Recent bilateral discussions between India and Germany have also focused on skilled migration, education and mobility, highlighting the growing role of Indian professionals in supporting Germany’s economy and healthcare system
Germany is increasingly relying on Indian nurses to address a growing shortage in its healthcare workforce. With an ageing population and rising demand for medical care, the country is struggling to recruit enough qualified nursing staff, prompting employers to look beyond Europe for talent.
Germany currently faces a shortfall of around 30,000 to 40,000 nurses, and the gap is expected to widen in the coming years. In recent years, most growth in the healthcare sector has come from foreign workers. Traditionally, nurses migrated from Eastern Europe, including Poland, Romania and Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, improving living standards and narrowing wage gaps in those countries have reduced migration, pushing German recruiters to seek professionals from Asia.
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India has emerged as one of the most important source countries
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As of mid-2025, around 16,600 Indian nurses were working in Germany, placing India among the top foreign contributors to the nursing workforce
Recruiters say Indian nurses are in high demand because of their strong training, English proficiency and willingness to relocate. Many applicants are young graduates in their mid-20s with early professional experience, making them attractive to employers seeking long-term staff.
German nurses typically earn around €4,000 per month before taxes and social contributions, which is significantly higher than salaries in many Asian countries. Under the “employer pays” model, healthcare providers cover international recruitment costs, which can range from €8,000 to €18,000 per nurse. To help with integration, agencies and employers offer language training, cultural orientation and structured support to ensure nurses adapt smoothly to German workplaces.
The rise in Indian nurses is part of a broader trend of Indian migration to Germany. More than 277,000 Indian nationals were living in the country by the end of 2024, making it one of the largest Indian communities in continental Europe.
