That compares to 689 the year before, and just 248 in 2018/19 – a rise of more than 222%.
The number has risen steadily, with the bulk of medics going to Australia and the US to explore new opportunities.
The Royal College of Nurses Scotland described the figures are “worrying”.
Bondi Beach in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. Australia is a popular destination for NHS nurses. (Image: SCM Jeans)
The statistics were obtained by Scotland in Union, the largest pro-UK campaigning organisation.
It said the data showed SNP ministers had to do more to make nursing and midwifery a more attractive profession for Scottish-based professionals.
The figures show the number of Certificates of Current Professional Status (CCPS) issued by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Those who wish to transfer overseas need to apply for the documents to prove their professional status.
Since 2018, there have been 3,893 applications from nurses and midwives looking to work abroad.
As well as the US and Australia being popular destinations, hundreds have also sought to find work in Canada, Ireland and New Zealand.
The United Arab Emirates has also proved an attractive destination.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia heavily recruit UK-registered nurses for hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi or King Faisal Specialist Hospital.
Compensation often includes tax free salaries, free furnished housing, and annual flight allowances.
For nurses seeking an optimal blend of high compensation, work-life balance, and clear immigration pathways, Australia and Canada stand out globally.
Both nations offer high living standards, straightforward English-speaking transitions, and strong, well-staffed healthcare systems that prioritise nurse well-being.
Alastair Cameron, chair of Scotland in Union, said: “Nobody could begrudge a nurse or midwife from seeking to embark on a life-changing opportunity abroad.
“But the sheer scale of the numbers revealed here, as well as the steep increase, also points to a problem in Scotland’s NHS.
“It proves the health service is haemorrhaging thousands of our own trained and talented health professionals, and the trend is increasing.
“The SNP has been in sole charge of Scotland’s NHS for almost two decades, and has to take responsibility for this matter.
“It must make Scotland’s NHS a far more stable and attractive place for nurses and midwives to work, and in doing so increase the chances of health boards holding on to those valuable professionals.”
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The data was obtained by Scotland in Union through a Freedom of Information request to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Colin Poolman, Director, RCN Scotland, said: “There will always be some registered nurses from Scotland who choose to travel and apply their skills overseas, just as we welcome many overseas nurses to Scotland.
“However, the significant increase in the numbers requesting certificates of Current Professional Status from the NMC is worrying.
“Scotland doesn’t have the nursing staff it needs. We have stubbornly high vacancy rates across our NHS and social care and the pressure on services is impacting patient safety and the wellbeing of staff.
“The Ministerial Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce has identified over 40 recommendations (including more flexible working options) but implementation has been too slow.
“The new Scottish government needs to act now to support the existing nursing workforce to stay and to attract and support the workforce of the future.”
Health Secretary, Angela Constance said: “Record levels of Scottish Government investment has delivered 14 consecutive years of workforce growth, including a 21.4% rise in nursing and midwifery staff since September 2006.
“We will improve pathways to progression from band 5 to band 6 for nurses in Scotland, to ensure nurses are recognised for their hard work and our Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce has agreed several recommended actions which are designed to have a meaningful and lasting impact on workforce wellbeing, improve retention, reduce stress and burnout.
“The Scottish Government is working with key stakeholders, including the Royal College of Nursing, to implement these.”