Top 10 Highest Paying Countries For Nurses in 2025: Updated

The nursing industry is one of the most “in-demand” sectors worldwide. It allows you to help people from all backgrounds, practice medical care, and also travel the world if you wish, as the job itself isn’t just limited to one country! 

If you have considered practicing nursing outside your home country, you have found the right page! Keep reading to discover the top 10 highest paying countries for nurses. 

Top 10 Highest Paying Countries For Nurses

If you have decided to practice nursing outside your core country and are looking for places that pay the highest for a nursing job, here is a list of the top 10 10 highest-paying countries for nurses:

1. Switzerland 

For years, Switzerland has built a global reputation for being one of the countries with the highest pay for nurses. Switzerland has the highest-paying packages for jobs in the healthcare sector, specifically nursing. The average per annum package for a nurse in this country is about $90000. Most nurses earn up to $99000 as well. 

The Swiss Red Cross takes care of all the applications from foreign nurses for the country. All the nurses who apply for a job in Switzerland must go through a six-month-long apprenticeship course before they become eligible for a job in the country. They must also be fluent in one of the three national languages of the country- German, French, or Italian. Even though some hospitals allow communication in English, it is the rule of the country that you must know one of these three languages. 

• Average Salary: $90,000 - $99,000 annually

• Top Recruiters: Swiss Red Cross, major hospitals and healthcare facilities

• Registration Process: A 6-month apprenticeship course, the Swiss Red Cross handles foreign nurse applications

• Visa Requirements: Work permit required, must demonstrate fluency in German, French, or Italian

2. Luxembourg 

Luxembourg is also one of the most lucrative destinations for nurses to pursue their profession due to the high salary packages the country offers to nurses. You can make up to $ 87,000 to $90000 in this country through nursing. 

However, due to the country's small size and high living costs, it may be difficult to secure a nursing job in Luxembourg. But don’t lose hope! It is not impossible. If you secure a job here as a nurse, you have hit the jackpot- don’t let it go!

To be able to work as a nurse in Luxembourg, you must have fluent proficiency in one of the three national languages of the country- French, German, or Luxembourgish. You must apply for the job through the Ministry of Health’s portal. The speciality of your role as a nurse also determines what job you get. 

• Average Salary: $87,000 - $90,000 annually

• Top Recruiters: Ministry of Health portal, specialised healthcare agencies

• Registration Process: Application through the Ministry of Health's portal, speciality-based job allocation

• Visa Requirements: EU/non-EU work permits, fluency in French, German, or Luxembourgish required

3. Denmark 

Due to its competitive salary packages, globally acknowledged healthcare system and high quality of life, Denmark is one of the top choices for practising nursing as a profession. You can make up to $85000 in nursing here. 

Denmark's nursing rules, and laws are very strict, and the Danish Safety Authority governs all non-EU international applicants. There is a step-by-step application process involving the submission of documents, the language proficiency exam, and the adaptation and training course. 

• Average Salary: $85,000 annually

• Top Recruiters: Danish hospitals, healthcare recruitment agencies

• Registration Process: The Danish Safety Authority governs non-EU applications, with a step-by-step process and document submission

• Visa Requirements: Work permit, language proficiency exam, mandatory adaptation and training course

Also Read: Indian Nurses in the UK 2024: Careers, Salaries & Benefits 

4. Virgin Islands 

Virgin Islands is one of the countries with the highest-paying nurses. This location is best suited for all the nurses who wish to practice their profession from a slow-paced, laid-back island and still earn a competitive annual income of $80,000. 

Moreover, working in the healthcare sector of the Virgin Islands has its unique perks. For example, working here entitles you to free housing, and they also cover your travel expenses. To work here, you must clear the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Exam and also submit other documents like letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc.   

• Average Salary: $80,000 annually

• Top Recruiters: Local hospitals and healthcare facilities

• Registration Process: Must clear the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Exam

• Visa Requirements: US work authorisation, submission of transcripts and recommendation letters

5. Australia 

Australia is a popular immigration destination for most people and is lucrative for most jobs. This includes jobs in nursing as well. In Australia, nurses can earn up to $71000 on average. Many agencies recruit international nurses here, the most popular being Healthcare Australia (HCA). 

To work here, you must register with Australia’s Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and your application will take about 5 months to be assessed. 

• Average Salary: $71,000 annually

• Top Recruiters: Healthcare Australia (HCA), various recruitment agencies

• Registration Process: Registration with Australia's Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), 5-month assessment period

• Visa Requirements: Skilled migration visa or employer sponsorship, English proficiency requirements

Also Read: Nursing Vacancies in Australia: Experts Latest Guide 2024

6. Dubai 

Dubai is also a popular immigration destination for many travellers around the world. You may earn up to $70000 on average here. Moreover, the income is tax-free, and since Duba offers universal healthcare for all, the nurses take home their entire paychecks. This financial model is very beneficial for nurses. 

However, the rules and laws in Dubai are stricter than in any other place. Nurses must live in the hospital's accommodation at all times. Hence, this is one of the countries with the highest pay for nurses.

• Average Salary: $70,000 annually (tax-free)

• Top Recruiters: Major hospitals and healthcare groups in Dubai

• Registration Process: Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or Ministry of Health licensing

• Visa Requirements: Employment visa, must live in hospital accommodation, strict regulations compliance

Also Read: Top Nursing Jobs in Germany for Indian Nurses 202

7. Canada 

Since Canada has an ageing population, there is a high demand for nurses here. You can easily make up to $65000 to $75000 here. The country offers universal healthcare, so nurses get better pay from their employers, just like in Dubai. 

Here, English is the primary medium of communication. You must provide your TOEFL / IELTS / CELPIP scores to improve your English proficiency. Canadian authorities also conduct background checks, interviews, and assessments to determine your eligibility and qualifications to work in Canada as a nurse. 

• Average Salary: $65,000 - $75,000 annually

• Top Recruiters: Provincial health authorities, healthcare recruitment agencies

• Registration Process: Provincial nursing regulatory body registration, background checks and assessments

• Visa Requirements: Work permit or permanent residence, TOEFL/IELTS/CELPIP scores required

8. Norway  

Norway is another country that offers high pay for nurses. Living here might be higher, but the salary is worth it. You can make up to $70000 to $80000 as a nurse in Norway. The working hours are also regulated by law, ensuring that nurses have enough rest and work-life balance.

Norway has consistently ranked as one of the best countries in the world to live in, as well as the highest-paying country for nurses. The job satisfaction in this country for professionals in the healthcare sector is very high, as the healthcare industry is progressing and developing quite well. You may make as much as $69000 in Norway as a nurse. 

The Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel looks after all international nursing applications. You must send in an application and may have to do additional paperwork as and when you are asked to do so by the authorities. To be eligible, you must also take the Norwegian Language exam and clear it with good marks. 

• Average Salary: $70,000 - $80,000 annually

• Top Recruiters: Norwegian hospitals, healthcare recruitment agencies

• Registration Process: Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel handles applications

• Visa Requirements: Work permit, Norwegian Language exam completion with good marks

Also Read: Best Countries for Indian Doctors : Latest Guide

9. Ireland

Ireland, another English-speaking destination with a good scope in nursing, has become popular over the decades in this field. You can earn up to $61000 as a nurse here. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) looks after the applications. You must first obtain certification from the board before applying for a job. You must provide your TOEFL / IELTS scores to back up your English proficiency.  

• Average Salary: $61,000 annually

• Top Recruiters: Irish healthcare system, recruitment agencies

• Registration Process: Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) certification is required first

• Visa Requirements: Work permit, TOEFL/IELTS scores for English proficiency demonstration

10. Italy

In Italy, an ageing population is also causing a shortage of nurses, making it one of the highest-paying countries for nurses. You can earn almost $55000 as a nurse here in Italy. Although there are many English-speaking hospitals, speaking in Italian is mandatory for every applicant. You must take a language test and be sponsored by an Italian hospital to be able to work here as a nurse. 

• Average Salary: $55,000 annually

• Top Recruiters: Italian hospitals (including English-speaking facilities)

• Registration Process: Must be sponsored by an Italian hospital

• Visa Requirements: Work permit, mandatory Italian language test, and hospital sponsorship required

Read More: BSc Nursing in Australia: Fees, Eligibility & Benefits

Conclusion 

There are many countries where you can work as a nurse - the healthcare industry is ever-growing, and job opportunities here never stop. These 10 countries have much to offer beyond their scope in nursing as well - they all have a high quality of life and provide wonderful experiences that extend beyond your work life. 

To make the right choice for starting your nursing career, you need expert advice to select the right country. You can check out TerraTern for expert advice and an easy process to help you start your career as a nurse.