Europe is the most popular option for relocation and employment. Find out which European countries will be the best choice in 2024 for those looking for a decent job with high pay

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European countries are recognized as the best place to live and work, because the region has high salaries, a strong social sphere and excellent prospects for career growth. About 3 million citizens of non-EU countries apply for a work permit in Europe every year. 70% of all permits are issued by France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

However, working conditions, living standards and wages differ from state to state. Which countries became the best choice for foreigners in 2023? Where will it be easier to find a job in 2024? The year is coming to an end, which means that we can make the first conclusions about where the most comfortable living and employment conditions for economic migrants were in 2023.

Germany

Expats who want to work in Germany will need a work permit and visa. The type will depend on the duration and nature of the work. It is also important for foreigners to remember that the job market in Germany is competitive and fluency in German can be a significant advantage. However, many international companies in Germany do business in English.

Expats working in Germany pay German taxes and social security contributions. Expats are also protected by German labor laws and regulations. These laws provide protection against discrimination, harassment and unfair treatment in the workplace, etc.

According to the portal europa.jobs, Germany is the first country in Europe in terms of the number of vacancies.

- Minimum wage rate: 12.41 EUR per hour.

- Average salary for expats: cleaning and elderly care services can earn from 2000 EUR per month. Construction and other industries will offer an average of 4,000 EUR per month.

- Cost of living: renting a small studio apartment will start from 700 EUR. About 1000-1500 EUR will be spent on other expenses.

Read here how expats can make their life abroad easier.

Netherlands

Many Dutch organizations have working arrangements that allow you to work flexibly, from home or from another location. Overall, work-life balance in the Netherlands is rated as high to very high. The average working week in the country is 40 hours.

The country took second place in Europe in terms of the number of vacancies. The employment conditions here are standard for EU residents: it is possible to work for up to 3 months, and then register.

Workers in high technology and engineering, as well as in health care and the agri-food sector, are in the highest demand.

- Minimum wage rate: determined by age. From EUR 3.98 per hour for persons aged 15 to EUR 13.27 for persons over 21.

- Average salary for expats: real salaries will be between 2000 and 3000 EUR

- Cost of living: in a small city, accommodation can be rented for an amount of 700 EUR, in larger cities housing can cost around 1300 EUR per month. Approximately EUR 1,500 will be used for other expenses.

Important nuances of the Dutch labor market are collected in this material.

Switzerland

Thanks to a strong currency, a strong labor market and a booming export industry, Switzerland's economy remained stable.

It is better to choose a job in this country for expats who speak one of the following languages: German, French, Italian, Romansh. After all, in the competition for jobs, local residents are often chosen in the first place, so a foreigner should know the language at a sufficiently good level in order to compete successfully.

Managers in the fields of information and communication technologies, engineers, scientists, researchers in the field of mathematics and technical sciences, medical workers and teachers of higher education are especially in demand in Switzerland.

You must apply for a residence permit in the Swiss commune where you live before starting work.

- Minimum wage rate: not set, but the labor market is very stable.

- Average salary for expats: from 2700-3000 EUR in the lowest paid positions.

- Cost of living: renting an apartment will cost an average of 1,200 EUR, other expenses will cost 1,500 EUR and above.

Read about the requirements and prospects for foreigners in Switzerland at the link.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

Finland

Entry to Finland is not subject to additional restrictions. It is necessary to have a foreign passport and an open work visa. If your stay in Finland lasts more than 3 months, you should contact the immigration office and report this.

The country has a high level of social protection and security. Discrimination in employment based on age/gender, etc. is practically completely absent here. A working day cannot exceed 9 hours. However, to get a good job you should know one of 3 languages: English, Finnish or Swedish.

- Minimum wage rate: not set. Trade unions regulate rates in certain industries.

- Average salary for expats: varies between 3800-4700 EUR gross per month.

- Cost of living: the cost of rent will start from 750 EUR per month, utilities will be in the range of 100-150 EUR. 1000-1500 EUR will go to other expenses.

Useful information about migration to Finland in our material.

Ireland

Ireland, a country in northern Europe that provides exciting career opportunities with excellent work-life balance, strong leadership, employee benefits and quality work.

For 3 months, members of the European Union can work here without registration. Later, you need to contact the government authorities to register a local identification number.

Many multinational companies have their European bases in Ireland, which makes the country an international center and one of the Silicon Valleys of Europe.

In Ireland, the maximum average working week cannot exceed 48 hours.

- Minimum wage rate: 12.7 EUR per hour.

- Average salary for expats: on average, you can earn 2400-3200 EUR per month.

- Cost of living: rental prices in the country are quite high and will start from 950 EUR. Utilities on average 100 EUR per month. Other expenses for 2 people will be around 1700 EUR.

Luxembourg should be noted separately: it has the highest minimum wage in Europe – 2,508 EUR. Despite this, it did not make it to our rating, because it is much more difficult to get a job here than in Germany or the Netherlands, due to the smaller number of vacancies. At the same time, workers without knowledge of the language are much less often sought here and highly qualified specialists are more often needed.

Europe offers expats good employment opportunities, so in 2024 many migrants will be able to find work and start a new life in one of the countries of the region.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

As a reminder, the top 9 countries to which it is easiest to get a work visa can be found here.

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need travel insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.