Looking to emigrate as a medical doctor? Below is every country where our database records a visa or residence pathway medical doctors could use — with the most relevant route for each. We do not rank them: the right country depends on your nationality, budget and family situation, and no single number captures that. Get your free results to explore programme information using your context.
Three checks before working as a doctor
- Immigration permission: confirm the residence or work route that applies to your nationality and intended activity.
- Qualification recognition: check how the destination recognises your professional training.
- Professional registration: confirm the licence, register or professional status required for the exact job and location before practising.
Canada: an immigration educational credential assessment does not guarantee a professional licence. IRCC explains the distinction.
European Union: regulation differs by profession and destination. Check the relevant authority and recognition procedure. Your Europe: regulated professions.
United Kingdom: use the GMC application route for registration with a licence to practise appropriate to where you qualified and your experience. General Medical Council: current guidance.
Scope: these examples explain separate permission checks. They do not confirm eligibility, registration or current requirements in every country in the archived table below.
Countries with Pathways for Medical Doctors
| Country | Best Pathway |
|---|---|
| Australia | Skilled Independent 189 |
| Austria | Red White Red Card Skilled Workers In Shortage |
| Canada | Express Entry |
| Denmark | Positive List For Higher Education |
| France | Salaried Employee Work Permit |
| Germany | Skilled Worker Visa Academic |
| Ireland | Critical Skills Employment Permit |
| Japan | Skilled Worker Visa Tokutei Gino |
| Netherlands | Highly Skilled Migrant Permit |
| New Zealand | Green List Straight To Residence Visa |
| Norway | Skilled Worker Permit |
| Portugal | D1 Employment Visa |
| Singapore | Employment Pass |
| South Korea | E 5 Professional Visa |
| Spain | Employee Work Visa |
| Sweden | Work Permit Employer Sponsored |
| Switzerland | B Permit Skilled Worker Residence |
| United Arab Emirates | Employment Visa Standard Work Visa |
| United Kingdom | Health And Care Worker Visa |
| United States | Eb 2 Advanced Degree |
Three Destinations in Detail
Three examples of the underlying data. This is not a top three — we do not rank countries.
Canada
Germany
Netherlands
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