U.S.-trained nurses are sought after for work abroad. If working abroad appeals to you, 2025 could be the time to make it happen. The demand is strong, from well-paid positions in the Middle East to Europe’s top healthcare systems.
Not every destination is equally nurse-friendly, though. Some countries have complicated licensing rules. Others pay poorly or lack support for foreign workers. To help narrow it down, we’ve identified the top nine places for U.S. nurses in 2025.
This guide covers salaries, visa requirements, and what you’ll need to qualify. Whether you prioritize earning potential, work-life balance, or career growth, there’s an option that fits.
Can U.S. Nurses Work Abroad in 2025?
Absolutely. But it’s not as easy as packing your scrubs and booking a flight. Every country has different rules—licensing, visas, and employment laws all factor in.
Why are U.S. nurses in demand overseas? Many countries face severe nursing shortages. American nurses stand out because of their training, hands-on experience, and English fluency. Places with aging populations and overburdened healthcare systems are especially eager to hire them.
Figure out which country you want to go to
The hotspots are:
- Europe (e.g., Ireland, Germany, UK)
- Middle East (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)
- Asia-Pacific (e.g., Australia, New Zealand)
- Canada and the Caribbean
Many governments and private healthcare providers are offering visa sponsorships, relocation bonuses, and even housing support to attract international nurses.
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Meet Local Licensing Requirements
Your U.S. nursing license isn’t automatically valid in another country. Each country has its own nursing board or regulatory authority, and you’ll need to:
- Submit your credentials and transcripts
- Possibly take language proficiency exams (IELTS or TOEFL)
- Pass a nursing equivalency test or bridging program (in some cases)
- Have your license verified or transferred
Licensing can take several months—get a head start and utilize a recruiter or licensing expert if available.
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How to Qualify for Nursing Jobs Abroad as a U.S. RN
If you’re an American registered nurse, you’ve got a solid base to start from—but each country has its method of determining whether your qualifications meet their standards. Here’s what you’ll need to do to become qualified for nursing jobs abroad.
Keep an Active U.S. RN License
This is not negotiable. You must have an active, current Registered Nurse license (RN) from a state within the United States to be looked at at all overseas. For the majority of countries, 1–2 years of experience as a nurse is ideal, especially in specialty areas like ICU, ER, labor & delivery, or pediatrics.
Credential Evaluation
Most countries require a nursing credential evaluation to compare your U.S. education to their standards. You’ll typically submit:
- Your nursing school transcripts
- A verification of your U.S. nursing license
- Proof of clinical hours and work experience
Common services include:
- CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) – required for Canada and sometimes the UK
- NMC (UK), AHPRA (Australia), NCNZ (New Zealand), etc.
These evaluations ensure your U.S. training aligns with the destination country’s nursing curriculum.
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Language Proficiency Tests
When you’re traveling to a country where English isn’t the main language—or even sometimes when it is—you may be required to demonstrate that you can cope in clinics.
You’ll likely need to pass:
- IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- OET (Occupational English Test – which is health-specific)
Scores needed by country vary—so work hard!
Pass a Local Nursing Exam (If Required)
Foreign-trained nurses are sometimes mandated to pass their bridging or licensing exams in their host countries:
- UK: Computer-Based Test (CBT) and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
- Australia/New Zealand: Competency Assessment Program (CAP) or NCNZ registration
- Saudi Arabia/UAE: Prometric exam or regional MOH license exam
Not all countries, but most with strict regulations do.
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Get Licensed and Registered with the National Nursing Body
After you pass the relevant exams and assessments, you’ll get registered with the nursing council or health authority of the country to become legally eligible to practice.
Examples:
- NMC – Nursing and Midwifery Council (UK)
- AHPRA – Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
- MOH/UAE/DHA – Middle East health licensing bodies
Obtain a Job Offer and Work Visa
In most cases, you must have a job offer in order to make an application for a work permit or visa. Some hospitals and some recruitment agencies facilitate the visa, including:
- Sponsorship documentation
- Immigration charges
- Relocation or housing assistance
Some countries usually simplify these services to attract foreign recruits.
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Be Careful of Recruitment Scams
There are all kinds of legitimate opportunities—but also some fake recruiters and scams looking for ambitious nurses. Always check:
- The employer’s license or hospital credentials
- The validity of visa documents
- That you’re not required to pay huge fees in advance
- Stick with legitimate agencies or government-sponsored programs.
When you know and prepare for every step—from licensing to language to legal entry—you’ll be well-positioned to qualify for lucrative nursing positions overseas in 2025.
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9 Best Countries Where U.S. Nurses Can Work Abroad in 2025
If you’re a U.S. nurse considering a move abroad, salary matters—but so does quality of life, licensing ease, demand, and visa support. These 9 countries strike that perfect balance in 2025.
Australia
Average Salary: $60,000–$90,000 USD every year
Why it’s great: In Australia, there is a pretty strong healthcare system, the nurses here are in high demand, they speak English and there is a ecellent work-life balance.
Licensing: Under AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency); may need a bridging program
Australia remains a top choice for internationally-trained nurses. The work culture balances professionalism with a laid-back atmosphere. Compensation is competitive, and the profession commands strong respect.
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United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Average Salary: 40,000–70,000 USD/year (no income tax)
Why it’s great: Modern hospital facilities, often provided housing, relocation support included
Licensing: Must pass the DHA, MOH, or HAAD exam
Visa Path: Employer sponsorship—hospitals and agencies handle paperwork
Working in the UAE as a nurse is working in high-tech hospitals with multinational personnel. Housing, airfare, and bonuses are offered by most employers.
United Kingdom (UK)
Average Salary: $35,000–$55,000 USD/year
Why it’s great: English-speaking system, quick registration for U.S. nurses, growing NHS demand
Licensing: Through NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) – CBT and OSCE included
Visa Route: Health and Care Worker visa, NHS or private hospitals fully sponsor
After Brexit, the UK actively recruits U.S. nurses and international ones. It is possibly one of the most streamlined moves for American RNs due to familiarity of language and systems.
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Canada
Average Salary: $55,000–$80,000 USD/year
Why it’s a good option: Same healthcare environment, close location to the U.S., bilingual practice (English/French)
Licensing: Provincial boards based on NCAS or NNAS assessment + potential bridging course
Visa Path: Employer-sponsored work permit or Express Entry
Canada truly values nurses, especially rural and northern nurses. U.S. nurses qualify for expedited immigration under skilled worker programs.
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New Zealand
Average Salary: $50,000–$75,000 USD/yr
Why it’s great: Easy going lifestyle, immense demand in public health, scenery to die for
Licensing: Through Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ), normally involves Competency Assessment Program (CAP)
Visa Path: Employer sponsorship or skilled migrant visa
Nursing in New Zealand offers a more laid-back lifestyle with excellent public services and reduced crime rates. Suitable for family-oriented nurses or nature lovers.
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Germany
Average Salary: $45,000–$60,000 USD/year
Why it’s great: Strong demand for nurses, relocation allowance, strong public health system
Licensing: Must validate credentials and possess B2-level German language skills
Visa Path: Job seeker or work visa, usually sponsored by employer or agency
Germany is accelerating foreign hiring due to serious shortages in hospitals and care of elderly people. German needs to be learned, but stability and salary are well worth it.
Ireland
Average Salary: $40,000–$65,000 USD/year
Why it’s great: English spoken, demand is high, relaxed culture, EU benefits
Licensing: Through NMBI (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland); straightforward for U.S. RNs
Visa Path: Critical Skills Employment Permit (nursing is included)
Ireland possesses a UK-type model of healthcare and is searching abroad to compensate for staff shortages—American nurses especially welcome.
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Saudi Arabia
Average Salary: $45,000–$75,000 USD/year (tax-free)
Why it’s great: Tax-free wages, housing, generous contracts, private hospital development
Licensing: Pass Prometric exam and obtain Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) registration
Visa Path: Fully employer-sponsored
While the lifestyle is more conservative, Saudi Arabia offers some of the highest tax-free wages to nurses. Best for daring career individuals who enjoy high pay and a multicultural environment.
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Switzerland
Average Salary: $80,000–$120,000 USD/year
Why it’s great: Top-paid nurses in the world, squeaky-clean health system, unparalleled quality of life
Licensing: Requires recognition of foreign degree and B2 levels in German/French/Italian
Visa Path: Restricted but possible through employer sponsorship for high-level professionals
It’s not the simplest qualification to achieve—but if you do, Switzerland offers unparalled pay, safety, and scenery.
Tip: Use global nurse recruitment companies or international job sites (like O’Grady Peyton, Medacs, or Seek Health) to help match yourself to screened jobs and expedite paperwork.
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How Much Is the Average U.S. Nurse Paid When Working Abroad?
U.S. trained nurses working abroad in 2025 have greatly varying base pay according to the host nation, workplace location of healthcare provision, experience level, and if the payment is taxable or not.
Switzerland pays nurses among the highest salaries globally—typically 80,000to120,000 yearly. But there are hurdles: strict licensing, fluency in German or French, and high taxes.
Canada and Australia are solid options. Expect 55,000–55,000–90,000 annually, varying by region. Their healthcare systems mirror U.S. standards, and both rank high for quality of life, making them popular for long-term moves.
Ireland and the UK offer lower wages (35,000–35,000–65,000), but they balance it with straightforward licensing and English-speaking workplaces. The trade-off? Easier transition, plus deep cultural exposure.
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The Middle East
Saudi and the UAE—is among the most competitive with tax-free wages, typically between $40,000 and $75,000 a year, complete with such incentives as unfurnished accommodation, airfare allowance, and year-end bonuses. The nations are particularly suited for nurses who want to save money and work in fresh, well-facilitated hospitals.
In Germany, American nurses tend to earn between $45,000 and $60,000 per year. While salaries are decent, they are taxable, and learning the local language (to at least B2 level) is typically required. Germany’s aging population means more opportunities for nurses with experience. Many hospitals and clinics offer solid relocation support to attract qualified candidates.
In New Zealand, nurses earn between 50,000and75,000 annually. The licensing process requires passing a Competency Assessment Program (CAP), but demand keeps growing. Beyond salary, the country offers a relaxed pace, good work-life balance, and scenic environments.
Comparing salaries abroad? Look beyond the numbers. Housing stipends, relocation packages, healthcare access, taxes, and living costs all affect what you actually take home. For example, 60,000tax−freeintheUAEoftenleavesyoubetteroffthan60,000tax−80,000 in Switzerland after taxes, housing, and daily expenses.
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Conclusion
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Where can U.S. nurses work abroad?”—the options are more exciting than ever in 2025. From competitive salaries to adventure-filled lifestyles, countries around the globe are opening doors for qualified American nurses. With a bit of research, licensing prep, and cultural curiosity, your dream of nursing overseas can quickly become reality.
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FAQs
Yes, in most nations English could suffice but local language capabilities could be needed for licensure and better communication with patients.
Not at first; most countries require credential evaluation, resident licensing exams, and sometimes additional training or validation of clinical hours.
Some employers do, especially in high-demand areas, covering flights, accommodation, and visa support to attract overseas nurses.
Yes, the majority of visas do allow dependents, but access to healthcare, education, and work privileges are nation-based.
Yes, international assignments are usually longer term, involve cultural adaptation, and may involve more paperwork and licensure effort.
Depending on the country—some do have strong nurse unions, while others do not have any or collective bargaining options.
U.S. citizens are still subject to filing taxes; foreign income exclusions and treaties can reduce or eliminate double taxation.
References
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