Is a B2 German certificate mandatory to get a nursing work visa for Germany?

Yes, a B2 level certificate (from Goethe, TELC, or ÖSD) is the legal requirement to obtain your full professional recognition (Berufsurkunde) as a registered nurse in Germany.

However, you can apply for a visa and travel to Germany with only a B1 certificate under specific visa categories (like the 16d recognition visa). In this case, you will work as an assistant nurse while completing your B2 language course and adaptation training in Germany. Once you pass your B2 exam, you will be upgraded to a fully licensed registered nurse.