Foreigners migrate to Europe for a variety of reasons, including greater career prospects, higher salaries, a higher standard of living, and better government support. When making your migration plans, keep in mind that some countries may be better for you than others. As a result, you should conduct considerable research to determine which are the best places in Europe to live and work.

In this article, I will share the best places in Europe to live and work in and their reasons. This is to enable you to choose the most suitable country for your needs. Below, in no particular order, is a list of the 10 best countries in Europe to live and work.

• Germany

Germany has the highest number of expats in Europe. Migrating to Germany is easier than moving to other EU countries because it has one of the greatest economies and various immigration avenues. With a state-sponsored program well underway, motivating local businesses to achieve all kinds of interesting and inventive programs to recruit and retain their top employees, Germany is one of the best countries in Europe to live and work. Its capital city, Berlin, is a social hotspot for those who enjoy getting out and meeting new people, so acclimating to the culture is simple. If you have a skill that is in demand in Germany, you can apply for a work visa. Also, the challenge of Germany’s aging workforce is quite real, and the skills gap is only going to get worse over the coming decade. This could indicate long-term career opportunities or possibly a lifetime job. Germany’s largest cities range from ultra-modern and business-oriented to historic and aesthetically charming. Germans enjoy being outside, and every city has well-planned bike paths that can be used for both leisure and commuting.

• The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is one of Europe’s most economically developed places, with numerous job opportunities, start-ups, and freelance labor, as well as social and health advantages. Because of immigration, the United Kingdom boasts of a varied spectrum of cultures. Working in the UK exposes you to a wide range of philosophy, architecture, art, literature, comedy, music, cinema, and sports. The culture of the United Kingdom consists of a mix of modern and traditional entertainment and activities, ranging from world-famous museums to contemporary art galleries. All residents of the United Kingdom have access to free public healthcare, including emergency care. Furthermore, the United Kingdom has an excellent private healthcare system with a wide range of private healthcare coverage and insurances at varied costs making it one of the best places in Europe to live and work.
The UK’s only downside is that it is no longer a member of the EU, which means its residents do not have the same rights as other EU members and their freedom of movement is limited.

• Finland

Finland continues to rank high in the World Happiness Report as the happiest place on the planet, so it’s no surprise that many expats are drawn to this Nordic country. It provides social and economic stability, as well as one of the top educational systems in the world, making it an ideal place to raise a family. In Finland work-life balance is valued as well as time spent with family and friends. Long vacations and moderate working hours help to maintain a work-life balance. The length of vacations and working days vary by profession, although an eight-hour workday is standard. It’s also normal to get a four-week paid summer vacation every year, usually in July. In many professions of work, 30 days of paid yearly leave is the mandatory minimum. Public holidays in Finland are not counted as yearly leave and are therefore paid like regular working days. The Finnish have the highest degree of trust in their policy in Europe, and the country also ranks highly in other safety-related categories, such as having the safest banks and being the world’s most peaceful country. Finland has a fair taxation system, which means that the tax rate rises as the income. On the Finnish Tax Administration’s website, you can use a tax calculator to estimate the tax percentage. This assurance of a great work environment has earned Finland a spot in the best countries in Europe to live and work as a foreigner. Finland may not be the best destination for you if you are a social person who enjoys an active lifestyle – especially if you don’t like chilly weather.

• Luxembourg

This little European country has one of the greatest GDP per capita and has been rated as the world’s second-wealthiest country for several years. As a result, Luxembourg is one of the best places in Europe to live and work especially as foreigners account for more than 40% of the population. It has a good standard of living, tremendous chances for business technology and innovation, and is one of Europe’s top wages. Luxembourg is also bordered by Germany, Belgium, and France, all of which are only a few hours away, making it a great location for people looking to travel around Europe. Furthermore, Luxembourg has three official languages, and the majority of the population speaks English fluently, so communication is rarely a problem. Working in Luxembourg has long been a desirable option for foreigners seeking to take advantage of the country’s low unemployment rate, low inflation, and steady growth, particularly for those with a university degree, trade qualification, specialised skillset, and extensive job experience. The strong, high-tech-driven service industry, better income levels than the rest of Europe, and the recently introduced 5-year tax exemption for expats working in Luxembourg benefit the majority of expats. Luxembourg’s financial sector is also rapidly expanding, with over 150 institutions and a large number of national and international staff.

• Spain

What is a list of the best countries in Europe to live and work without Spain? Expats can move to Spain through different means. Individuals who wish to work independently, for example, might apply for a freelancing visa, while those with sufficient financial resources can take advantage of Spain’s Golden Visa program. Spain has a lower cost of living when compared to the rest of Europe, with rent, food, and transportation all being less expensive than in the United Kingdom. With long mild seasons, the Spanish climate is usually recognized as one of the best in Europe. The fact that most people working in Spain get roughly 36 days off a year contributes to the country’s good quality of life. Additional vacation time reduces stress by allowing those who work in Spain to spend more time sightseeing, relaxing, and socializing. Spain has one of the most extensive healthcare systems in Europe, which explains why the country has the greatest life expectancy in Europe, at 83.2 years. A Mediterranean diet combined with a relaxed lifestyle and a warm climate results in naturally robust health. Furthermore, if you work in Spain, your employer will cover your social security, allowing you to take advantage of free healthcare.

• Ireland

Ireland’s economy is currently one of the strongest in Europe, and for this reason, it has earned the label “The Celtic Tiger.” The best aspect is that the economy has continued to develop after the Brexit vote. The Silicon Docks in Dublin are well-known as a tech center, but the development is not limited to Dublin. The growth is being seen in cities all around the country. Big tech companies like Apple, Facebook, Twitter, and Google have all chosen Ireland as the location for their European headquarters. Working for one of these multinational companies will give you a good salary – the average monthly wage in Ireland is 2,193.07 Euros. Also, the rest of Europe is only a short distance away from Ireland. A number of other airlines offer low-cost flights from Ireland. Once you arrive in Ireland, you’ll realise that it’s common for people to fly to another country just for a weekend get-away. You should choose Ireland if you will like to explore countries in Europe during any break or vacation that you have. The downside to living and working in Ireland is the cost of living which is slightly higher in most countries in Europe.

• Switzerland

Switzerland is a diverse country that welcomes foreign employees; about 20% of the population is made up of permanent and temporary foreign workers. In addition, there are four official languages: German, French, Italian, and English. Because English is widely spoken, English-speaking workers have numerous chances. Earnings are rated high in comparison to most other countries across the world; in fact, they are ranked third-highest among all Economic Cooperation and Development Organisation (OECD) member countries. If you want to advance in your career, Switzerland is a great place to go because salaries in similar work roles can be double or even triple those in other European nations. Swiss cities are also widely regarded as having the finest quality of life in the world.

• Belgium

Belgium is one of Europe’s most interesting and best places to live and work in Europe. It is multicultural and diversified, giving it an advantage over a number of other nations. It boasts high-quality infrastructure, strong connectivity, a good work-life balance, and plenty of things to see and do. Belgians, on the whole, have a good work-life balance. They work to live rather than live to work, but they manage to love their work in general. They do, however, ensure that both work and vacation receive equal attention because they are huge enthusiasts for the good things in life. Belgium is a popular tourist destination, particularly in towns like Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, and Ypres. As a result, summer and part-time jobs in the tourism and hospitality industries are numerous. Volunteering in Belgium is a wonderful idea if you want to strengthen your CV and develop your language skills while also demonstrating your capacity to operate in a bilingual environment. Belgium is a great place to go if you are looking to find a work-life balance.

• The Netherlands

Although the Netherlands is small, it is rich in fresh work opportunities. Foreigners living and working in the Netherlands can advance their careers by joining one of the numerous international companies with a presence in the Netherlands. Small firms in the Netherlands benefit from the Dutch government’s efforts to reduce bureaucracy, grant tax incentives, and keep government regulations up to date. One of the reasons the Netherlands is one of the best places in Europe to live and work is the strong economy, which offers a diverse range of job and career prospects. Also, the Dutch government is always coming up with new ways to recruit highly qualified immigrants and entrepreneurs, such as startup visa residence permit. The Netherlands enables a very active social life; residents and workers are not permitted to work more than 60 hours per week, and the typical workweek is between 36 and 40 hours. This allows Dutch workers to see what the Netherlands has to offer while also immersing themselves in the Dutch culture and way of life.

• Greece

Last, but definitely not least on the list of the best countries in Europe to live and work is Greece. The Greek government has encouraged a large number of foreign businesses to relocate to Athens. In recent years, the city has experienced a significant increase in the presence of multinational companies growing operations outside. Because they are relocating their company to Athens, they must recruit multilingual speakers to join their staff – and they are giving substantial income to do so. Many employers are offering attractive bonus packages to candidates interested in relocating to Greece. The opportunities include a nice relocation package and even seminars to help new workers fit into Greek culture. As a member of their multicultural team, you’ll have access to a variety of perks, like unique discounts, health insurance, a relaxed dress code, and even training in cutting-edge technology, providing you the opportunity to improve your expertise while making money! Although earnings in Greece may be lower than in other European countries, food and beverage expenses, as well as lodging expenditures, are significantly lower.

I hope that this article has given you insights to help you decide which country is best to live and work in Europe, based on what you’re looking out for.