Currently, the EU is facing an acute shortage of specialist doctors and nurses. Because of this, some countries have simplified immigration rules to attract foreign labor. Find out more about which European countries offer visas for foreign medical workers

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More and more countries in the European Union are facing a shortage of healthcare personnel. This negative trend is confirmed by the results of the EURES report on labor shortages and surpluses for 2023. 

In this regard, some European countries offer foreigners with medical education a simplified procedure for obtaining a work visa, Schengen.News reports.

Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Ireland, the Netherlands, Austria, and Denmark are facing the largest shortage of personnel in the medical field. It is worth noting that Ireland and Denmark are at the top of the EURES ranking among the countries that attract the largest number of foreign doctors and nurses.

In the previous article, we told you how much insurance for traveling abroad in 2024 costs and what it covers.

The most popular healthcare professions in the EU countries

Thus, in the above countries there is a shortage of labor in the following professions:

1. Specialized doctors;

2. General practitioners;

3. Nurses;

4. Physician assistants;

5. Specialists in obstetrics;

6. Physiotherapists;

7. Dentists;

8. Pharmacists;

9. Audiologists and speech therapists.

It is important to note that most European countries continue to struggle with the global demographic phenomenon of population aging, which only increases their dependence on foreign labor. Therefore, healthcare professionals have a better chance of finding a job and obtaining a work visa in the above countries. 

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In Germany, every eighth doctor in 2023 was a foreigner

Germany is constantly experiencing a shortage of personnel in the medical field. As a result, the number of foreign doctors is growing.

The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) reports that in 2023, 12% of doctors in Germany (almost 62,000 people) had foreign citizenship. This figure increased by 7% (29,000 people) compared to 2022. 

Destatis also notes that 115,000 doctors with foreign citizenship moved to Germany. The medical profession was named the second most recognized foreign qualification in 2022.

Despite the significant inflow of foreign labor, Germany still needs a large number of nurses to overcome the shortage of staff in this area. Destatis reports that Germany needs 150,000 additional nurses by 2025. A possible way to overcome this problem is to attract nurses from other countries, including Latin America. 

If you are planning a move or a business trip abroad, remember that health insurance is the key to your safety and financial stability in a foreign country, and neglecting it is an absolutely unjustified risk. 

You can apply for an insurance policy from a reliable insurance agent on the Visit Ukraine website. We offer health insurance policies for Ukrainians planning a trip abroad and military risk insurance for foreigners traveling to Ukraine.

We remind you! Ukrainian doctors who want to work or are already working in Poland will have to pass a language exam. Read more about who will be affected by the changes and when the new rules will come into force.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can get legal advice on migration law. Our lawyers will answer all your questions and, if necessary, help you collect, submit and receive the documents you need. You can order a specialist consultation or full legal support by following this link.