GP alary in Canada vs the UK
With a growing number of UK-trained General Practitioners exploring opportunities abroad, Canada has become a leading destination for doctors seeking improved remuneration, a more balanced workload, and an enhanced quality of life.
This guide explores how GP careers in Canada compare to those in the UK, focusing on pay structures, working conditions, licensing requirements, and lifestyle benefits.
United Kingdom
In the UK, General Practitioners are primarily remunerated through NHS contracts, either as practice partners, salaried GPs, or locums. While income levels vary by region and contract type, GPs often face rising administrative costs, higher workloads, and limited flexibility in setting or charging extra fees. This can reduce overall earnings potential, as well as create an imbalance between earnings and actual work completed.
Canada
By contrast, GPs in Canada enjoy significantly higher earning potential. Most family physicians are paid via fee-for-service or blended capitation models, which vary by province. On average, Canadian GPs can earn between CAD $300,000 and $500,000+ annually, with enhanced and additional income opportunities in rural or underserved regions.
Many provinces offer:
- Signing bonuses
- Relocation allowances
- Retention incentives for long-term service
These financial benefits, combined with higher base earnings, make working as a GP in Canada an attractive proposition for UK doctors.
Workload and Patient List Size
United Kingdom
GPs in the UK typically manage large patient lists, often exceeding 2,000 patients per practitioner. Heavy caseloads and administrative burdens have become significant sources of professional stress and reduced job satisfaction.
Canada
In Canada, GPs have greater autonomy over their patient list size and scheduling. Many clinics cap their lists to ensure sustainable workloads and improved continuity of care. Appointments are often longer, allowing for more thorough consultations and stronger doctor–patient relationships. This structure contributes to better work–life balance and lower burnout rates compared to UK practice environments.
Licensing and Immigration Requirements
Relocating to Canada requires formal licensing through the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) and the relevant provincial regulatory authority. UK qualifications are highly respected, and more recently, the requirements have been simplified for UK-trained GPs, meaning the process to register is:
- Credential verification
- Provincial registration (requirements differ across provinces)
- Work permit or permanent residency through Canadian immigration pathways
Some provinces, such as British Columbia, Ontario, and Manitoba, offer streamlined routes for internationally trained doctors, recognising the alignment between UK and Canadian medical standards.
Job Market and Opportunities
Demand Across Canada
Canada faces a persistent shortage of family physicians, particularly in rural and remote regions. This demand has created a wealth of opportunities for international doctors, especially those trained in the UK. Opportunities exist in both urban and regional settings, with many provinces providing substantial relocation and housing support.
Career Stability
Unlike the NHS, which can be affected by structural and funding challenges, the Canadian healthcare system offers stronger physician autonomy and a more entrepreneurial practice model. GPs can choose to work in private, community, or hospital-affiliated clinics, with freedom to determine their preferred balance between patient volume and personal time.
Lifestyle and Professional Satisfaction
Beyond financial incentives, many UK GPs cite lifestyle improvements as a major reason for relocating to Canada. With smaller patient lists, greater control over working hours, and access to Canada’s vast natural landscapes, doctors often report a better quality of life both inside and outside the clinic.
Canadian GPs also benefit from:
- Improved work autonomy
- Greater flexibility in scheduling
- Enhanced professional satisfaction
- More time for patient interaction
Whether practicing in vibrant cities like Toronto or Vancouver, or in smaller communities surrounded by Canada’s outdoors, GPs often find that the balance between career growth and personal well-being is far more achievable.
| Category | United Kingdom | Canada |
|---|---|---|
|
Earnings |
Moderate; limited flexibility, imbalance between earnings and workload |
Higher average; strong incentives and fee-for-service options |
|
Workload |
Larger patient lists, shorter consults |
Smaller lists, longer consults, better continuity |
|
Opportunities |
Variable, some shortages |
High demand nationwide, especially rural areas |
|
Lifestyle |
High stress, limited flexibility |
Balanced, outdoors-oriented, high satisfaction |
Conclusion
For UK-trained GPs, Canada represents one of the most rewarding international career destinations. With competitive salaries, supportive licensing pathways, flexible work arrangements, and an exceptional quality of life, Canada continues to attract doctors seeking professional growth and personal balance.
Want to learn more about relocating to Canada as a GP?
If you’re ready to explore your options, visit our GP Jobs in Canada page to view live vacancies and learn how Prospect Health can guide you through every stage of your relocation journey — from licensing to lifestyle.
Ready to Explore Your Options as a GP in Canada?
If you’re considering relocating to Canada — or even just curious about what’s possible — our expert consultants at Prospect Health can guide you through every step of the process, from job matching and visas to relocation logistics.
Get in touch with Ese today, call him on 020 8434 2677 or email him at [email protected] to discuss current opportunities and start your journey towards a GP career in Canada.
View all our GP Jobs in Canada
Next Up: Why the natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle are reasons to move to Australia as a GP
For many doctors considering GP relocation to Australia, professional growth and lifestyle are equally important factors.
Australia offers not only excellent opportunities for general practitioner jobs but also a uniquely appealing environment defined by natural beauty, a healthy outdoor lifestyle, and a strong focus on work-life balance.
Talk to a specialist
Ashley Garner
Director of Primary Care, Pharmacy, Optical & Audiology and Dental – UK, Australia, Canada & New Zealand
I have spent over 25 years working in healthcare recruitment spanning the primary care, pharmacy, optical & audiology, dental, veterinary, disability and education sectors. Currently focused on delivering ‘Total Workforce Solutions’, including permanent, locum, contract and contingent staffing to our partner clients across the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.