The European healthcare system is currently experiencing an acute shortage of doctors and medical personnel. To overcome the difficulties, some states have simplified immigration requirements to attract specialists from abroad. Find out which countries are most in need of specialists in 2024

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The EURES report for 2023 shows that EU countries are increasingly facing shortages in healthcare. The situation is particularly difficult in Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Ireland, the Netherlands, Austria and Denmark. We will talk about the most popular professions in the field of medicine and the related simplification of migration legislation.

What specialists is lacking in the EU healthcare sector?

Specialist doctors and nurses are the most lacking among healthcare workers. In particular, highly qualified specialists are needed in Ireland, Norway and Switzerland, and the Netherlands, Germany and Austria have declared a shortage of secondary medical personnel (nurses).

As for professions, the most vacancies are open for the following specialists: specialist doctors, general practitioners, nurses, physician assistants, midwifery specialists, physiotherapists, dentists, pharmacists, audiologists and speech therapists.

The leadership of the European Union is trying to compensate for the shortage of personnel through the involvement of foreign workers. That is, foreign professionals who belong to one of these professions or any other healthcare profession facing a shortage have a higher chance of getting a job and a work visa in any of the above countries.

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The acute shortage of healthcare specialists in Germany is extremely acute

Germany is one of the EU countries that constantly reports a shortage of personnel in the health care sector. That is why the number of foreign doctors in the country is constantly growing.

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

Destatis also emphasizes that a total of 115,000 foreign doctors have moved to Germany. The doctor profession was named the second most recognized foreign qualification in 2022.

However, despite attracting foreign personnel, the country still experiences a shortage of medical workers. In particular, by 2025, the state plans to attract 150,000 nurses from abroad.

Which countries have relaxed their migration legislation

Some EU countries, including Germany and Denmark, have recently relaxed certain immigration laws. This means that foreign workers who wish to move to these countries have a higher chance of obtaining a work visa.

Where should an expat-medic start planning a move abroad?

To make your move as comfortable as possible and bring only positive changes, start planning it with these steps:

1. Research the specific needs of each country. Certain specialties may be in greater demand in different countries.

2. Learn the visa application procedure. Each country has its own requirements, so be sure to understand the process for your chosen destination.

3. Learn the language. While some medical facilities may understand English, fluency in the local language will greatly improve your experience and career prospects.

The shortage of qualified personnel in the field of health care, which has currently developed in the EU, is a great time for health professionals to move to work in Europe. Therefore, if you have ever dreamed of living and working abroad, do not miss this chance.

Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department

To simplify the move to the EU, as well as facilitate the employment procedure, consult a migration specialist. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety abroad.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

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