Best Countries for Nurses Abroad in 2025: Salary & Licensing Compared

The world’s need for trained nurses has been increasing steadily every year, and 2025 is no exception. With aging populations, personnel shortages, and expansion in healthcare, nations all over the globe are eagerly seeking to recruit foreign nurses. For Indian nurses specifically, working overseas not only means better remuneration but also career development, global experience, and a more comfortable lifestyle. But with so many options, how do you choose where to go? In this guide, we’ll explore the best countries for nurses abroad 2025, including nurse salary comparison, licensing requirements, and migration processes.

Salary & Benefits in Top Countries

Canada is one of the most welcoming countries for international nurses. With a high nurse-to-patient ratio, Canadian provinces are keen to hire foreign-trained nurses.

Average Nurse Salary: CAD 70,000 – CAD 100,000 annually.

Advantages: Wide-ranging health care cover, pension schemes, overtime, and relocation assistance.

Amenities: Stable health care system and avenues to permanent residence.

United Kingdom (UK)

The UK remains a favorite destination for Indian nurses, particularly because of the NHS (National Health Service).

Average Nurse Salary: £27,000 – £40,000 per year (Band 5 and Band 6 levels).

Benefits: Holidays paid, pension schemes, maternity/paternity pay, and relocation allowances.

Highlights: Direct hiring from India and planned career advancement.

United States (USA)

The USA provides some of the highest pay for nurses but a more extensive licensing process.

Average Nurse Salary: USD 70,000 – USD 110,000 per year, depending on the state.

Benefits: Health insurance, pension plans, sign-on incentives, and continuing education assistance.

Highlights: State-of-the-art medical technology and the ability to specialize.

United States (USA)

Australia is a favorite among nurses for its way of life and competitive pay scales.

Average Nurse Salary: AUD 65,000 – AUD 95,000 per year.

Benefits: Annual leave on pay, flexible working hours, and great healthcare benefits.

Highlights: Less formal routes to permanent residency and good work-life balance.

Australia

Australia is a favorite among nurses for its way of life and competitive pay scales.

Average Nurse Salary: AUD 65,000 – AUD 95,000 per year.

Benefits: Annual leave on pay, flexible working hours, and great healthcare benefits.

Highlights: Less formal routes to permanent residency and good work-life balance

Germany

There is a shortage of healthcare professionals in Germany and it actively recruits foreign nurses.

Average Nurse Salary: €35,000 – €55,000 per year.

Advantages: Subsidized German language courses, pensions, and healthcare.

Highlights: Inexpensive living expenses and chances of permanent residence.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is a favorable destination for nurses who want tax-free income.

Average Nurse Salary: AED 80,000 – AED 120,000 per year.

Benefits: Tax-free income, free accommodation or housing allowance, and air fare.

Highlights: Multicultural work environment and speedy career growth.

Licensing Requirement of Every Country

Canada: Should pass the NCLEX-RN and get registered with the provincial regulatory authority (e.g., CNO in Ontario).

UK : Has to pass the IELTS or OET , CBT (Computer-Based Test), and OSCE upon arrival. Registration with the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) is required.

USA: Needs to pass the NCLEX-RN test and state board licensure; an English test (IELTS/OET) is usually demanded.

Australia: Register with AHPRA and potentially require passing the OBA (Outcome-Based Assessment) .

Germany: B2 level German language competency and professional recognition by German authorities.

UAE : Need to pass DHA, HAAD, or MOH exams , depending on the emirate.—

Work-Life Balance and Job Security

Canada & Australia: Both countries are famous for having good work-life balance, flexible working hours, and a favorable work culture.

UK: Long work hours in the NHS, but nurses have organized shifts and holiday time.

USA: High pay but can be long work hours, particularly during peak hospital periods.

Germany: Equitable shifts with robust labor laws to safeguard healthcare professionals. UAE: Good pay but heavier work periods, although tax-free pay balances this out.

Migration Process Time & Costs

Canada: 12–18 months. Exam fees, licensure, and immigration documentation costs are involved (~INR 3–5 lakhs).

UK: 8–12 months. Quite budget-friendly with part of relocation being covered by NHS (~INR 2–4 lakhs).

USA: 18–24 months. Expensive because of exam and visa processing (~INR 5–7 lakhs).

Australia: 12–18 months. Moderate costs involved include OBA and visa (~INR 3–5 lakhs).

Germany: 10–14 months. Lower costs, with most employers also subsidizing language courses (~INR 2–3 lakhs).

UAE: 6–10 months. Quicker process, with most hospitals sponsoring the visa (~INR 1–2 lakhs).

Conclusion

The best countries for nurses abroad in 2025 depend on your personal priorities. If your goal is high salaries, the USA and UAE top the list. For work-life balance and permanent residency, Canada and Australia are excellent options. For affordability and structured recruitment, the UK is a strong contender. Meanwhile, Germany is ideal for those who want stability and affordable living. Carefully compare nurse salary comparison, licensing exams, and migration timelines before making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country pays nurses the highest salary?

The USA provides the most lucrative average nurse salaries in 2025.

Is Canada or UK better for Indian nurses?

Canada provides higher pay and permanent residency, whereas the UK provides quicker recruitment.

How long does it take to migrate as a nurse abroad?

It can take 6 months (UAE) to 24 months (USA), depending on the nation.

Which countries accept OET for nurses?

All the UK, Australia, USA, Canada, and UAE accept OET for nurses.

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