Geriatric care in Germany (Altenpflege)
With an ageing population, geriatric care (Altenpflege) is in very high demand. You can train in Germany through a paid, recognised Ausbildung.
The profession
Geriatric care supports older people with care, independence and daily life, in care homes and at home. It is now a focus within the generalist nursing training.
Salary in Germany
Like a nurse in geriatric care: about €2,800 to €4,500 gross per month, averaging around €3,800, with night and weekend premiums.
Training duration
Training lasts 3 years and is paid from the first year (about €1,490 in year 1, €1,552 in year 2, €1,653 in year 3, TVAöD-Pflege agreement).
Employers hiring
Care homes, home-care services, senior residences and faith-based providers (Caritas, Diakonie). Very strong demand everywhere.
Where you can work
Elderly-care facilities, home care, geriatric services and long-term care.
Career progression
Specialisations (geriatrics, palliative care, dementia), leadership roles (ward manager) or studies in care management.
German level required
B2 is the standard. Karriere Fähre trains you up to B2 in Douala, before departure.
Recognition
Via the Ausbildung you obtain the German qualification directly, with no prior recognition. Already trained in care: recognition is possible.
Visa and residence permit
Training visa (§ 16a) for the Ausbildung, or skilled-worker visa (§ 18a/18b) if already qualified. We handle the paperwork.
The process with Karriere Fähre
Profile assessment, German up to B2, application for the training place, employer matching, visa and paperwork, then support with settling in.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it the same qualification as a nurse?
- Since 2020 the training is generalist: you become a registered nurse (Pflegefachkraft) with a geriatric-care focus.
- Do I need German?
- We train you from beginner up to B2 before departure, in Douala.
Salaries: Entgeltatlas (Federal Employment Agency) and TVöD-P / TVAöD-Pflege scales, 2025. Indicative figures, not guaranteed. Recognition and visas: competent German authorities.