Working in Europe as a nurse is extremely rewarding, and for many, a dream come true.
Why South African Nurses?
The shortage of nurses in Belgium puts these skills on the scarce skills list and provides the opportunity to attract non-EU citizens with relative ease. South African Nurses with Bachelor degrees and doctors are of the best trained in the world and sought after in many countries.
Opportunities
The Belgium model is much like South Africa (ZA) training hospitals, private hospitals, and government hospitals. Additionally, care centres for the elderly are government or government subsidised organisations in most cases and employ Professional Nurses and Nursing Assistants.
Application Process
We will help you with the application process, making it as simple and stress-free as possible, with the goal of securing your dream job quickly. We are honest when we say our process is long, but Belgium offers excellent work and life opportunities for professional people.
Here is an overview of the process (click on the image to expand):
The Process
Belgium has one of the best medical services in the EU. Therefore the validation and scrutiny of candidates from other countries, even the EU, is through a comprehensive process. Although the process is lengthy, the quality of Belgium’s work and social life make it worth the wait.
It does not matter where you want to work in the EU or another 1st world country; you will have to re-register as a Professional Nurse. It is important to note that you must have a four-year degree (NQF level 8) qualification or a diploma (NQF level 5/6) at a ZA university or another SANC recognised institution to receive recognition in Belgium. EPSN facilitates the registration process at NARIC and our “Zorg and Gezondheid.” If you can provide all the ZA documents required for registration (we inform you of what is needed), it is possible to get you to Belgium in between eight and twelve months. To obtain all the ZA documents required for registration can take three months or longer and is not included in the timeframe.
If you want to embark on a life experience and want to settle in the EU, this is the opportunity for you.
Salaries differ between hospitals and care centres but are regulated by the state, based on qualifications and years of experience. It needs to be mention that the difference in remuneration is not significant and the opposite of ZA.
The need for Professional Nurses in Belgium is extensive, and according to VDAB in the Flemish part of Belgium, it varies on average between 800 and 1200 per month. Professional Nurses are listed as number one in the top ten list of scarce skills in Belgium. Opportunities are, therefore, in abundance.
Candidate testimonials
"I would like to thank the EPSN Workforce, especially Maarten du Plessis, for their exceptional work and kindness. From the start Maarten has been with us every step of the way. He arranged and helped me prepare for my interview. He assisted with the recognition of my degree in Belgium, work permits, arranging Dutch classes and everything in between. Thank you Maaten for answering all my many questions and assisting us with the big move to Belgium".
Chrisna Van Der Berg, EPSN Candidate
"Maarten is extremely helpful and patient. He provides clear information and instructions which enables you to understand the process and requirements for your application. I would recommend him to anyone who takes their future seriously and is looking for someone who is equally interested in making dreams come true".
Yollande Grobler, EPSN Candidate
"We met Maarten through EPSN Workforce. We have started the process of immigrating to Belgium. We are fortunate to have someone like Maarten guide us through this life changing process. Maarten keeps us informed and advises us during every step of this process. If it was not for him, we would not have known where to start. He is an excellent guide and communicates often with us through various means to ensure we are on track and to give advice. His guidance, patience and advice is truly appreciated and we fully endorse his services to anyone looking to embark on a similar life changing experience".
Glaudine and Willie Ras, EPSN Candidates
"My experience with recruitment to Belgium as a Nurse has been wonderful thus far. Maarten is very nice and friendly, he always assists where needed and really goes out of his way to make the process easier. He doesn't pressurise you in anyway and that has really made all the difference to me. Thank you so much Maarten, your assistance and patients is highly appreciated".
Nadia Swanepoel, EPSN Candidate
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