Understanding the Nostrification Process
If you're an internationally trained nurse looking to work in Austria, you'll need to go through a process called nostrification — the official recognition of your foreign nursing qualification. This is mandatory for all non-EU nursing degrees and involves having your education and clinical experience assessed by an Austrian authority.
The process is managed by the respective provincial government (Landesregierung) where you intend to work. Each province may have slightly different timelines, but the core requirements remain the same across Austria.
Required Documents
You'll need to prepare: your original nursing diploma (with apostille), official transcript of courses and clinical hours, proof of professional registration in your home country, a valid passport, and a German translation of all documents by a certified translator (gerichtlich beeideter Übersetzer).
Additionally, you may need a criminal background check (Strafregisterbescheinigung) from your home country, not older than 3 months, and proof of German language proficiency at minimum B1 level.
The Assessment Timeline
Once you submit your application, the authority typically takes 4-8 weeks for an initial assessment. They'll compare your curriculum against the Austrian nursing education standards. In most cases, you'll be required to complete additional courses or practical training (Ergänzungsausbildung) to bridge any gaps.
The supplementary training can range from a few weeks to several months depending on your background. Nurses from countries with similar healthcare education systems (like Bosnia, Serbia, Philippines) often have shorter bridging periods.
Costs Involved
The application fee for nostrification is typically €150-300. However, the total cost including document translations (€500-1,000), apostille fees, and any supplementary courses can range from €2,000 to €5,000. Many employers in Austria cover these costs as part of their recruitment package.
It's worth noting that Move to Austria helps coordinate this entire process, including connecting you with employers who sponsor the nostrification costs.
Tips to Speed Up the Process
Start gathering your documents early — apostille processing alone can take 4-6 weeks in some countries. Get your German language certificate before applying. Choose a province with shorter processing times (Burgenland and Carinthia tend to be faster). And most importantly, ensure all translations are done by certified court translators, as uncertified translations will be rejected.
Working with a professional consulting service like Move to Austria can save you months of back-and-forth, as we know exactly what each authority requires and can pre-check your documents before submission.