10 Top Countries Hiring Filipino Nurses: Salary, Requirements, and Benefits

Which countries are the best for Filipino nurses to work abroad? 

With high demand worldwide, nations like the US, UK, and Canada offer great salaries, benefits, and career growth.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 countries hiring Filipino nurses, their requirements, and the benefits they offer. 

Let’s find the best opportunity for you!

1. United Kingdom (UK)

The UK is a great choice for Filipino nurses because it has many job opportunities, good pay, and chances for career growth. It’s a friendly place where nurses can build their careers and enjoy a good work-life balance.

Average Monthly Salary

• ₱150,000 to ₱220,000 (depending on experience and specialization).

Basic Requirements

1. English Proficiency:
   • Pass either the IELTS (minimum score of 7 in speaking, 6.5 overall) or OET (Grade B).
2. NMC Registration:
   • Pass the Computer-Based Test (CBT) in the Philippines.
   • Pass the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in the UK.
3. Work Experience:
   • At least 1 to 2 years of clinical experience is preferred.
4. Valid Passport.

Some Benefits

• Competitive salary with annual increments.
• Free or subsidized healthcare under the NHS.
• Paid annual leave (usually 27 to 33 days per year).
• Opportunities for career advancement and further studies.
• Visa sponsorship and assistance for family members.
• Ongoing professional development programs.

2. United States

The United States offers high salaries and many job opportunities for Filipino nurses. With a strong healthcare system and the chance to advance in your career, it’s a top destination for nurses looking for growth and financial stability.

Average Monthly Salary

• ₱200,000 to ₱350,000 (depending on location, experience, and specialization).

Basic Requirements

1. NCLEX-RN Exam:
   • Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
2. VisaScreen Certification:
   • This is required for foreign-trained nurses to work in the U.S.
3. English Proficiency:
   • Pass TOEFL or IELTS exams.
4. Work Experience:
   • At least 2 years of relevant nursing experience is usually required.
5. Valid Passport and Work Visa:
   • Typically, the H-1B visa or employment-based green card.

Some Benefits

• High salary, with potential for overtime pay.
• Health insurance, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid sick leave and vacation (usually 2 to 4 weeks per year).
• Opportunities for career growth and specialization.
• Potential for permanent residency through employer sponsorship.
• Retirement benefits and pension plans.

3. Canada

Canada is known for its welcoming environment and excellent healthcare system. Filipino nurses can enjoy competitive salaries, good benefits, and opportunities for career advancement while working in a diverse and friendly country.

Average Monthly Salary

• ₱180,000 to ₱270,000 (depending on province, experience, and specialization).

Basic Requirements

1. Nursing License:
   • Obtain a nursing license through the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) or provincial regulatory bodies.
2. English or French Proficiency:
   • Pass IELTS (minimum 6.0 in each component) or CELPIP for English, or TEF for French.
3. Work Experience:
   • At least 1 to 2 years of clinical experience is preferred.
4. Credential Evaluation:
   • Nurses must have their credentials assessed by the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS).
5. Valid Passport and Work Visa:
   • A work permit or PR (Permanent Residency) application may be required depending on the pathway.

Some Benefits

• High salary with opportunities for overtime.
• Health insurance, dental, and vision benefits (usually after probation).
• Paid vacation and sick leave (typically 2 to 4 weeks).
• Opportunities for career advancement, continuing education, and specialization.
• Family-friendly immigration policies with pathways to permanent residency.
• Pension plans and retirement savings options.

4. Australia

Australia offers great pay, a balanced lifestyle, and many career opportunities for Filipino nurses. With a strong focus on work-life balance, nurses can enjoy both professional growth and personal well-being in a beautiful country.

Average Monthly Salary

• ₱180,000 to ₱250,000 (depending on state, experience, and healthcare facility).

Basic Requirements

1. AHPRA Registration:
   • Apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
2. English Proficiency:
   • Pass the IELTS (minimum score of 7 in each component) or OET (Grade B).
3. Work Experience:
   • At least 1 to 2 years of nursing experience is preferred, especially in hospitals.
4. Skills Assessment:
   • A positive skills assessment by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).
5. Visa:
   • A valid work visa (such as the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa or Employer Nomination Scheme Visa).

Some Benefits

• Competitive salaries with the potential for bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance (Medicare for permanent residents).
• Paid vacation (4 weeks per year) and sick leave.
• Strong work-life balance and excellent workplace culture.
• Opportunities for career development and specialization.
• Pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.

5. New Zealand

New Zealand is a peaceful and welcoming country with a high demand for nurses. Filipino nurses can enjoy good pay, career development, and a relaxed lifestyle, making it a great choice for those looking for work-life balance.

Average Monthly Salary

• ₱160,000 to ₱230,000 (depending on location, experience, and healthcare sector).

Basic Requirements

1. Nursing Registration:
   • Apply for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ).
2. English Proficiency:
   • Pass the IELTS (minimum score of 7 in each component) or OET (Grade B).
3. Work Experience:
   • At least 1 year of clinical experience, preferably in a hospital setting.
4. Skills Assessment:
   • Submit an application for credential assessment by the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
5. Visa:
   • A work visa, such as the Essential Skills Work Visa or a Resident Visa (if eligible).

Some Benefits

• Competitive salary with a low cost of living.
• Access to New Zealand’s public healthcare system for residents.
• Paid annual leave (4 weeks per year) and sick leave.
• Strong focus on work-life balance, with fewer working hours compared to other countries.
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• Pathways to permanent residency and family inclusion.

6. Germany

Germany offers good salaries, benefits, and strong job security for Filipino nurses. With a high standard of healthcare and opportunities for professional growth, it’s an excellent destination for nurses seeking stability and advancement.

Average Monthly Salary

• ₱180,000 to ₱250,000 (depending on location, experience, and healthcare facility).

Basic Requirements

1. German Language Proficiency:
   • Must have B2 or C1 level proficiency in the German language (preferably via the Goethe Institute or other recognized language providers).
2. Recognition of Qualifications:
   • Have nursing credentials recognized by the German authorities (via the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB)).
3. Work Experience:
   • At least 2 years of relevant clinical experience is preferred.
4. Visa:
   • A work visa for qualified professionals (Blue Card EU or work visa for healthcare professionals).
5. Nursing License:
   • After arriving in Germany, you must apply for a nursing license in the specific region where you’ll be working.

Some Benefits

• High salary with potential for overtime pay.
• Comprehensive health insurance (as part of the public healthcare system).
• Paid annual leave (usually 24 days per year).
• Excellent career development and opportunities for specialization.
• Free language training and integration programs for non-German speakers.
• Work-life balance and strong labor laws that protect workers’ rights.

7. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia offers tax-free income and great savings potential for Filipino nurses. With free accommodation, health insurance, and competitive pay, it’s a popular destination for nurses looking to earn and save money.

Average Monthly Salary

• ₱120,000 to ₱250,000 (depending on experience, specialization, and hospital type).

Basic Requirements

1. Saudi Council for Health Specialties (SCHS) License:
   • Nurses must obtain licensure through the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS).
2. English Proficiency:
   • Good command of English, although official language is Arabic. Some employers may require an English proficiency test.
3. Work Experience:
   • Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience, especially in hospitals.
4. Visa:
   • Employer-sponsored work visa. Nurses need a contract from a Saudi hospital or healthcare provider before applying.

Some Benefits

• Competitive salary with tax-free income.
• Free accommodation or housing allowance, plus transportation allowances.
• Health insurance provided by the employer.
• Annual paid leave (typically 30 days).
• Travel allowances and yearly flight tickets back to the Philippines.
• Career advancement opportunities in a growing healthcare system.

8. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE offers high pay and a tax-free income for Filipino nurses. With good benefits like free housing, healthcare, and annual leave, the UAE is an attractive choice for nurses looking to work in a modern, fast-growing healthcare system.

Average Monthly Salary

• ₱150,000 to ₱220,000 (depending on experience, location, and healthcare facility).

Basic Requirements

1. Dubai Health Authority (DHA) / Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) / Ministry of Health (MOH) License:
   • Nurses must obtain one of these local licenses based on the emirate they will work in.
2. English Proficiency:
   • Must prove English proficiency through tests like IELTS (minimum score of 6.0) or OET (Grade B).
3. Work Experience:
   • At least 1 to 2 years of nursing experience is preferred.
4. Visa:
   • Employer-sponsored work visa, often with the option to bring family members.

Some Benefits

• Tax-free income and competitive salary packages.
• Accommodation allowance or provided housing, depending on the employer.
• Health insurance and other allowances (transport, meals).
• Paid annual leave (usually 30 days per year).
• Flight tickets for annual vacation (typically round-trip tickets to the Philippines).
• Career growth opportunities in a modern healthcare system.

9. Singapore

Singapore is a top choice for Filipino nurses due to its high salary, modern healthcare system, and opportunities for career growth. Nurses can enjoy a great work-life balance and access to good benefits in a clean, safe, and fast-developing country.

Average Monthly Salary

• ₱160,000 to ₱230,000 (depending on experience, healthcare facility, and specialization).

Basic Requirements

1. Singapore Nursing Board (SNB) Registration:
   • Nurses must apply for registration with the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB).
2. English Proficiency:
   • Must have a minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS or Grade B in OET.
3. Work Experience:
   • At least 1 year of clinical experience in a hospital or healthcare setting.
4. Visa:
   • A valid work permit or Employment Pass, usually sponsored by the employer.

Some Benefits

• Competitive salary with regular salary adjustments.
• Comprehensive health insurance under the public healthcare system.
• Paid annual leave (typically 14 days per year) and sick leave.
• Opportunities for career development, training, and further education.
• Modern, high-standard work environment with a strong emphasis on patient care.
• Possible pathways to permanent residency.

10. Japan

Japan is ideal for Filipino nurses who are open to learning the language and culture. The country offers competitive pay, career development, and a structured work environment. It’s a good choice for those seeking long-term career growth and stability.

Average Monthly Salary

• ₱150,000 to ₱220,000 (depending on experience, location, and healthcare facility).

Basic Requirements

1. Japanese Language Proficiency:
   • Must pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at least N4 level (for healthcare purposes, N3 or higher is often required).
2. Nursing License:
   • Nurses must pass the Japanese Nursing Licensure Exam (once in Japan). Before taking the exam, you must complete a 6-month to 1-year nursing program in Japan.
3. Work Experience:
   • At least 1 to 2 years of clinical experience in nursing.
4. Visa:
   • Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker Visa or Nursing Care Worker Visa (if applying through Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement, JPEPA).

Some Benefits

• Competitive salary with potential for overtime pay.
• Health insurance under the Japanese National Health Insurance system.
• Paid annual leave (typically 10 to 20 days per year).
• Opportunities for career advancement and further training.
• Support for language and cultural integration through government programs.
• Stable and structured work environment with respect for nurses.

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Final Thoughts

Becoming a nurse abroad can offer better pay, new experiences, and career growth. Each country has its own benefits, like higher salaries, good work conditions, and opportunities for personal development.

When choosing where to work, think about the salary, work-life balance, visa options, and whether you like the culture. Make sure to prepare by getting the right licenses, passing language tests, and understanding the visa process.

Pick the country that fits your goals and start your journey to a successful nursing career abroad. 

Good luck!

References

1. Institute, E. E. R. (n.d.). List of Salaries by Country – SalaryExpert. Www.salaryexpert.com. https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/browse/countries