Looking to emigrate as a nurse? We ranked 20 countries across five dimensions — visa accessibility, salary competitiveness, cost of living, quality of life, and career growth — to find the best destinations for nurses in 2026.
Country Rankings for Nurses
| Rank | Country | Score | Visa | Salary | Cost | QoL | Career | Best Pathway | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finland | 8.1/10 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | Employed Person Residence Permit | Yes |
| 2 | Iceland | 8.0/10 | 8.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | Residence Permit For Work (General) | Yes |
| 3 | Luxembourg | 7.5/10 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | Eu Blue Card | Yes |
| 4 | Belgium | 7.4/10 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 9.0 | Eu Blue Card | Yes |
| 5 | Philippines | 7.4/10 | 6.0 | 9.3 | 7.2 | 7.1 | 7.0 | No | |
| 6 | Canada | 7.2/10 | 9.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | Express Entry | Yes |
| 7 | Germany | 7.2/10 | 9.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | Skilled Worker Visa Academic | Yes |
| 8 | Netherlands | 7.0/10 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | Highly Skilled Migrant Permit | Yes |
| 9 | Grenada | 7.0/10 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | Caricom Skilled | Yes |
| 10 | Portugal | 6.9/10 | 9.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | D1 Employment Visa | Yes |
| 11 | United States | 6.9/10 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 4.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | Eb 2 Advanced Degree | Yes |
| 12 | Lithuania | 6.9/10 | 8.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | Eu Blue Card | Yes |
| 13 | Estonia | 6.9/10 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 5.0 | Temporary Residence Permit For Employment | Yes |
| 14 | Switzerland | 6.8/10 | 6.0 | 9.0 | 2.0 | 10.0 | 6.0 | B Permit Skilled Worker Residence | Yes |
| 15 | Italy | 6.8/10 | 7.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | Eu Blue Card Italy | Yes |
| 16 | Malta | 6.8/10 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 5.0 | Single Permit | Yes |
| 17 | Dominica | 6.8/10 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 | Win Digital Nomad | Yes |
| 18 | Singapore | 6.7/10 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 9.0 | 7.0 | Employment Pass | Yes |
| 19 | United Arab Emirates | 6.7/10 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 5.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | Employment Visa Standard Work Visa | Yes |
| 20 | United Kingdom | 6.6/10 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | Health And Care Worker Visa | Yes |
| 21 | Poland | 6.6/10 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | Type A Work Permit | Yes |
| 22 | Australia | 6.5/10 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | Skilled Independent 189 | Yes |
| 23 | Denmark | 6.5/10 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 10.0 | 6.0 | Positive List For Higher Education | Yes |
| 24 | New Zealand | 6.5/10 | 7.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | Green List Straight To Residence Visa | Yes |
| 25 | Sweden | 6.5/10 | 7.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | Work Permit Employer Sponsored | Yes |
| 26 | Uruguay | 6.5/10 | 9.0 | 2.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | Temporary Residency Work | Yes |
| 27 | Ireland | 6.4/10 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | Critical Skills Employment Permit | Yes |
| 28 | Argentina | 6.4/10 | 9.0 | 2.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | Temporary Work Visa | Yes |
| 29 | Chile | 6.4/10 | 8.0 | 2.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | Employee Work Visa | Yes |
| 30 | Costa Rica | 6.4/10 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | Work Visa (Empleado Residente) | Yes |
| 31 | Czech Republic | 6.3/10 | 8.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 4.0 | Employee Card | Yes |
| 32 | Greece | 6.3/10 | 8.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 4.0 | Eu Blue Card | Yes |
| 33 | Hungary | 6.3/10 | 8.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 4.0 | Eu Blue Card | Yes |
| 34 | Slovakia | 6.3/10 | 8.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 4.0 | Single Permit (Combined Work And Residence) | Yes |
| 35 | Montenegro | 6.3/10 | 8.0 | 4.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 3.0 | Temporary Residence And Work Permit For Employment | Yes |
| 36 | Austria | 6.2/10 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | Red White Red Card Skilled Workers In Shortage | Yes |
| 37 | Malaysia | 6.2/10 | 7.0 | 2.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | Employment Pass Category I | Yes |
| 38 | Turkey | 6.2/10 | 8.0 | 2.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 | Work Permit | Yes |
| 39 | Croatia | 6.2/10 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | Temporary Stay Work Permit | Yes |
| 40 | Norway | 6.1/10 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 10.0 | 6.0 | Skilled Worker Permit | Yes |
| 41 | Mauritius | 6.1/10 | 7.0 | 2.0 | 9.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | Professional Occupation Permit | Yes |
| 42 | Pakistan | 6.1/10 | 6.0 | 2.7 | 10.0 | 7.1 | 7.0 | No | |
| 43 | Latvia | 6.0/10 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 5.0 | Eu Blue Card | Yes |
| 44 | Hong Kong | 6.0/10 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | General Employment Policy (Gep) | Yes |
| 45 | Taiwan | 6.0/10 | 8.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 | Employment Gold Card | Yes |
| 46 | Cyprus | 6.0/10 | 8.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 3.0 | Eu Blue Card | Yes |
| 47 | Saint Lucia | 6.0/10 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | Cbi Investor | Yes |
| 48 | San Marino | 6.0/10 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 9.0 | 7.0 | Working Holiday | Yes |
| 49 | Spain | 5.9/10 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 5.0 | Employee Work Visa | Yes |
| 50 | Mexico | 5.9/10 | 8.0 | 2.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | Temporary Resident Visa | Yes |
| 51 | Saudi Arabia | 5.9/10 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | Employment Visa Iqama | Yes |
| 52 | Romania | 5.9/10 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 3.0 | Standard Work Permit | Yes |
| 53 | Ecuador | 5.9/10 | 8.0 | 4.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Work Visa (12 Vi) | Yes |
| 54 | Bahrain | 5.8/10 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 5.0 | Work Visa | Yes |
| 55 | Thailand | 5.8/10 | 6.0 | 2.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | Smart Visa | Yes |
| 56 | Bulgaria | 5.8/10 | 7.0 | 2.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 | Eu Blue Card | Yes |
| 57 | Colombia | 5.8/10 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | M5 Worker Visa | Yes |
| 58 | Kuwait | 5.8/10 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 | Article 18 Private Sector Work Visa | Yes |
| 59 | Barbados | 5.8/10 | 7.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 | Short Term Work Permit | Yes |
| 60 | Brunei | 5.8/10 | 7.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 | Employment Pass (Ep) | Yes |
| 61 | India | 5.8/10 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 9.2 | 6.7 | 5.5 | No | |
| 62 | Indonesia | 5.8/10 | 6.0 | 2.7 | 8.4 | 6.8 | 7.0 | No | |
| 63 | Cabo Verde | 5.8/10 | 7.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | Digital Nomad | Yes |
| 64 | Qatar | 5.7/10 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | Work Residence Permit | Yes |
| 65 | Serbia | 5.7/10 | 8.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 3.0 | Single Permit (Residence + Work) | Yes |
| 66 | Albania | 5.7/10 | 8.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 3.0 | Unique Permit | Yes |
| 67 | Andorra | 5.7/10 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | Seasonal Work Permit | Yes |
| 68 | Antigua and Barbuda | 5.7/10 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | Digital Nomad Visa | Yes |
| 69 | Jamaica | 5.6/10 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Work Permit (General) | Yes |
| 70 | Trinidad and Tobago | 5.6/10 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 | Work Permit (General) | Yes |
| 71 | Moldova | 5.6/10 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 3.0 | Long Stay Work Visa (Type D) | Yes |
| 72 | Kosovo | 5.6/10 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | Seasonal Work Permit | Yes |
| 73 | Suriname | 5.6/10 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 9.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | Business Visa | Yes |
| 74 | Japan | 5.5/10 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 9.0 | 5.0 | Skilled Worker Visa Tokutei Gino | Yes |
| 75 | South Korea | 5.5/10 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 5.0 | E 5 Professional Visa | Yes |
| 76 | Peru | 5.5/10 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Temporary Worker Visa | Yes |
| 77 | Cambodia | 5.5/10 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Business Visa Extension (Eb) | Yes |
| 78 | Kyrgyzstan | 5.5/10 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Employment Visa W1 With Work Permit | Yes |
| 79 | Nigeria | 5.5/10 | 6.0 | 3.3 | 8.7 | 4.2 | 7.0 | No | |
| 80 | Bangladesh | 5.5/10 | 6.0 | 1.3 | 10.0 | 5.4 | 7.0 | No | |
| 81 | El Salvador | 5.5/10 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | Central America Worker | Yes |
| 82 | Eswatini | 5.5/10 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | Seasonal Worker | Yes |
| 83 | Honduras | 5.5/10 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | Ca4 Mobility | Yes |
| 84 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 5.5/10 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | Cbi Investor | Yes |
| 85 | Senegal | 5.5/10 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | Business Visa | Yes |
| 86 | Paraguay | 5.4/10 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Temporary Work Residence | Yes |
| 87 | Uganda | 5.4/10 | 8.0 | 3.0 | 8.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | Class A Government/Diplomatic Service | Yes |
| 88 | Guyana | 5.4/10 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 9.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | Caricom Skilled Certificate | Yes |
| 89 | France | 5.3/10 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 8.0 | 5.0 | Salaried Employee Work Permit | Yes |
| 90 | North Macedonia | 5.3/10 | 5.0 | 3.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | Skilled Worker Permit | Yes |
| 91 | Panama | 5.3/10 | 8.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Friendly Nations Visa | Yes |
| 92 | Iraq | 5.3/10 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 | Employment Visa | Yes |
| 93 | Bahamas | 5.3/10 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | Beats Work Remotely | Yes |
| 94 | Guatemala | 5.3/10 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | Family Reunification | Yes |
| 95 | Timor-Leste | 5.3/10 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | Cplp Work Visa | Yes |
| 96 | Georgia | 5.2/10 | 7.0 | 2.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 | Work Residence Permit | Yes |
| 97 | Kenya | 5.2/10 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 9.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | Class D Formal Employment | Yes |
| 98 | South Africa | 5.2/10 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | Critical Skills Visa | Yes |
| 99 | Vietnam | 5.2/10 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Ld1 Work Visa (Work Permit Exemption) | Yes |
| 100 | Israel | 5.2/10 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 | B 1 Expert Work Visa | Yes |
| 101 | Oman | 5.2/10 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 | Work Visa (Standard) | Yes |
| 102 | Russia | 5.2/10 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 3.0 | Standard Work Visa | Yes |
| 103 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 5.2/10 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 3.0 | Temporary Work Permit | Yes |
| 104 | Lebanon | 5.2/10 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Work Permit (Standard Employment) | Yes |
| 105 | Bolivia | 5.2/10 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | Specific Purpose Visa | Yes |
| 106 | Botswana | 5.2/10 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | Temporary Work Permit | Yes |
| 107 | Nicaragua | 5.2/10 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | Short Term Work Permit | Yes |
| 108 | Samoa | 5.2/10 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | Foreign Employee Employment Permit | Yes |
| 109 | Morocco | 5.1/10 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | Long Term Work Visa | Yes |
| 110 | Mongolia | 5.1/10 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Hg Work Visa (Employment Visa) | Yes |
| 111 | Fiji | 5.0/10 | 6.0 | 1.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 | Work Permit | Yes |
| 112 | Vanuatu | 5.0/10 | 7.0 | 1.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 | Work Permit | Yes |
| 113 | Jordan | 5.0/10 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 8.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | Standard Work Permit | Yes |
| 114 | Ukraine | 5.0/10 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 7.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | Skilled Worker Temporary Residence | Yes |
| 115 | Rwanda | 5.0/10 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | V4 Skilled Worker | Yes |
| 116 | Dominican Republic | 5.0/10 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Business Visa For Employment Purposes (Nm1) | Yes |
| 117 | Kazakhstan | 5.0/10 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | C3 Work Visa | Yes |
| 118 | Nepal | 5.0/10 | 5.0 | 3.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Working Visa | Yes |
| 119 | Uzbekistan | 5.0/10 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Employment Visa Type E | Yes |
| 120 | Tajikistan | 5.0/10 | 5.0 | 3.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Working Visa (Type M) | Yes |
| 121 | Brazil | 5.0/10 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Work Visa | Yes |
| 122 | Belize | 5.0/10 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | Work Where Vacation | Yes |
| 123 | Cuba | 5.0/10 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | Real Estate Investor | Yes |
| 124 | Slovenia | 4.9/10 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 4.0 | Single Permit | Yes |
| 125 | Seychelles | 4.9/10 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | Workcation Retreat Visa | Yes |
| 126 | Ghana | 4.8/10 | 5.0 | 3.0 | 9.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | Discretionary Quota Work Permit | Yes |
| 127 | Sri Lanka | 4.8/10 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Employment Category Residence Visa | Yes |
| 128 | Armenia | 4.8/10 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Work Permit + Temporary Residence Card | Yes |
| 129 | Azerbaijan | 4.8/10 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Work Permit (General Employment) | Yes |
| 130 | Tunisia | 4.8/10 | 5.0 | 3.0 | 9.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | Long Stay Work Visa (Visa D) | Yes |
| 131 | Myanmar | 4.8/10 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Employment Visa | Yes |
| 132 | Laos | 4.8/10 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Business Visa (B2) | Yes |
| 133 | Belarus | 4.8/10 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 9.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | Work Permit Type D | Yes |
| 134 | Gabon | 4.8/10 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | Temporary Work Visa | Yes |
| 135 | Namibia | 4.8/10 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | Short Term Employment | Yes |
| 136 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 4.8/10 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | Temporary Work Permit | Yes |
| 137 | Tonga | 4.8/10 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | Business Visa | Yes |
| 138 | Kenya | 4.7/10 | 6.0 | 1.0 | 8.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | Work Permit Class D | Yes |
| 139 | Madagascar | 4.7/10 | 5.0 | 3.0 | 8.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | Long Stay Work Visa | Yes |
| 140 | Cameroon | 4.7/10 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 5.0 | Business Permit | Yes |
| 141 | Guinea-Bissau | 4.7/10 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 9.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | Short Term Work Visa | Yes |
| 142 | Latvia | 4.6/10 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 | Work Permit | Yes |
| 143 | Tanzania | 4.6/10 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | Residence Permit Class A (Investor/Self Employment) | Yes |
| 144 | Mozambique | 4.6/10 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | Work Visa (General Employment) | Yes |
| 145 | Zimbabwe | 4.6/10 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | Temporary Employment Permit | Yes |
| 146 | Zambia | 4.6/10 | 5.0 | 3.0 | 8.0 | 5.0 | 2.0 | Employment Permit | Yes |
| 147 | Lesotho | 4.6/10 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 9.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | Specialized Permit | Yes |
| 148 | Monaco | 4.6/10 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 10.0 | 7.0 | Work Authorization | Yes |
| 149 | Tuvalu | 4.6/10 | 6.0 | 2.0 | 7.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | Entry Residence Permit Employment | Yes |
| 150 | Iran | 4.5/10 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Work Permit Visa (Type F) | Yes |
| 151 | Gambia | 4.5/10 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | Business Visa | Yes |
| 152 | China | 4.4/10 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | Work Permit Class B | Yes |
| 153 | Vanuatu | 4.4/10 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 8.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | Employment Visa | Yes |
| 154 | Maldives | 4.4/10 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Work Visa (Standard Employment) | Yes |
| 155 | Algeria | 4.4/10 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 8.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | Work Visa (Long Term) | Yes |
| 156 | Libya | 4.4/10 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 8.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | Work Visa | Yes |
| 157 | Liechtenstein | 4.4/10 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 9.0 | 7.0 | Short Term Permit L | Yes |
| 158 | Yemen | 4.4/10 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 9.0 | 1.0 | 3.0 | Diplomatic Official | Yes |
| 159 | Egypt | 4.3/10 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 9.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | Employment Work Permit | Yes |
| 160 | Sudan | 4.3/10 | 5.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | Temporary Work Visa | Yes |
| 161 | Malawi | 4.3/10 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | Visitor Business Permit | Yes |
| 162 | Palestine | 4.3/10 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | Ngo Volunteer Visa | Yes |
| 163 | Sierra Leone | 4.3/10 | 6.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | Ecowas Work Permit | Yes |
| 164 | Bhutan | 4.2/10 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Short Term Work Permit | Yes |
| 165 | Burundi | 4.2/10 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 9.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | Business Visa | Yes |
| 166 | Comoros | 4.2/10 | 6.0 | 2.0 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | Economic Citizenship | Yes |
| 167 | Eritrea | 4.2/10 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 9.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | Temporary Work Visa | Yes |
| 168 | Venezuela | 4.2/10 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 2.0 | 5.0 | Transeunte Laboral Visa | Yes |
| 169 | Ethiopia | 4.1/10 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 9.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | Employment Work Permit | Yes |
| 170 | Syria | 4.1/10 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 9.0 | 1.0 | 3.0 | Basic Work Visa | Yes |
| 171 | Ukraine | 4.0/10 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 9.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | Work Permit | Yes |
| 172 | Benin | 3.9/10 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | Temporary Work Visa | Yes |
| 173 | Burkina Faso | 3.9/10 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | Business Visa | Yes |
| 174 | Mali | 3.9/10 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | Skilled Worker Visa | Yes |
| 175 | Marshall Islands | 3.9/10 | 6.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | Work Permit | Yes |
| 176 | Palau | 3.9/10 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | Nonresident Worker Permit | Yes |
| 177 | Sao Tome and Principe | 3.9/10 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | Work Permit | Yes |
| 178 | Kiribati | 3.8/10 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | Work Permit | Yes |
| 179 | Congo (Republic) | 3.7/10 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | Business Visa Work | Yes |
| 180 | Papua New Guinea | 3.7/10 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 5.0 | Restricted Employment Visa | Yes |
| 181 | Togo | 3.7/10 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | Business Visa | Yes |
| 182 | Djibouti | 3.6/10 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | Free Zone Worker | Yes |
| 183 | Equatorial Guinea | 3.6/10 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | Self Employed Permit | Yes |
| 184 | Chad | 3.5/10 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 7.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | Oil Sector Permit | Yes |
| 185 | Afghanistan | 3.4/10 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | Basic Work Permit | Yes |
| 186 | Guinea | 3.4/10 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | Short Term Work Visa | Yes |
| 187 | Liberia | 3.4/10 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | Missionary Volunteer Permit | Yes |
| 188 | Nauru | 3.4/10 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | Local Business Employment Visa | Yes |
| 189 | South Sudan | 3.4/10 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 1.0 | 3.0 | Work Permit | Yes |
| 190 | Somalia | 3.3/10 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 7.0 | 1.0 | 3.0 | Work Permit | Yes |
| 191 | Central African Republic | 3.2/10 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 1.0 | 3.0 | Ngo Worker Permit | Yes |
| 192 | Micronesia | 3.2/10 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | Private Employment Visa | Yes |
| 193 | Solomon Islands | 3.2/10 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | Foreign Investor Permit | Yes |
| 194 | Angola | 3.1/10 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | Short Term Work Visa | Yes |
| 195 | Turkmenistan | 3.1/10 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | Business Visa | Yes |
| 196 | Haiti | 3.0/10 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 3.0 | Residence Permit | Yes |
| 197 | Congo (DRC) | 2.7/10 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 3.0 | Mining Sector Permit | Yes |
Top 3 Countries in Detail
#1 Finland (8.1/10)
Gold Medal — Best Pathway: Employed Person Residence Permit
- Income requirement: €1,463/monthly
- Processing: 21-42 days
- Key info: Subject to labour market testing in most cases. Must meet collective agreement wages. Cannot start working before permit granted.
- Cost of living from €1100/month (Turku)
- See all Finland visa pathways →
#2 Iceland (8.0/10)
Silver Medal — Best Pathway: Residence Permit For Work (General)
- Cost of living from €2298/month (Kópavogur)
- See all Iceland visa pathways →
#3 Luxembourg (7.5/10)
Bronze Medal — Best Pathway: Eu Blue Card
- Income requirement: €5,284/monthly
- Processing: 56-84 days
- Key info: Very high salary threshold increased to €63,408 annually as of March 2025. Employer must prove no EU candidate available. Labour market test required.
- Cost of living from €2000/month (Differdange)
- See all Luxembourg visa pathways →
Practical Guide Available
Looking for salary comparisons, visa accessibility tiers, and professional recognition requirements? Read our complete guide to working abroad as a nurse.
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Country Deep Dives for Nurses
Afghanistan for Nurses
Albania for Nurses
Algeria for Nurses
Angola for Nurses
Antigua and Barbuda for Nurses
Argentina for Nurses
Armenia for Nurses
Australia for Nurses
Austria for Nurses
Azerbaijan for Nurses
Bahamas for Nurses
Bahrain for Nurses
Bangladesh for Nurses
Barbados for Nurses
Belarus for Nurses
Belgium for Nurses
Belize for Nurses
Benin for Nurses
Bhutan for Nurses
Bolivia for Nurses
Bosnia and Herzegovina for Nurses
Botswana for Nurses
Brazil for Nurses
Brunei for Nurses
Bulgaria for Nurses
Burkina Faso for Nurses
Burundi for Nurses
Cabo Verde for Nurses
Cambodia for Nurses
Cameroon for Nurses
Canada for Nurses
Central African Republic for Nurses
Chad for Nurses
Chile for Nurses
China for Nurses
Colombia for Nurses
Comoros for Nurses
Congo Drc for Nurses
Congo Republic for Nurses
Costa Rica for Nurses
Croatia for Nurses
Cuba for Nurses
Cyprus for Nurses
Czech Republic for Nurses
Denmark for Nurses
Djibouti for Nurses
Dominica for Nurses
Dominican Republic for Nurses
Ecuador for Nurses
Egypt for Nurses
El Salvador for Nurses
Equatorial Guinea for Nurses
Eritrea for Nurses
Estonia for Nurses
Eswatini for Nurses
Ethiopia for Nurses
Fiji for Nurses
Finland for Nurses
France for Nurses
Gabon for Nurses
Gambia for Nurses
Georgia for Nurses
Germany for Nurses
Ghana for Nurses
Greece for Nurses
Grenada for Nurses
Guatemala for Nurses
Guinea for Nurses
Guinea Bissau for Nurses
Guyana for Nurses
Haiti for Nurses
Honduras for Nurses
Hong Kong for Nurses
Hungary for Nurses
Iceland for Nurses
India for Nurses
Indonesia for Nurses
Iran for Nurses
Iraq for Nurses
Ireland for Nurses
Israel for Nurses
Italy for Nurses
Jamaica for Nurses
Japan for Nurses
Jordan for Nurses
Kazakhstan for Nurses
Kenya for Nurses
Kiribati for Nurses
Kosovo for Nurses
Kuwait for Nurses
Kyrgyzstan for Nurses
Laos for Nurses
Latvia for Nurses
Lebanon for Nurses
Lesotho for Nurses
Liberia for Nurses
Libya for Nurses
Liechtenstein for Nurses
Lithuania for Nurses
Luxembourg for Nurses
Madagascar for Nurses
Malawi for Nurses
Malaysia for Nurses
Maldives for Nurses
Mali for Nurses
Malta for Nurses
Marshall Islands for Nurses
Mauritius for Nurses
Mexico for Nurses
Micronesia for Nurses
Moldova for Nurses
Monaco for Nurses
Mongolia for Nurses
Montenegro for Nurses
Morocco for Nurses
Mozambique for Nurses
Myanmar for Nurses
Namibia for Nurses
Nauru for Nurses
Nepal for Nurses
Netherlands for Nurses
New Zealand for Nurses
Nicaragua for Nurses
Nigeria for Nurses
North Macedonia for Nurses
Norway for Nurses
Oman for Nurses
Pakistan for Nurses
Palau for Nurses
Palestine for Nurses
Panama for Nurses
Papua New Guinea for Nurses
Paraguay for Nurses
Peru for Nurses
Philippines for Nurses
Poland for Nurses
Portugal for Nurses
Qatar for Nurses
Romania for Nurses
Russia for Nurses
Rwanda for Nurses
Saint Kitts and Nevis for Nurses
Saint Lucia for Nurses
Saint Vincent for Nurses
Samoa for Nurses
San Marino for Nurses
Sao Tome and Principe for Nurses
Saudi Arabia for Nurses
Senegal for Nurses
Serbia for Nurses
Seychelles for Nurses
Sierra Leone for Nurses
Singapore for Nurses
Slovakia for Nurses
Slovenia for Nurses
Solomon Islands for Nurses
Somalia for Nurses
South Africa for Nurses
South Korea for Nurses
South Sudan for Nurses
Spain for Nurses
Sri Lanka for Nurses
Sudan for Nurses
Suriname for Nurses
Sweden for Nurses
Switzerland for Nurses
Syria for Nurses
Taiwan for Nurses
Tajikistan for Nurses
Tanzania for Nurses
Thailand for Nurses
Timor Leste for Nurses
Togo for Nurses
Tonga for Nurses
Trinidad and Tobago for Nurses
Tunisia for Nurses
Turkey for Nurses
Turkmenistan for Nurses
Tuvalu for Nurses
UAE for Nurses
UK for Nurses
USA for Nurses
Uganda for Nurses
Ukraine for Nurses
Uruguay for Nurses
Uzbekistan for Nurses
Vanuatu for Nurses
Venezuela for Nurses
Vietnam for Nurses
Yemen for Nurses
Zambia for Nurses
Zimbabwe for Nurses
andorra for Nurses
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best country for nurses to emigrate in 2026?
Finland ranks #1 for nurses in 2026 with a composite score of 8.1/10, based on visa accessibility, salary competitiveness, cost of living, quality of life, and career growth opportunities.
Do nurses need professional recognition abroad?
It depends on the country. Some countries require license recognition or credential evaluation for nurses. Our ranking includes a recognition requirement indicator for each country.
Which countries have the easiest visa process for nurses?
Countries with high visa accessibility scores include those with dedicated skilled worker visas, shortage occupation lists, or points-based systems that favour nurses.
How are these country rankings calculated?
Rankings are based on five equally weighted dimensions: visa accessibility (how easy to get a work visa), salary competitiveness (earning potential), cost of living (affordability), quality of life (safety, healthcare, infrastructure), and career growth (job market strength). Each dimension is scored 1-10.
Can I emigrate as a Nurse without a job offer?
Several countries offer points-based immigration (Canada, Australia, New Zealand) or job seeker visas (Germany Chancenkarte) that don't require a job offer. Digital nomad visas are also an option for remote nurses.
Data sourced from official government immigration portals, verified March 2026. Scores are indicative and should be used alongside professional immigration advice.