By Okafor Mmesoma
Nurses are among the most sought-after healthcare professionals globally, but salaries vary widely depending on factors such as experience, specialty, qualifications, location and employer.
For internationally trained nurses considering opportunities abroad, countries offering higher salaries can be particularly attractive. However, salary is only one factor to consider, as professional licensing, language requirements, immigration rules and the cost of living can also affect the overall benefits of working overseas.
According to GIS’s 2026 ranking of the highest-paying countries for nurses, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Denmark are among the destinations offering the highest estimated annual salaries. The figures are based on estimates from public job postings collected in April 2026 and converted to US dollars.
Here are eight countries and destinations where nurses are among the highest paid:
1. Switzerland
Switzerland tops the list, with an estimated annual nursing salary of $123,068, according to the 2026 GIS ranking.
Foreign-trained nurses must have their qualifications recognised before they can practise in the country. The Swiss Red Cross handles the recognition of foreign qualifications for regulated healthcare professions, including nursing.
Language proficiency is also an important requirement. The Swiss Red Cross accepts B2-level certificates in German, French or Italian for its recognition process.
Switzerland also has strong demand for healthcare professionals. The Swiss Red Cross reported that about 5,000 nursing qualifications were recognised in 2025, reflecting the large number of foreign-trained nurses seeking to work in the country.
2. Luxembourg
Luxembourg ranks second, with an estimated annual nursing salary of $112,277.
The small European country offers attractive salaries, although internationally trained nurses must satisfy its professional and language requirements before they can practise.
Knowledge of French, German or Luxembourgish can be important for nurses seeking employment in the country’s healthcare system.
Nurses considering Luxembourg should also take into account the country’s relatively high cost of living when assessing the value of the salary on offer.
3. Denmark
Denmark ranks third, with an estimated annual nursing salary of $100,575.
Nurses must obtain authorisation to practise in the country, with the Danish Patient Safety Authority responsible for the authorisation process.
However, nurses from outside the EU/EEA should pay particular attention to Denmark’s current rules. The Danish authorities have introduced a zero quota for applications for nursing authorisation from countries outside the EU/EEA, which is currently in effect until December 31, 2026, subject to specific exemptions.
This means that, despite its high estimated salary, Denmark may not currently be an accessible destination for many internationally trained nurses from countries such as Nigeria.
4. U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands rank fourth, with an estimated annual nursing salary of $91,053.
The U.S. territory offers nurses the opportunity to work in a tropical environment while earning a comparatively high salary.
However, earnings can vary depending on the island, employer, nursing specialty and level of experience.
Nurses considering the U.S. Virgin Islands should also examine the applicable U.S. nursing licensing and immigration requirements before making a decision.
5. Australia
Australia ranks fifth, with an estimated annual nursing salary of $83,365.
The country is an attractive destination for internationally trained nurses, particularly because English is the dominant language.
Foreign nurses seeking to practise in Australia must meet the registration requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Australia’s large healthcare system and demand for qualified healthcare professionals have made it a popular destination for nurses seeking international employment.
6. Norway
Norway ranks sixth, with an estimated annual nursing salary of $81,138.
The Scandinavian country is known for its high standard of living and strong public healthcare system.
Its ageing population also contributes to continuing demand for healthcare workers, including nurses.
However, foreign-trained nurses must meet Norway’s professional authorisation requirements and may need to demonstrate appropriate language proficiency before working in the country’s healthcare system.
7. Canada
Canada ranks among the destinations offering comparatively high nursing salaries, with an estimated annual figure of $74,140.
The country’s publicly funded healthcare system employs nurses across hospitals, community healthcare, long-term care and other settings.
However, nursing salaries differ significantly between provinces, employers, specialties and levels of experience. Therefore, the $74,140 figure should be viewed as an estimate rather than a guaranteed national salary.
Internationally educated nurses must also complete the applicable assessment and registration process before they can practise, with requirements varying across Canada’s provinces and territories.
8. Dubai
Dubai ranks eighth in the GIS list, with an estimated annual nursing salary of $73,640.
Dubai is an emirate and city within the United Arab Emirates, rather than a separate country.
It has become a popular destination for foreign healthcare professionals because of its modern hospitals, international workforce and tax environment.
Nurses must obtain the appropriate professional licence to work in Dubai, with requirements depending on the relevant health authority and the applicant’s qualifications and experience.
Although salaries can be attractive, prospective nurses should consider accommodation and other living expenses when comparing Dubai with other destinations.
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