Which Country is Best for Nurses in 2026?
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Wondering which country is best for nurses in 2026? Although the choice would depend on your goals, the top countries have to be Germany, the UK, and Australia, among others. Scroll through to find more such countries and their crucial details.
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The demand for health care professionals, especially nurses, has increased immensely in 2026, and the reason for this is the aging population, shortage of nurses, and upgradation of health care facilities in various developing countries. That said, we often wonder which country is best for nurses.
Ideally, the best country for nurses should offer attractive tax benefits, clear PR pathways, competitive salaries, and a healthy work–life balance. Top destinations for Indian nurses include Germany, the UK, and Ireland. Let us find out more about the best countries for Indian nurses.
Germany
Germany is a good destination for nurses as it offers competitive salaries, a structured migration system, social security, and a nurse-friendly environment. The nurse salary in Germany is quite high, ranging between EUR 2,800 and EUR 3,800 per month. Also, if you're looking for clear PR pathways as a nurse, you should definitely consider Germany.
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Category |
Details |
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Eligibility |
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Salary |
EUR 2,800 - EUR 3,800 per month (gross), depending on experience and region |
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PR Pathways |
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United Kingdom
The United Kingdom continues to offer a large pool of recruitment opportunities, supported by the National Health Service (NHS), a publicly funded healthcare system. With high funding, the NHS has made the United Kingdom one of the highest paying countries for nurses.
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Category |
Details |
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Eligibility |
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Salary |
EUR 28,000 - EUR 40,000 per year, with scope for increments and overtime |
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PR Pathways |
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Ireland
Ireland offers a high quality of life, civil immigration policies, and healthcare facilities, which make it one of the highest paying countries for nurses. What makes Ireland stand out among others is reducing the work week from 39 hours to 37.5 hours following the Building Momentum Agreement.
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Category |
Details |
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Eligibility |
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Salary |
EUR 33,000- EUR 50,000 per year |
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PR Pathways (2026) |
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Australia
Australia has listed healthcare professions, like registered nurses (aged care, critical care, mental health), general practitioners, and midwives in their occupations list 2026. This indicates that nurses are in high demand in Australia.
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Category |
Details |
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Eligibility |
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Salary |
AUD 65,000-AUD 90,000 per year |
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PR Pathways |
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Canada
As per IRCC, Canada is currently facing nurse shortages, mainly in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, which is why the nurse salary in Canada 2026 is mostly high, implying more funding but fewer employees. However, fewer employees mean more burden. To fill the labor shortage gap, Canada is actively hiring. This can be your chance to grab nursing roles in Canada.
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Category |
Details |
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Eligibility |
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Salary |
CAD 60,000- CAD 90,000 per year |
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PR Pathways |
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Also Read: Relocation Cost for Nurses Moving to Germany in 2026
Factors to Consider to Determine the Best Country for Nurses
In the search for the best countries for your nursing career, it is essential that you first determine what the best options are and how to go about it. What are the factors to consider?
These are the key factors used to determine the best countries for nurses:
- Try looking for the highest-paying countries for the nursing profession. In this case, consider countries like Germany and Canada.
- Look for a country with paid overtime, shift differentials for night shifts, and overtime bonuses.
- A country like Ireland provides a good work-life balance, as nurses and other healthcare staff are often overworked. In this case, one could look up the policies of the country, such as whether they are entitled to holidays.
- As an international professional, the country to which you are heading should provide social security benefits like retirement plans, disability benefits, and earn-while-you-learn.
As a nurse, you need to have access to advanced medical equipment and high technology available in the hospital.
Also Read: 13 Best Countries for Indian Doctors to Migrate in 2026
How to Choose the Best Country for Nurses?
To select the best country for a nurse in 2026, you need to look for a smart way to take into consideration several factors like cost, salary, PR (permanent resident/citizenship) options, etc. The following are a few things that willhelp you find the best country to work in as a nurse in 2026:
Step 1: Create a Balance of Earnings Versus Expenditures
When selecting one of the best countries for nurses, you must be considerate of the cost of living versus the salary you will receive. Finding countries that offer a low cost of living, as well as a tax-free income, will help establish the best new country to work as a nurse.
Step 2: Availability of Permanent Residency
Find a country with smooth access to PR. Countries that are recognized to speed up the PR process are usually those identified as better for settling. As a nurse who will look for job opportunities while also applying for PR status later, countries with easier PR policies should be your priority.
Step 3: Creating a Work-Life Balance
Finally, researching and identifying countries that promote and encourage a strong work/life balance, such as Ireland with their recent Building Momentum Agreement, which collectively reduced the previous work week from 39 (130 hours) per month to 37.50 hours (115 hours) per month, resulting in an improvement with better wages and enhanced working environments for nurses and midwives working in Ireland.
Find the Best Country for Nurses in 2026 with Expert Guidance from GetGIS
Migrating to a new country as a nurse can be a complex process, but understanding the specific requirements and opportunities in each country can make it easier. For healthcare professionals, some countries have more streamlined processes and supportive environments, making the transition smoother.
If you're a nurse considering migration, GetGIS can assist you with job search assistance, visa applications, and comprehensive support throughout the process. Trust GetGIS to help you navigate your journey to a new career and life abroad.
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