I have helped hundreds of doctors move to countries that match their career goals, financial expectations, and lifestyle needs. In my 30+ years as a medical career consultant, I’ve learned that the “best” country for doctors depends on several factors. These include salary potential, work-life balance, healthcare infrastructure, immigration rules, cost of living, and overall quality of life.

In 2025, Canada and Australia are hiring the most healthcare professionals. Countries like Switzerland and the US still offer some of the highest salaries. Global shortages caused by aging populations and post-pandemic burnout are driving demand higher.

This article compares the top countries for doctors in 2025 using the latest salary data, healthcare trends, and sources such as the CEOWORLD Health Care Index 2025. Language test preparation platforms like OETPro also help doctors fast-track their visa and migration process.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Country

Before exploring specific countries, these are the key factors you should think about:

Salary vs. Cost of Living

High salaries do not always mean high savings.
For example, the US and Luxembourg pay the most, but living expenses can reduce your actual take-home amount.

Work-Life Balance

Nordic countries offer shorter workweeks and generous vacation policies.
These countries prioritize mental health, family life, and overall well-being.

Healthcare System Structure

Countries like Canada offer strong public healthcare, making it easier for foreign-trained doctors to enter the system.

Specialization and Research Opportunities

The US has some of the world’s best facilities for research, innovation, and specialization.

Immigration Rules

Australia’s new 2025 visa pathways make it simpler than ever for doctors to migrate.

Quality of Life

Safety, environment, childcare, and infrastructure all matter.
Many doctors now select countries based on lifestyle rather than salary.

One of my cardiologist clients from India chose Canada over the US in 2024 for better work-life balance, even though the pay was slightly lower.

Best Countries for Doctors in 2025 (With Pros & Cons)

1. United States

The US faces a shortage of up to 124,000 doctors by 2034.
Demand is high in specialties such as oncology, psychiatry, and primary care.

Primary care doctors earn around $316,000/year, while specialists often earn over $500,000. The Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic are global leaders in research.

However, doctors often work 50–60 hours weekly.
Telemedicine has grown, offering flexibility, but burnout remains high.

2. Canada

Canada may face a shortage of 48,000 doctors by 2031.
Provinces like Ontario now have fast-track licensing for international medical graduates.

Doctors earn around CAD 350,000/year, with rural incentives up to CAD 100,000.
Most physicians work 40–50 hours weekly, providing a good balance.

A Filipino GP I advised is thriving in Alberta and found OET-style preparation very helpful for migration.

3. Australia

Australia plans to bring in 10,000 new doctors by 2025, especially for rural regions.
Emergency medicine and geriatrics are high-demand specialties.

GPs earn AUD 250,000–400,000/year, along with rural bonuses up to AUD 100,000.

With a 38-hour workweek, Australia offers excellent work-life balance.
An anesthesiologist I guided now enjoys both career growth and coastal living in Queensland.

4. Germany

Germany expects a shortage of 55,000 doctors by 2030.
The country welcomes foreign doctors, especially for elderly and rural care.

Salaries range from €80,000 to €150,000, with strong benefits like free childcare.
Doctors typically work 40 hours/week.

A Pakistani doctor I assisted appreciates Germany’s structured and efficient healthcare system.

5. Switzerland

Switzerland offers some of the highest salaries worldwide CHF 200,000 to CHF 350,000.
Cantons like Zurich and Geneva provide housing subsidies and excellent perks.

Doctors enjoy 35-hour workweeks, world-class healthcare, and a clean, safe environment.

A South African surgeon I helped found the perfect lifestyle fit in Geneva.

6. United Kingdom

The NHS is recruiting more than 7,500 international doctors in 2025, especially psychiatrists and emergency physicians.

Post-2024 pay reforms place consultant salaries between £90,000 and £120,000.

Though the official limit is 48 hours per week, the NHS remains pressured.
Still, many doctors successfully specialize and build strong careers.

7. Singapore

Singapore is expanding AI-driven healthcare and plans to hire around 2,000 doctors.

Doctors earn SGD 150,000–300,000, with low taxes and world-class infrastructure.

A Malaysian client quickly advanced into research roles due to Singapore’s innovation-focused environment.

8. New Zealand

New Zealand offers fast-track visas for rural GPs due to ongoing shortages.

Doctors earn NZD 150,000–250,000, with low living costs and stunning natural beauty.

With 40-hour weeks, many doctors enjoy a peaceful lifestyle and outdoor activities.

9. Netherlands — A Rising Star for 2025

The Netherlands plans to hire 10,000 doctors.
With patient-centered care and efficient systems, salaries range between €100,000–200,000.

A major attraction is the 36-hour workweek and family-friendly policies.
Many doctors love the biking-friendly cities and healthy lifestyle.

10. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE’s Vision 2031 includes major investments in healthcare tourism.

Doctors earn $150,000–300,000 tax-free, with luxury facilities and top-tier technology.

Expats enjoy modern living, although summer heat can be intense.

Salary & Work Condition Comparison for 2025

Luxembourg tops global salaries with over €250,000 yearly.
Next is the US, and then Switzerland.

Canada and Australia pay slightly less but offer better stability, safety, and work-life balance.

After adjusting for inflation, salaries rose 3–5% globally in 2024.

Work hours vary widely Nordic countries offer 35–40 hours, while US surgeons may work more than 50.

One doctor who earned $400,000 in the US moved to Canada for CAD 300,000 simply to reduce burnout.

Quality of Life for Doctors

Quality of life includes safety, environment, education, healthcare, and social support.

Switzerland ranks #1 for expat satisfaction in 2025.
Canada and Australia follow closely due to family-friendly policies.

Taiwan offers the world’s best healthcare system, while Germany offers the highest doctor availability.

Weather in the UAE can be challenging, but the tax-free income and modern lifestyle are major advantages.

Final Thoughts

The best country for a doctor in 2025 depends entirely on your priorities.
If you want high earnings, choose the US.
If you want balance, choose Canada or New Zealand.
If you want luxury and stability, choose Switzerland.
If you want career growth and sunshine, go to Australia.

A Jordanian doctor I mentored passed the OET using OETPro, and chose Australia because it offered the ideal mix of salary, lifestyle, and professional development.