Are you a doctor dreaming of practicing medicine abroad? 🌍 Whether you’re seeking better pay, a healthier work-life balance, or just a new adventure, relocating can be a life-changing decision. But with so many options out there, where should you go?

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the best countries for doctors, exploring everything from doctor salary by country to medical licensing overseas. Grab your passport (and maybe a coffee), and let’s get started!

Why Consider Working Abroad as a Doctor?

Before we get into the list, let’s quickly chat about why so many physicians are packing their stethoscopes and moving abroad:

• Higher Salaries: Many countries offer better pay than your home country.

• Improved Work-Life Balance: Some healthcare systems emphasize less burnout and more time off.

• Career Growth: Experience in a different healthcare system can boost your resume.

• Adventure and Lifestyle: Living abroad is exciting and can offer a better quality of life for you and your family.

Top 10 Best Countries for Doctors

Let’s break down the best countries for doctors based on salaries, quality of life, and licensing hurdles.

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Why it’s great: Known for luxury and efficiency, Switzerland also boasts one of the highest salaries for doctors worldwide.

• Average Salary: $150,000 – $200,000 USD/year (can be much higher depending on specialty)

• Lifestyle: Clean cities, breathtaking scenery, excellent healthcare, and a high standard of living.

• Medical Licensing Overseas:

  • Must pass language exams (typically German, French, or Italian).

  • Foreign qualifications need to be recognized by the Swiss Red Cross.

  • Registration with the Swiss Medical Association.

Note: Fluency in one of the national languages is usually mandatory!

🇺🇸 United States

Why it’s great: The U.S. offers some of the highest doctor salary by country figures, along with cutting-edge medical technology and career opportunities.

• Average Salary: $210,000 – $400,000 USD/year (depending on specialty)

• Lifestyle: Big diversity in lifestyle depending on the region – bustling cities or quiet suburbs.

• Medical Licensing Overseas:

  • Pass USMLE Steps 1, 2CK, and 3.

  • Complete a residency program (even if you’ve done one abroad).

  • Visa sponsorship often required for IMGs.

Pro Tip: Some states are more IMG-friendly than others!

🇦🇺 Australia

Why it’s great: Laid-back culture, stunning beaches, and a healthcare system that needs more doctors.

• Average Salary: $150,000 – $250,000 USD/year

• Lifestyle: Outdoor living, excellent education and healthcare, great for families.

• Medical Licensing Overseas:

  • Pathways include the Standard Pathway (for non-specialists) and Specialist Pathway.

  • AMC exams (written and clinical) are usually required.

  • English proficiency tests (IELTS or OET).

Tip: Australia loves doctors in rural and remote areas and may offer incentives!

🇨🇦 Canada

Why it’s great: High quality of life, diverse society, and beautiful landscapes.

• Average Salary: $180,000 – $260,000 USD/year

• Lifestyle: Family-friendly, multicultural cities, and access to nature.

• Medical Licensing Overseas:

  • Must pass the MCCQE (Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination) parts I and II.

  • Certification from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the respective province.

  • Residency may be required, even for experienced doctors.

IMG Note: Some provinces (like Nova Scotia) are particularly welcoming to IMGs!

🇩🇪 Germany

Why it’s great: Strong economy, excellent healthcare infrastructure, and relatively low cost of living compared to income.

• Average Salary: $100,000 – $150,000 USD/year

• Lifestyle: Historic cities, efficient public transportation, high standard of living.

• Medical Licensing Overseas:

  • German language proficiency at B2 or C1 level is mandatory.

  • Recognition of medical degree through “Approbation” (medical license).

  • May require an adaptation period or medical knowledge test.

Tip: Learning German is your biggest hurdle but also your biggest asset!

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Why it’s great: Friendly people, relaxed pace of life, and a healthcare system that actively recruits overseas doctors.

• Average Salary: $130,000 – $200,000 USD/year

• Lifestyle: Stunning scenery, outdoor adventures, low population density.

• Medical Licensing Overseas:

  • Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.

  • Recognized qualifications or completion of exams (NZREX Clinical).

  • English proficiency test required.

Bonus: New Zealand offers excellent relocation packages for doctors!

🇳🇴 Norway

Why it’s great: Wealthy, safe, and with a great work-life balance.

• Average Salary: $120,000 – $180,000 USD/year

• Lifestyle: Nature lovers’ paradise, high happiness index, generous parental leave.

• Medical Licensing Overseas:

  • Norwegian language proficiency is critical.

  • Recognition of education and experience by the Norwegian Directorate of Health.

  • Adaptation periods or additional exams may apply.

Fun Fact: Norway’s working hours for doctors are among the shortest globally!

🇸🇪 Sweden

Why it’s great: Progressive society, excellent healthcare, and family-friendly policies.

• Average Salary: $110,000 – $170,000 USD/year

• Lifestyle: Strong focus on work-life balance, nature, and social equality.

• Medical Licensing Overseas:

  • Swedish language proficiency needed.

  • Degree recognition and a license from the National Board of Health and Welfare.

  • Clinical internship (“AT-tjänstgöring”) may be necessary.

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)

Why it’s great: Tax-free income and a growing private healthcare sector.

• Average Salary: $150,000 – $250,000 USD/year (tax-free)

• Lifestyle: Luxurious lifestyle, world-class amenities, diverse expatriate community.

• Medical Licensing Overseas:

  • Licensing exams like DHA (Dubai), HAAD (Abu Dhabi), or MOH (other emirates).

  • Verification of qualifications and experience.

  • No mandatory language tests if practicing in English-speaking environments.

Quick Tip: Private hospitals often offer better packages than government ones!

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Why it’s great: A diverse healthcare system, cultural variety, and relatively easy relocation for Commonwealth-trained doctors.

• Average Salary: $90,000 – $160,000 USD/year

• Lifestyle: Historical cities, cultural melting pot, NHS pride.

• Medical Licensing Overseas:

  • Pass the PLAB exams or get registration via recognized postgraduate qualifications.

  • English proficiency (IELTS or OET) required.

  • GMC (General Medical Council) registration mandatory.

IMG Tip: Specialist doctors can sometimes bypass PLAB by using their postgraduate qualifications (MRCP, MRCS, etc.)

Key Factors When Choosing the Best Country for You

Choosing the right destination isn’t just about the doctor salary by country. You’ll also want to consider:

• Language Barriers: Will you need to learn a new language?

• Cost of Living: High salaries might be offset by high expenses.

• Work-Life Balance: Some countries offer better hours and vacation policies.

• Visa and Immigration Policies: Can your family join you easily?

• Cultural Fit: Will you feel at home in the local culture?

How to Prepare for Practicing Medicine Abroad

Moving overseas as a doctor isn’t something you do overnight. Here’s what to focus on:

1. Research Medical Licensing Overseas

Understand exactly what exams, internships, or certifications are required.

2. Improve Your Language Skills

If English isn’t enough, start learning the local language early. (Apps like Duolingo can help!)

3. Credential Verification

Services like EPIC (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials) are often needed to verify your qualifications.

4. Plan Financially

Budget for exam fees, relocation costs, and a few months of living expenses.

5. Network

Connect with doctors who have already made the move. Forums like IMG forums, Facebook groups, and LinkedIn are gold mines of information.

Final Thoughts

Relocating abroad can open up incredible professional and personal opportunities. Whether you dream of the snowy Alps of Switzerland, the golden beaches of Australia, or the bustling hospitals of New York, there’s a world of opportunity waiting for you. 🌍

By understanding medical licensing overseas, researching doctor salary by country, and choosing among the best countries for doctors, you’ll set yourself up for an exciting and rewarding international career.

Ready to start your new chapter? ✈️
Let me know which country you’re considering — I’d love to hear your thoughts!