The demand for Nursing Jobs in Ireland for Nigerians 2026 is at an all-time high as Ireland faces a nationwide shortage of registered nurses. Hospitals, nursing homes, and HSE facilities are actively recruiting nurses from Nigeria with full visa sponsorship, relocation support, and permanent residency pathways.
Many Nigerian nurses now prefer Ireland because salaries are higher than in the UK, the cost of living is more stable, and the NMBI registration process is becoming simpler in 2026.
Pengman recommends Ireland if you want:
- A safe country
- A high-salary healthcare job
- Fast visa sponsorship
- A clear path to PR and citizenship
Ireland salaries often beat UK — compare full UK nursing salary + sponsorship guide here: High-Paying Nursing Jobs in the UK for Nigerians 2025.
Ireland Nursing Shortage 2026 (Why Nigerians Are in Demand)
According to Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE), the country needs 16,000+ nurses to fill positions by 2026. This massive shortage makes Nursing Jobs in Ireland for Nigerians 2026 one of the strongest visa sponsorship opportunities globally.
Hospitals prefer Nigerian nurses because they are:
- English-speaking
- Highly trained
- Experienced
- Adaptable to international healthcare systems
Eligibility Requirements for Nigerian Nurses
To qualify for Nursing Jobs in Ireland for Nigerians 2026, you must meet these requirements:
Mandatory Requirements
- A valid Nursing degree (BNSc or RN Certificate)
- Current nursing license from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)
- Evidence of clinical experience
- Police clearance
- International passport
English Language Requirement
You need either:
- IELTS (7.0 overall; 6.5 in writing)
or - OET B in all sections
NMBI Registration Process (Step-by-Step)
This is the most important step for Nursing Jobs in Ireland for Nigerians 2026.
Step 1: Create an NMBI account
Register on the NMBI Official Portal: https://www.nmbi.ie/
Step 2: Submit documents
- Passport
- NMCN verification
- Educational transcripts
- Employment references
Step 3: Wait for Decision Letter (DL)
You will be assigned either:
- Adaptation, or
- RCSI Exam (aptitude test)
Step 4: Pass RCSI OSCE
If you’re given the exam route.
Ireland uses RCSI OSCE (similar to UK) — see full OSCE prep guide here (OSCE Preparation for Nigerian Nurses 2026 (UK NMC Guide).
Types of Nursing Jobs Offering Visa Sponsorship
You can get visa sponsorship in the following sectors:
- Medical/Surgical Nurse
- ICU Nurse
- Community Nurse
- Mental Health Nurse
- Elderly Care Nurse
- Theatre Nurse
- Emergency Nurse
- Paediatric Nurse
These are listed on Ireland’s Critical Skills Shortage List, making Nigerian nurses highly eligible.
Nursing Salary in Ireland 2026
Nurses in Ireland earn among the highest healthcare salaries in Europe.
Estimated 2026 Salary Range
| Role | Salary (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Staff Nurse | €35,000 – €52,000 |
| Senior Nurse | €55,000 – €70,000 |
| Specialist Nurse | €70,000 – €90,000 |
Allowances include:
- Relocation bonus
- Pension
- Paid overtime
- Paid annual leave
Visa Types for Nigerian Nurses (2026)
To secure Nursing Jobs in Ireland for Nigerians 2026, you can get sponsored under:
1. Atypical Work Scheme (AWS)
For nurses awaiting NMBI adaptation or the RCSI exam.
2. Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)
Once fully registered with NMBI.
Benefits of CSEP:
- 2-year visa
- Can bring family
- Direct pathway to PR
Step-by-Step Application Guide (From Nigeria to Ireland)
Step 1: Register with NMBI
Submit all documents.
Step 2: Take IELTS or OET
Required for NMBI decision.
Step 3: Secure a Job Offer
Hospitals and HSE facilities sponsor visas.
Step 4: Employer applies for a Work Permit
You don’t pay for this.
Step 5: Get a VISA Decision
Travel to Ireland to begin adaptation/supervised practice.
Top Recruiters Hiring Nigerian Nurses (2026)
- CPL Healthcare
- Kate Cowhig International
- TTM Healthcare
- HSE Recruitment
- Servisource Healthcare
Recruiters handle interviews, placements, and visa paperwork.
Ireland Critical Skills Permit = top sponsorship. See 200+ global companies (including Irish recruiters) here: Visa Sponsorship Jobs for Nigerians 2026 (200+ Companies).
Ireland PR Pathway for Nurses
Nurses on a Critical Skills Employment Permit can apply for PR after 2 years.
Requirements:
- Tax compliance
- Full-time hospital role
- Valid residency permit
After PR, you qualify for Irish Citizenship after 3–5 years.
Ireland = fast PR in 2 years. Australia offers permanent residency even faster for nurses — full skilled migration guide here: Australia Skilled Migration Visa for Nigerians 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide).
Conclusion
The demand for Nursing Jobs in Ireland for Nigerians 2026 makes Ireland one of the best visa sponsorship destinations for Nigerian nurses. With high salaries, full sponsorship, NMBI support, and direct PR pathways, Nigeria-to-Ireland migration for nurses will continue growing in 2026.
Pengman recommends starting your NMBI process early, taking IELTS/OET seriously, and applying through verified recruiters to avoid delays.
Ireland just entered the top destinations for Nigerian healthcare workers — see full 2026 ranking here: Top 7 Best Countries to Study Abroad for Nigerians 2026.
FAQs (Common Questions Nigerians Ask)
1. Is Ireland still recruiting Nigerian nurses in 2026?
Yes. Demand is increasing due to national shortages.
2. Do Nigerian nurses need IELTS for Ireland?
Yes. Either IELTS or OET is required.
3. Does Ireland offer visa sponsorship?
Yes. Most hospitals sponsor visas for Nigerian nurses.
4. How long does NMBI registration take?
3–9 months, depending on documentation.
5. Can I bring my family?
Yes, after getting the Critical Skills Employment Permit.
6. Do I need hospital experience?
1–2 years of experience is preferred.
7. What is the fastest pathway to Ireland?
Atypical Work Scheme + NMBI + CSEP.