Europe’s dependence on foreign healthcare professionals has never been higher.
A report published by Euronews reveals that hospitals and clinics across the continent are increasingly reliant on workers from outside the European Union, particularly from Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
Among them, Brazilians stand out, filling positions in hospitals across Portugal, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, helping to alleviate a shortage that now threatens the stability of national health systems.
A Continent Facing a Labor Crisis
According to the WHO, the shortage of healthcare professionals is one of the biggest challenges Europe faces today.
The population is aging rapidly, one in five Europeans is already over 65, while the number of doctors and nurses trained within the bloc is insufficient to meet growing demand.
The European Commission estimates that by 2030, the continent will lack more than 4 million healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, technicians, and caregivers.
This gap has pushed governments to launch international recruitment programs and simplified visa schemes to attract foreign professionals.
Rising Dependence on Foreign Professionals
The report shows that nearly 15% of healthcare professionals working in the European Union were born outside the bloc.
In some countries, such as Ireland and the United Kingdom, that figure exceeds 30%, highlighting the continent’s growing reliance on professionals trained abroad.
Public hospitals, especially in rural areas of Germany, France, and Portugal, are struggling to fill vacancies, prompting governments to increase incentives for international recruitment.
Brazilians on the Rise in the European Health Sector
Among foreign professionals, Brazilians are gaining prominence for their solid training and reputation for excellence in fields such as nursing, general medicine, and physiotherapy.
In Portugal, they already represent a significant share of new medical and nursing registrations in 2024 and 2025.
In the United Kingdom, the NHS has expanded its visa program for non-EU nurses and technicians, with Brazilians among the main beneficiaries.
In Germany, federal integration programs include free German language courses, housing support, and diploma recognition assistance.
Challenges for Foreign Professionals
Despite the opportunities, the path to full professional integration remains challenging. The recognition of diplomas continues to be one of the main obstacles, due to bureaucratic procedures and language proficiency requirements.
Many also face cultural differences, long working hours, and adaptation to European medical standards. Even so, the incentives remain attractive: competitive salaries, stability, and career advancement opportunities.
European Governments’ Response
The European Commission is discussing new guidelines to standardize diploma recognition and facilitate the mobility of healthcare professionals across member states, reducing overdependence in certain regions.
At the same time, European authorities advocate stronger cooperation with partner countries (including Brazil) to establish bilateral agreements that simplify procedures and ensure fair working conditions for recruited professionals.
