Work and income
Registration route, starting salary, and whether an employer will sponsor the visa.
AbroadMaster research from national nursing councils and published pay scalesVerified August 2026
One of the largest skilled migration streams out of Sri Lanka, and the one where recruitment agents most often overcharge for something you can do yourself.
GBP 29,000 to 35,000
Typical starting salary
NMC registration through CBT and OSCE, Health and Care Worker visa
AUD 70,000 to 85,000
Typical starting salary
AHPRA registration, and nursing sits on the core skills list
EUR 36,000 to 45,000
Typical starting salary
NMBI registration, and an adaptation placement is common
| Rank | Country | Typical starting salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4th place | GermanyRequires German at B1 or B2, which is the real hurdle | EUR 36,000 to 42,000 | Requires German at B1 or B2, which is the real hurdle |
| 5th place | CanadaProvincial registration, and NNAS assessment first | CAD 70,000 to 90,000 | Provincial registration, and NNAS assessment first |
| 6th place | New ZealandOn the Green List, so a straight-to-residence route exists | NZD 75,000 to 95,000 | On the Green List, so a straight-to-residence route exists |
| 7th place | Saudi ArabiaTax free, accommodation usually included, SCFHS licence required | USD 18,000 to 30,000 | Tax free, accommodation usually included, SCFHS licence required |
| 8th place | United Arab EmiratesDHA, HAAD or MOH licence depending on the emirate | USD 16,000 to 28,000 | DHA, HAAD or MOH licence depending on the emirate |
| 9th place | JapanCare worker route under Specified Skilled Worker, Japanese language required | JPY 3.2M to 4.2M | Care worker route under Specified Skilled Worker, Japanese language required |
| 10th place | NorwayAuthorisation from Helsedirektoratet, Norwegian required | NOK 550,000 to 650,000 | Authorisation from Helsedirektoratet, Norwegian required |
AbroadMaster research from national nursing councils and published pay scales
Verified August 2026
Compiled by AbroadMaster from the official pages of each country named above. There is no single published index behind this list, and we are not claiming one.
This is information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules and figures change without notice. Confirm anything you plan to act on with the official authority for that country, and check your own position with the eligibility checker.
Average annual pay, adjusted so the figures are actually comparable.
Careers, finances, healthcare and settling in, rated by people who actually moved.
Statutory leave, paid sick days, maternity cover and average hours worked.
