What Exactly is Nostrification?
Nostrification (Nostrifikation) is the official Austrian process of recognizing a foreign educational qualification as equivalent to an Austrian one. For nursing professionals, this means having your nursing diploma evaluated against the Austrian nursing curriculum (Gesundheits- und Krankenpflegegesetz).
Without nostrification, you cannot legally practice nursing in Austria — even if you have decades of experience. The process ensures that all nurses working in Austria meet the same educational standards, protecting both patients and professionals.
Who Needs Nostrification?
All nurses with qualifications from non-EU/EEA countries must complete nostrification. EU/EEA nurses benefit from automatic recognition under EU Directive 2005/36/EC, though they may still need to submit documentation to the Austrian authority.
The process applies to: Registered Nurses (Diplomierte Gesundheits- und Krankenpfleger/in), Nursing Assistants (Pflegeassistent/in), and Specialized Nurses (Pflegefachassistent/in). Each level has different requirements.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Submit your application to the Landesregierung (provincial government) of your intended work province with all required documents. Step 2: Receive the initial assessment (Bescheid) within 4-8 weeks outlining any gaps. Step 3: Complete required supplementary training (Ergänzungsprüfungen) at an approved institution. Step 4: Pass the final examination. Step 5: Receive your official nostrification decree (Nostrifikationsbescheid).
The entire process typically takes 6-12 months from application to completion, depending on the scope of supplementary training required.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Application fee: €150-300. Document translations: €50-100 per document (expect 5-10 documents = €400-800). Apostille fees: €20-50 per document. Supplementary courses: €1,000-3,000. Examination fees: €100-200. Total estimated cost: €2,000-5,000.
Many Austrian healthcare employers cover part or all of these costs. At Move to Austria, we connect you with employers who offer comprehensive nostrification sponsorship packages.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
Using non-certified translators (only gerichtlich beeidete Übersetzer are accepted). Submitting expired documents (criminal record checks must be less than 3 months old). Not having apostilles on original documents. Applying to the wrong provincial authority. Not demonstrating sufficient German language skills at application.
The single most common delay? Incomplete applications. Austrian authorities will not process your application until every document is present and correct — there's no 'submit now, send missing items later' option.