Top 10 Highest Paying European Countries for Nurses in 2026
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Want to work where nursing pay is worth it? The highest paying European countries for nurses in 2026, including Germany, Norway, & more, offer strong salaries, wages well above national minimum wage levels, and clear PR paths. Find more details here!
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Table of Contents
- List of Highest Paying European Countries for Nurses
- 1. Switzerland
- 2. Germany
- 3. Norway
- 4. Netherlands
- 5. Ireland
- 6. Denmark
- 7. Sweden
- 8. United Kingdom
- 9. France
- 10. Austria
- Language Requirements to Work in the Highest Paying Countries for Nurses in Europe
- Choose the Right Country in Europe for Nursing Jobs with GetGIS!
Nursing has become one of the most in-demand jobs in Europe. The top 10 highest paying European countries for nurses in 2026 include countries like Switzerland, Norway, Germany, the UK, and more. These countries are popular for their high salary ranges, work benefits, and huge demand for nurses. When it comes to the pay, you can expect an average annual salary of USD 85,000 to USD 100,000.
With the salary and work benefits, you should also consider the living costs, licensing steps, and long-term settlement options. In this blog, you will find country-wise details with salaries, work conditions, language and licensing requirements.
List of Highest Paying European Countries for Nurses
Below is a list of the top paying European countries for nurses in 2026 based on their average annual salaries:
|
Country |
Average Annual Nurse Salary |
Average Annual Nurse Salary in INR |
|
Switzerland |
CHF 80,000 - 105,000 |
94,72,104 - 1,24,32,136 |
|
Norway |
NOK 600,000 - 750,000 |
57,52,815 - 71,91,018 |
|
Netherlands |
EUR 50,000 - 65,000 |
54,05,750 - 70,27,475 |
|
Germany |
EUR 45,000 - 60,000 |
48,65,175 - 64,86,900 |
|
Denmark |
DKK 480,000 - 600,000 |
69,43,843 - 86,79,804 |
|
Sweden |
SEK 420,000 - 550,000 |
42,98,464 - 56,28,942 |
|
Ireland |
EUR 42,000 - 58,000 |
45,40,830 - 62,70,670 |
|
United Kingdom |
GBP 33,000 - 48,000 |
40,98,385 - 59,61,288 |
|
Austria |
EUR 38,000 - 52,000 |
41,08,370 - 56,21,980 |
|
France |
EUR 35,000 - 48,000 |
37,84,025 - 51,89,520 |
1. Switzerland
Switzerland continues to rank as one of the top 12 highest paying countries for nurses in Europe. The healthcare system is well-funded, and nurses are respected professionals with a good work-life balance.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Average Annual Salary |
CHF 80,000 - 105,000 |
|
Monthly Salary |
CHF 5,500 - 7,000 |
|
Weekly Work Hours |
40-42 hours |
|
PR Pathway |
Possible after 5-10 years |
2. Germany
Germany is one of the most popular choices among international nurses primarily because there is a huge demand for nurses in the country. You can get steady salaries, and the cost of living is also manageable.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Average Annual Salary |
EUR 45,000 - EUR 60,000 |
|
Monthly Salary |
EUR 3,200 - EUR 4,500 |
|
Work Hours |
38-40 hours/week |
|
PR Pathway |
Permanent residence possible after 5 years of work |
3. Norway
Norway is among the top paying countries in Europe for nurses. You will be offered excellent pay and very healthy working conditions in the country. Work-life balance and employee well-being are strong priorities.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Average Annual Salary |
NOK 600,000 - 750,000 |
|
Monthly Salary |
NOK 45,000 - 60,000 |
|
Weekly Work Hours |
37-40 hours |
|
PR Pathway |
After 3 years of legal work |
4. Netherlands
The Netherlands can be a good choice if you want steady pay and a better work-life balance. Work hours are usually shorter, and employee rights are strong. You also get to work in a well-managed healthcare system and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle overall.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Average Annual Salary |
EUR 50,000 - 65,000 |
|
Monthly Salary |
EUR 3,800 - 5,200 |
|
Weekly Work Hours |
36-40 hours |
|
PR Pathway |
After 5 years of work |
Quick Read: Top 10 Highest Paying Countries for Nurses in Asia in 2026
5. Ireland
Ireland can be a good option for you if you want to work in an English-speaking country in Europe. It feels easier to adjust since you don’t have to learn a new language for daily work. Public hospitals hire regularly, the salary structure is clear, and there is steady demand for nurses, so you get a more stable path.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Average Annual Salary |
EUR 42,000 - 58,000 |
|
Monthly Salary |
EUR 3,200 - 4,600 |
|
Weekly Work Hours |
39-40 hours |
|
PR Pathway |
After 5 years |
6. Denmark
Denmark can be a good option if you want a better balance in your life. You get fair pay, and work rules are supportive for employees. As a nurse, you usually work fewer hours compared to many other countries, and you also get good leave benefits.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Average Annual Salary |
DKK 480,000 - 600,000 |
|
Monthly Salary |
DKK 35,000 - 48,000 |
|
Weekly Work Hours |
37 hours |
|
PR Pathway |
After 4-8 years |
7. Sweden
Sweden comes with strong social benefits, safe working environments, and family-friendly policies. You will get strong job stability, healthcare coverage, and flexible schedules.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Average Annual Salary |
SEK 420,000 - 550,000 |
|
Monthly Salary |
SEK 32,000 - 45,000 |
|
Weekly Work Hours |
38-40 hours |
|
PR Pathway |
After 4 years |
8. United Kingdom
The UK is considered a highest paying European country for nurses due to its English usage, NHS sponsorship, and global work experience. You will get a stable income, and expenses are manageable here.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Average Annual Salary |
GBP 33,000 - 48,000 |
|
Monthly Salary |
GBP 2,500 - 3,800 |
|
Weekly Work Hours |
37.5-40 hours |
|
PR Pathway |
Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years |
9. France
In France, you can expect a stable income and strong job protection. The work system is quite structured. If you work in a public hospital, your hours are usually fixed, and you also get good leave benefits.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Average Annual Salary |
EUR 35,000 - 48,000 |
|
Monthly Salary |
EUR 2,800 - 3,800 |
|
Weekly Work Hours |
35-39 hours |
|
PR Pathway |
After 5 years |
10. Austria
Austria is becoming a good option for nurses because it needs more healthcare workers now than ever. You can find steady job openings there. Plus, you can expect fixed work hours and safe working conditions.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Average Annual Salary |
EUR 38,000 - 52,000 |
|
Monthly Salary |
EUR 2,900 - 4,100 |
|
Weekly Work Hours |
38-40 hours |
|
PR Pathway |
After 5 years |
Explore: Nursing Jobs in Germany in 2026
Language Requirements to Work in the Highest Paying Countries for Nurses in Europe
Now you know the top 10 highest paying European countries for nurses, but to work in these countries, you will also have to meet some language criteria. Below are the language requirements for the top countries in Europe for nurses:
|
Country |
Language |
Minimum Level |
|
Germany |
German |
B1-B2 |
|
Switzerland |
German/French/Italian |
B2 |
|
Norway |
Norwegian |
B2 |
|
Netherlands |
Dutch |
B2 |
|
Sweden |
Swedish |
C1 |
|
Denmark |
Danish |
B2 |
|
France |
French |
B2 |
|
United Kingdom |
English |
IELTS 7.0 |
|
Ireland |
English |
IELTS 7.0 |
|
Austria |
German |
B2 |
Suggested Reading: Nurse Salary in Germany
Choose the Right Country in Europe for Nursing Jobs with GetGIS!
Europe offers you many good options if you want better pay and stable nursing work. Some countries pay more, some are easier to enter, so you choose what fits you best. If you plan early and prepare well, you can build a safe and comfortable life as a nurse in Europe.
With GetGIS, you can easily pick the right country for nursing jobs. You will get guidance for applying for jobs, the visa process, and post-landing services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can international nurses work in Europe without knowing the local language?
Is Europe a good option for nurses from India?
How many hours do nurses work per week in Europe?
Are nurse salaries in Europe higher than the minimum wage?
Which European country is easiest for nurses to start with?
