–8 weeks |
Healthcare & pharma hubs in Germany
Berlin
Charité, BioNTech, Vivantes — Germany’s largest hospital market.
Munich
Pharma cluster, university hospitals, Roche.
Frankfurt
Merck, Sanofi — Rhine-Main pharma corridor.
Hamburg
UKE, Asklepios, and biotech startups.
Cologne
Bayer headquarters and health insurance sector.
Dresden
University hospital and biotech research cluster.
Frequently asked questions — Healthcare relocation
How long does the Approbation (medical license) take for international doctors?
The Approbation process typically takes 6–18 months depending on the country of qualification, German language proficiency (B2-C1 required), and the state where the doctor will practice. relokate coordinates the application with the relevant Landesprüfungsamt and manages the immigration process in parallel so the doctor can enter Germany on a Blue Card while the Approbation is being processed.
Can nurses from abroad work in Germany?
Yes. Nurses need their qualification recognized through a Kenntnisprüfung (knowledge exam) or Anpassungslehrgang (adaptation course). The visa route is §18a (vocational skilled worker). German language at B2 level is typically required for clinical settings. Germany has bilateral recruitment agreements with Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, Tunisia, and India that simplify the process. relokate handles the visa and settling-in while recognition is completed.
Which German cities are pharma and biotech hubs?
Berlin (Charité, BioNTech expansion), Munich (pharma cluster), Frankfurt/Rhine-Main (Merck, Sanofi — pharma corridor), Mainz (BioNTech HQ), Tübingen (CureVac), Hamburg. relokate covers all locations.
Is healthcare classified as a shortage occupation for Blue Card purposes?
Yes. Healthcare is on the official shortage occupation list (Engpassberufe), which means a lower salary threshold applies for Blue Card applications: €45,934 in 2026 instead of €50,700. This makes it easier for doctors and pharma scientists to qualify.
Hiring international healthcare talent to Germany?
relokate navigates Approbation, visa, and relocation in parallel — so your clinical staff can start saving lives sooner.
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