Several European countries are facing critical shortages of doctors and nurses, prompting them to simplify work visa procedures to attract foreign healthcare professionals. According to a 2023 report from EURES (European Employment Services), countries such as Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Ireland, the Netherlands, Austria, and Denmark are in urgent need of healthcare workers.
The shortages are particularly acute in specialist doctors and nursing professionals. Ireland and Switzerland are highlighted as countries heavily reliant on foreign doctors and nurses to fill these gaps. The most sought-after healthcare professions across these nations include specialist medical practitioners, generalist medical practitioners, nursing professionals, health care assistants, midwifery professionals, physiotherapists, dentists, pharmacists, and audiologists and speech therapists.
These shortages are exacerbated by aging populations across many EU countries, increasing the demand for healthcare services. As a result, these countries have streamlined their work visa procedures to facilitate the entry of foreign healthcare workers. This presents significant opportunities for professionals from outside the EU who are looking to secure employment and work visas in the healthcare sector.
Germany, in particular, has seen a notable influx of foreign medical practitioners in recent years. Approximately 12% of doctors practicing in Germany, totaling 62,000 individuals, were foreigners in 2023—a substantial increase compared to previous years. The country has also welcomed around 115,000 foreign doctors overall, underscoring its reliance on international medical expertise.
Despite these gains in the medical field, Germany continues to face a severe shortage of nurses. It is projected that the country will need an additional 150,000 nurses by 2025. To address this shortfall, German authorities are actively recruiting nursing professionals from abroad, including regions like Latin America.
To attract more foreign workers, several EU countries have relaxed their immigration laws recently. This policy shift aims to enhance the prospects for foreign workers seeking employment and work visas in these nations, thereby addressing critical shortages in the healthcare sector and other industries.