Best Countries to Move to as a Nurse in 2026

Nursing is one of the most in-demand professions globally. Aging populations, pandemic-driven burnout, and chronic underfunding have created severe shortages in dozens of countries. For qualified nurses willing to relocate, the opportunities are significant: higher salaries, faster immigration pathways, and in many cases, employers who will sponsor your visa and pay for relocation.

We analysed shortage occupation lists, credential recognition processes, salary data, and immigration pathways across 190+ countries to identify the five best destinations for nurses in 2026.

Top 5 Countries at a Glance

1. United Kingdom: The Fastest Path for International Nurses

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is the largest employer of internationally trained nurses in Europe. Nursing has been on the Immigration Salary List (formerly the Shortage Occupation List) continuously since 2015, and over 50,000 overseas nurses joined the UK workforce between 2021 and 2025.

The Health and Care Worker visa offers reduced application fees (GBP 284 vs GBP 719 for standard Skilled Worker), exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, and faster processing. Most NHS trusts and private healthcare providers are licensed sponsors and will handle the visa application on your behalf.

To register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), you must pass the Computer-Based Test (CBT) and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Many employers pay for these exams and provide preparation support. The entire process from application to ward placement typically takes 4-8 months.

2. Germany: High Demand, But Language Is the Gatekeeper

Germany faces the most severe nursing shortage in Europe, with an estimated 200,000 unfilled positions by 2030. The federal government has signed bilateral recruitment agreements with the Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, Tunisia, and several other countries to attract nurses.

The salary is attractive: EUR 35,000-50,000 for registered nurses, with senior positions and ICU specialists earning more. The qualification recognition process (Anerkennung) typically requires a bridging course or supervised practice period of 6-18 months, depending on where you trained.

The biggest barrier is language. Most federal states require B2 German for the professional nursing licence. Some employers sponsor intensive German courses (typically 6-12 months) before you arrive or upon arrival. The Triple Win programme, run by Germany's Federal Employment Agency, recruits nurses from select countries and includes language training and relocation support.

3. Australia: Highest Salaries and Clear PR Path

Australian nursing salaries are among the highest globally, with registered nurses earning AUD 70,000-95,000 (EUR 43,000-58,000) and specialist nurses earning AUD 100,000+. Nursing is on Australia's Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List, which means faster visa processing.

The Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa is the typical starting point, sponsored by an employer. After 2-3 years, you can transition to the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) for permanent residency. Alternatively, the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa grants immediate PR if your points score is High enough.

Registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) requires English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 in all bands or OET B), verification of your qualification, and in some cases, a bridging programme. Processing times vary but typically take 3-6 months for credential assessment.

4. Canada: Immediate PR and Growing Provincial Demand

Canada has introduced category-based Express Entry draws specifically targeting healthcare workers, including nurses (NOC 31301). This means nurses may receive invitations to apply for permanent residency with lower CRS scores than the general pool.

Provincial Nominee Programs are another strong pathway. British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, and the Atlantic provinces have specific healthcare streams that fast-track nurse immigration. The Atlantic Immigration Program, in particular, offers a simplified employer-driven process with no LMIA requirement for healthcare roles.

Credential recognition goes through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) and then the provincial regulatory body (e.g., CNO in Ontario, BCCNM in BC). The entire process takes 6-12 months. Salaries range from CAD 65,000 to CAD 90,000 depending on province and specialisation.

5. Ireland: English-Speaking EU Access

Ireland offers nursing positions with the Critical Skills Employment Permit, providing a direct path to permanent residency (Stamp 4) after just 2 years. As an English-speaking EU member state, Ireland gives nurses the advantage of no language barrier combined with EU-wide career mobility after securing citizenship (5 years).

Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) requires a qualification assessment and evidence of English language competence (IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum 6.5 in speaking and listening). Processing takes approximately 3-6 months.

Irish hospitals and care facilities actively recruit overseas nurses, particularly from India, the Philippines, and Nigeria. Salaries start at EUR 33,000 for newly qualified nurses and rise to EUR 48,000+ for experienced staff. The cost of living in Dublin is High, but regional positions (Cork, Galway, Limerick) offer better value.