EuroKompis
Professions in demand / Doctors

Doctors: where you are wanted

Doctors are wanted across Europe. Registration with the medical regulator is the long step, so start it early.

Demand in the eight countries

UKUnited Kingdom
Shortage list

Eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa. Source

IEIreland
Shortage list

Medical practitioners are on the Critical Skills Occupations List. Source

DEGermany
Shortage list

Doctors count as a shortage occupation for the EU Blue Card. Source

NLNetherlands
Possible

Possible with a job offer and Dutch medical registration (BIG). Source

SESweden
Possible

Possible with Swedish medical registration and Swedish language. Source

FRFrance
Possible

Possible, but registration and French at a high level are required. Source

ESSpain
Possible

Possible with recognition of your degree and Spanish. Source

PTPortugal
Possible

Possible with recognition of your degree and Portuguese. Source

Shortage list On an official government shortage list or a dedicated visa route, which usually makes the visa easier or cheaper.High demand Reported as a shortage occupation in the EU's 2025 EURES labour shortages report.Possible No shortage reported. Still possible with a job offer that meets the normal visa rules.Limited Few or no work visa options for this profession at the moment.

Language

Outside the UK and Ireland, medical registration usually requires the local language at a high level (often C1).

Who recognises your qualification

Verify your South African qualification with SAQA first. Other countries use their national recognition body, listed on each country guide.

See your full picture

Your passport, family and salary decide which routes actually open up.

Check my optionsTalk to Us

Other professions

NursesPharmacistsPhysiotherapistsSocial workersTeachersChartered accountantsCivil engineersMechanical and electrical engineersSoftware developers and ITElectriciansPlumbers and weldersChefs

Checked on 16 October 2026 against official shortage lists and the EU's 2025 EURES labour shortages report. General information, not immigration advice.