Nursing professionals are in high demand across the globe due to ageing populations, expanding healthcare systems, and increasing demand for quality patient care. For Indian nurses, working abroad is not only about higher salaries but also about better working conditions, international exposure, long-term stability, and permanent residency (PR) opportunities.

Many developed countries actively recruit foreign-trained nurses to fill workforce shortages in hospitals, aged care facilities, rehabilitation centres, and community healthcare services. However, choosing the right country is a critical decision. Each destination differs in salary levels, licensing procedures, language requirements, visa rules, cost of living, and long-term settlement options.

Before making a move, proper planning is essential. Nurses must understand which country aligns best with their professional experience, lifestyle expectations, and long-term career goals.

At Apical Immigration Experts, we guide nursing professionals through every stage of their overseas journey—from country selection and licensing to job search, visa processing, and permanent residency.

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Country for Nursing Jobs Abroad

Before applying for nursing jobs overseas, nurses should carefully evaluate the following factors:

  • Expected salary based on qualification, experience, and specialization
  • Demand for nurses and availability of job vacancies
  • Work visa options and PR pathways
  • Nursing registration and licensing requirements
  • Language proficiency requirements
  • Work-life balance, shift patterns, and overtime policies
  • Cost of living and taxation
  • Quality of healthcare systems and facilities
  • Family benefits and dependent visa options
  • Long-term career growth and settlement opportunities

Selecting the right country based on these factors ensures a smooth transition and long-term success.

Best Countries for Nursing Professionals to Work Abroad

Below are the top countries for nursing professionals, selected based on salary potential, job demand, and permanent residency opportunities.

ountry Avg. Annual Salary (INR) Estimated Nursing Job Vacancies
United States ₹55 – ₹85 Lakh 450,000 – 500,000
Switzerland ₹75 Lakh – ₹1.65 Cr 25,000 – 30,000
Canada ₹45 Lakh – ₹95 Lakh 90,000 – 110,000
Australia ₹40 Lakh – ₹85 Lakh 85,000 – 100,000
Germany ₹46 Lakh – ₹65 Lakh 200,000 – 250,000
United Kingdom ₹35 Lakh – ₹75 Lakh 130,000 – 150,000
Ireland ₹54 Lakh – ₹1.15 Cr 22,000 – 28,000
Norway ₹46 Lakh – ₹91 Lakh 30,000 – 35,000
United Arab Emirates ₹37 Lakh – ₹1.0 Cr 35,000 – 45,000
Luxembourg ₹90 Lakh – ₹1.8 Cr 2,500 – 3,500
Italy ₹32 Lakh – ₹70 Lakh 65,000 – 80,000

Nursing Jobs in Canada

Canada is one of the most preferred destinations for nursing professionals due to its strong healthcare system and increasing demand for skilled nurses. The country faces a nationwide shortage of nurses, particularly due to an ageing population and expanding healthcare needs.

Nurses are required across hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health centres, and rural healthcare settings. Salaries vary by province, experience, and role but remain among the most competitive globally.

Canada also offers structured and transparent immigration pathways, making it an excellent option for nurses seeking long-term settlement.

  • Salary: High, varies by province and experience
  • Demand: Very high across all provinces
  • Licensing: NNAS assessment and provincial registration
  • Work Visa: Employer-sponsored work permit, PNP-linked permits
  • PR Pathway: Express Entry (FSW/CEC), Provincial Nominee Programs
  • Family Benefits: Spouse open work permit, free schooling for children

Canada is ideal for nurses looking for stability, career growth, and permanent residency.

Nursing Jobs in the United Kingdom (UK)

The United Kingdom has a consistent demand for nurses, especially within the National Health Service (NHS). Hospitals, elderly care homes, and community healthcare services regularly recruit international nurses to meet staffing shortages.

While salaries may be slightly lower compared to countries like the USA or Switzerland, nurses in the UK benefit from job security, paid holidays, pension schemes, and structured career progression through the NHS.

  • Salary: Stable with overtime and NHS benefits
  • Demand: High across hospitals and care homes
  • Licensing: NMC registration, CBT and OSCE
  • Work Visa: Skilled Worker Visa (Health and Care Worker route)
  • PR Pathway: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years
  • Family Benefits: Dependents can work and study freely

The UK is suitable for nurses seeking an English-speaking environment with a clear settlement pathway.

Nursing Jobs in the United States (USA)

The United States has one of the largest healthcare systems in the world and offers some of the highest salaries for nurses globally. Due to population growth and retirement of existing healthcare staff, the demand for nurses remains extremely high.

Nurses are required in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and specialised healthcare facilities. Salary levels vary by state, role, and experience, but overall earning potential is excellent.

  • Salary: Among the highest worldwide
  • Demand: Extremely high nationwide
  • Licensing: NCLEX-RN and State Board license
  • Work Visa: Employer-sponsored visas (H-1B for specialised roles)
  • PR Pathway: Employment-based Green Card (EB-3 / EB-2)
  • Family Benefits: Spouse and children included in PR

The USA is ideal for nurses seeking high income and long-term permanent residency.

Nursing Jobs in Germany

Germany faces a growing shortage of nurses, especially in hospitals, elderly care facilities, and rehabilitation centres. The demand continues to rise due to an ageing population and increasing healthcare needs.

While salaries are lower compared to English-speaking countries, Germany offers strong social benefits such as healthcare coverage, paid leave, and affordable education.

  • Salary: Moderate with strong social benefits
  • Demand: High in hospitals and elderly care
  • Licensing: Qualification recognition (Anerkennung)
  • Language: German B1/B2 mandatory
  • Work Visa: Skilled Worker Visa or EU Blue Card
  • PR Pathway: PR in 21–33 months
  • Family Benefits: Family reunification allowed

Germany is ideal for nurses seeking stability and long-term settlement in Europe.

Nursing Jobs in Australia

Australia has a strong demand for nurses, particularly in regional and rural areas. Nurses are employed in hospitals, aged care facilities, and community healthcare services.

The country offers competitive salaries, regulated working hours, and excellent work-life balance. Nursing is consistently listed on Australia’s skilled occupation lists, improving PR chances.

  • Salary: Competitive with work-life balance
  • Demand: High, especially in regional areas
  • Licensing: AHPRA registration and ANMAC assessment
  • Work Visa: SID, Subclass 186, 189, 190, 494
  • PR Pathway: Multiple skilled migration options
  • Family Benefits: Full work and study rights

Australia is one of the best destinations for nurses seeking PR and lifestyle benefits.

Nursing Jobs in Ireland

Ireland relies heavily on overseas nurses to fill staffing gaps across public and private healthcare facilities. Nurses benefit from an English-speaking environment, supportive workplaces, and steady career growth.

  • Salary: Good with stable increments
  • Demand: High nationwide
  • Licensing: NMBI registration
  • Work Visa: Critical Skills Employment Permit
  • PR Pathway: Stamp 4 after 2–5 years
  • Family Benefits: Dependents allowed

Ireland is suitable for nurses seeking European experience without language barriers.

Nursing Jobs in Norway

Norway has a well-organised healthcare system and places strong emphasis on quality patient care and employee wellbeing. Nurses enjoy fixed working hours, generous leave policies, and excellent labour protections.

  • Salary: High with strong social benefits
  • Demand: High in public healthcare and elderly care
  • Licensing: Approval from Norwegian Directorate of Health
  • Language: Norwegian B2 required
  • Work Visa: Skilled Worker Residence Permit
  • PR Pathway: After 3 years
  • Family Benefits: Family reunification allowed

Norway is ideal for nurses prioritising work-life balance and quality of life.

Nursing Jobs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE has a modern healthcare system and high demand for nurses in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Nurses benefit from tax-free salaries and employer-provided benefits.

  • Salary: Tax-free with allowances
  • Demand: High in government and private hospitals
  • Licensing: DHA / DOH / MOH exams
  • Work Visa: Employer-sponsored residence visa
  • PR Option: Limited long-term residence
  • Family Benefits: Family sponsorship allowed

The UAE is ideal for short- to mid-term financial growth.

Nursing Jobs in Switzerland

Switzerland offers premium salaries and one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Nurses work in advanced medical environments with strong labour protections.

  • Salary: Among the highest globally
  • Demand: Moderate but specialised
  • Licensing: Swiss Red Cross recognition
  • Language: German, French, or Italian
  • Work Visa: Employer-sponsored permit
  • PR Pathway: Long-term residence after 5–10 years
  • Family Benefits: Family reunification possible

Best suited for experienced nurses seeking top-tier careers.

Nursing Jobs in Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of the highest-paying countries for nurses, despite having a smaller job market. The healthcare system is well-organised and technologically advanced.

  • Salary: Very high
  • Demand: Limited but steady
  • Licensing: Ministry of Health recognition
  • Language: French or German preferred
  • Work Visa: Employer-sponsored permit
  • PR Pathway: After 5 years
  • Family Benefits: Family reunification allowed

Luxembourg suits nurses with strong qualifications and language skills.

How Apical Immigration Experts Can Help

Apical Immigration Experts provides complete end-to-end support for nursing professionals, including:

  • Country selection based on salary and PR goals
  • Licensing and credential assessment assistance
  • Job search and employer coordination
  • Work visa and permanent residency processing
  • Dependent visa and settlement planning

Ready to Start Your Nursing Career Abroad?

With the right guidance, your global nursing journey can be smooth and successful.

Connect with Apical Immigration Experts today and take the next confident step toward an international healthcare career.