Written for SA2Eire by a member
The immigration bug bit my husband when we returned from his brother’s wedding in Denmark in August 2018. What followed was a long, nerve-wracking, expensive and mentally draining journey. We persevered through every obstacle and now I am in Ireland. What a blessing it is to have this opportunity.
Registering as a nurse here is a real process. It takes time, it costs money, and it requires patience. But it is absolutely worth it.
Important note on fees and processes
All fees and procedures are subject to change. Always verify current figures directly with the NMBI at www.nmbi.ie before starting your application. What is listed here reflects the best available information at the time of writing but the NMBI updates its requirements regularly.
The process overview
Everything starts at the NMBI (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland) which is the regulatory body for all nurses and midwives in Ireland. No one can practice as a nurse here without being registered with the NMBI.
As a South African nurse you are a Group 3 (G3) applicant, meaning you trained outside the EU. Your application involves both an administrative and a qualification assessment.
Stage 1: Qualification Recognition (the first NMBI application)
Create your account on the MyNMBI online portal at www.nmbi.ie. You will answer questions to confirm your applicant group and then submit your documents. This stage is now largely done online.
Documents you will need:
- Your nursing qualification transcripts (showing theory and clinical hours breakdown), certified by your School of Nursing
- Qualification parchment, certified copy
- SANC (South African Nursing Council) verification and good standing certificate
- Proof of identity
- Employment history and professional references
You will pay a €350 recognition fee at this stage.
A note on English language: South Africa is an English-speaking country and most South African nurses will not need to complete the OET (Occupational English Test) or IELTS. However, confirm this with the NMBI directly as it is assessed case by case.
You will then receive a decision letter from the NMBI with one of the following outcomes:
- Your qualifications are fully recognised, proceed to registration
- You need to complete a compensation measure before registration
Stage 2: Registration
If your qualifications are recognised with no gaps, you pay the €145 registration fee and receive your registration number.
If a compensation measure is required, you have two options:
Option A: RCSI Aptitude Test
The RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) administers an aptitude test for overseas general nurses at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. It has two parts:
- Part 1: Theory (multiple choice exam)
- Part 2: OSCE (practical clinical assessment)
You must pass Part 1 before attempting Part 2. You have two attempts at each part. Current cost is approximately €2,500 to €2,800 depending on your circumstances. You can prepare independently or through a preparation course. Check www.rcsi.com for current test dates and fees.
Option B: Adaptation and Assessment period
This is a supervised clinical placement in an approved Irish hospital. It typically takes 6 to 24 months depending on placement availability. You work as a pre-registration nurse (paid but at a lower rate than a fully registered nurse) and your employer often helps facilitate the process including accommodation. This route requires employer sponsorship.
Many nurses choose the RCSI test route as it does not require an employer to sponsor you in advance, though your employer will often offer to pay the fee once you have a job offer.
Work permits
Nursing is on the Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) list. This is good news for two reasons: the permit process is faster and your family can join you immediately rather than waiting 12 months.
The CSEP costs €1,000. In many cases your employer will cover this cost.
Before your full CSEP is issued, if you need to travel to Ireland to complete compensation measures, you may need an Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) permission. Your employer or recruiter can advise on this step.
Approximate costs to budget for
These are indicative and subject to change:
- NMBI recognition fee: €350
- NMBI registration fee: €145
- SANC verification and good standing: check current SANC fees
- School of Nursing transcript verification: check with your institution
- RCSI aptitude test (if required): €2,500 to €2,800
- CSEP work permit: €1,000 (often covered by employer)
- Courier and document certification costs: variable
Total excluding permit: roughly €3,000 to €3,500 if compensation measures are required, plus your SA-side document costs.
Recruiting agencies
You can do this process yourself, but working with a reputable recruiting agency makes a significant difference. Many agencies in Ireland specialise in international nurse recruitment, know the NMBI process inside out, and some will help cover costs in exchange for a commitment period with their client hospital.
One nurse’s timeline
The following is my personal journey from start to arriving in Ireland. Everyone’s timeline will differ depending on their qualifications and circumstances.
- May 2019 – Completed OET (Occupational English Test) in Durban
- June 2019 – Created NMBI account and began the qualification recognition application
- July 2019 – All documentation submitted and returned
- October 2019 – Received NMBI decision letter requiring RCSI aptitude test
- December 2019 – Applied for theatre post at Cork University Maternity Hospital
- January 2020 – Interview, offer received and accepted
- May 2020 – Booked and paid for RCSI aptitude test
- June 2020 – Applied for and received Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) permission
- June 2020 – Opened Bank of Ireland account from South Africa by phone
- June 2020 – Resigned from work
- July 2020 – Purchased one-way ticket to Dublin via Amsterdam
- August 2020 – Completed RCSI aptitude tests at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin
- August 2020 – Travelled to Cork
- August 2020 – Began new career as a scrub nurse at Cork University Maternity Hospital
Some days it will feel like you want to give up. That feeling is completely normal. Put your head down, push through, and keep the faith. It will be worth it. Especially the moment you see the greenest green as you descend into Dublin for the first time.
Do not give up on your dreams.
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