Whether it’s wanting a fresh start from your current job or wanting to begin your post-graduate career abroad. Working in a European country can bring a huge number of advantages; everything from gaining better skills, working with people from different cultures, networking with a larger group of professionals or aiming to become more employable.
Of course, your employability will be much better if you first study in the country you want to work.Get free advice on where to study Business and Management in Europe.
Study an MBA and work in Europe
Get free help!
Selecting the best country in Europe for job opportunities
The good news is there are many companies out there looking to employ foreigners to help make their establishments more efficient- enabling them to expand their businesses. They may prefer to employ individuals with a second language, especially if they have branches dotted across the globe. Whilst some countries offer larger salaries, others offer lower average working hours per week. Some may offer a better work-life balance and others, better cultural awareness. Each benefit is in itself so vast and extensive, but which European country has the most job opportunities?
top 5 countries in Europe to study and work
1. Germany
Germany has remained consistently at the top of many lists for the past three years, and rightly so. It sits at number 2 with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the whole of Europe, at 3.6%. Offers job security, great affordable housing, travel connectivity and safety. If you have vocational qualifications, plus some understanding of the German language, great news the chances of gaining employment are high for you. With chemicals (BASF), engineering (Volkswagen Group, BMW, Bosch), electronics (Siemens) and telecoms (Telekom) on the rise, job opportunities are looking good.
Germany currently has a shortage of healthcare, IT specialists and teachers, where annual salaries can go up to 70,000 Euros with a 38-hour working week.
Related:
[The 4 Best Universities for Business Studies in Berlin]
[5 Reasons Why to Study your MBA in Germany]
Find where to study in Germany
2. The Netherlands
The Netherlands has one of the highest life expectancies, good quality water and air, high education standards and unemployment at only 4.4%.An increasingly large amount of the population can speak English and German with some even speaking Spanish and French, so communication shouldn’t be too much of a problem here
Its major cities, particularly Amsterdam, have proven that despite their relatively small size, the flourishing start-ups and inventive culture are what matters. The new start-up culture is giving young and excited entrepreneurs an opportunity to not only showcase their talents but also thrive, thanks to the backing of the government and its funding. Those of you who have recently graduated can even apply for temporary one-year contracts. Industries with shortages of professionals include scientific services, engineering, healthcare, business and teaching. Salaries average at roughly 56 000 Euros with a 40-hour working week.
Related:
[The 5 Best Business Schools in the Netherlands]
[The Pros and Cons of Studying in Amsterdam]
Find where to study in the Netherlands
3. Spain
With its immaculate healthcare system and affordable living costs, Spain has scored the number one slot on numerous lists. Known for its friendly environment and eccentric culture. It is no wonder so many people opt for this, with its low cost of living, one could say you would even get more for your money. You just can’t go wrong with this beautiful destination.
However, we couldn’t give it the number one slot due to its slightly higher unemployment rate when compared to the others on this list, sitting at 16.7%.Many companies will prefer if you are fluent in Spanish, to ease and overcome the communication barrier between you and their customers. So do consider taking up Spanish, this is what could put you at the forefront of the race.
Spain has a large automotive industry and houses some of the major global pharmaceutical giants (GSK, Pfizer) and clothing companies (Inditex, Mango). They are experiencing a shortage in the IT sector and are eagerly seeking professionals to aid in this area. Offering roughly an average wage of around 45,000 Euros in a week of working to a maximum of 40 hours.
Related:[The 6 Best Business Schools in Spain]
Find where to study in Spain
4. Norway
Despite not being an EU country we included Norway, as it is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Schengen passport-free zone. This, therefore, assures individuals from the country have the same freedom of movement rules as all the other EU member states.
Norway has been named the most prosperous country to live in due to its strong economy, whilst also being rated the best for a good work-life balance. It has even topped the UN human development index.
It is a country that offers great intercultural experience, short working weeks and an excellent healthcare system,plus mesmerising nature attractions.
Norway never shies away from adopting new technology and being innovative, therefore this country can offer a good income with great career prospects for the future.
Unemployment rates average at roughly 4.7%. Norway’s thriving industries include petroleum and gas (Statoil), fishing, finance (Nordea) and chemicals (Norsk Hydro). With construction, nursing and engineering industries are currently on the rise. Recently as an increasing amount of business is conducted in English, having a good knowledge of both written and spoken Norwegian –not necessarily fluent, provides better access to work opportunities. Salaries can go up to a whopping 65 000 Euros annually, with a 40-hour working week.
Related: [The 5 Best Business Schools in Northern Europe]
Find where to study in Norway
5. Switzerland
Switzerland like Norway is not part of the EU, but it hasn’t stopped EU citizens from dashing to this stunning country. It has been ranked number one in the HSBC list ‘for a career abroad’. The country offers a brilliant balance combining both high earning prospects with a healthy lifestyle. Despite all this, we couldn’t score this lovely scenic country higher than the 5th slot and this is because of its rigorous and fierce competition. Partly due to its size but also because the workplace is saturated with well-educated and highly skilled professionals. This gives them a job unemployed rate of only 3.3%. However, this does not mean they aren’t willing to take foreigners on. In fact, there are opportunities for highly skilled graduates in areas such as engineering and technology (ABB), banking and financial services (Credit Suisse), and pharmaceuticals (Roche), even if you speak only English. With salaries almost double (even triple in some cases) than that of most European countries, an average salary could go up to a staggering 105 000 EUR per 45 hours a week.
Related: [Pros and Cons of Studying in Switzerland]
Find where to study in Switzerland
Conclusion
That was our list of the top 5 countries in Europe to get a job. It is key to visit all the countries you are considering moving to, several times in order to make adjusting to the country a little easier. Compare living costs and try to make friends before you even get there. Apply for all the necessary documents your host country and employers will require, by checking your official government websites. Practising the language as often as you can, trust me you will thank yourself. The final and most important one is to get your health and malpractice insurance, this will save you a whole load of unnecessary hassle. Make sure you carry out all the relevant research and make the most educated decision based on that.
Related:
[The 10 Best Countries to Study in Europe]
[The Top 7 Most Affordable MBAs in Europe]
[The Most Practical MBAs in Europe]
Study Business and Work in Europe
Get Free Advice
Editor’s note:This article was first published on the 21st of February 2018. We’ve updated it for current readers.
Featured Content
82 Reviews
"I've started my iu BSc computer science course online and all the resources online are..."
Read the review
FAQs
Which country in Europe has highest job opportunities? ›
The Netherlands had the highest employment rate among European Union countries in 2022, at 81.8 percent, followed by Sweden, which had an employment rate of 77.6 percent. Italy reported the lowest employment rate in the EU at 60.5 percent.
Which European country is best for study and work? ›- Germany. Ranked #3 in the world.
- Switzerland. Ranked #5 in the world. ...
- United Kingdom. Ranked #6 in the world. ...
- The Netherlands. Ranked #7 in the world. ...
- France. Ranked #8 in the world. ...
- Spain. Ranked #10 in the world. ...
- Sweden. Ranked #11 in the world. ...
- Denmark. Ranked #12 in the world. ...
- Denmark. ...
- Spain. ...
- France. ...
- Lithuania. ...
- Norway. ...
- Belgium. Few countries enjoy quite as much free time as Belgium. ...
- Germany. As you might imagine, Germany has laid out very clear regulations and guidelines on working hours and conditions within its national law. ...
- Sweden. Surprise, surprise!
Luxembourg had the highest average annual wage in Europe in 2021, at approximately 75 thousand U.S. dollars, compared with Slovakia, which had an average annual salary of just over 24.7 thousand U.S dollars a year, the lowest among the countries provided in this statistic.
Which European country has a low cost of living? ›Estonia. If you're thinking of becoming a digital nomad, Estonia is one of the cheapest countries in Europe to consider. Living costs in Tallinn, the capital, are around 30% lower than in other Western European cities like London and Paris. And in smaller Estonian towns, prices can be even lower.
Is it better to study in Europe or USA? ›One factor to weigh when comparing higher education in Europe vs. the U.S. is how long it takes to get a degree. U.S. universities tend to offer breadth, requiring general education courses and exposing students to a variety of fields, while most European universities offer depth, focusing on a specific area of study.
Which country is best for work and study? ›Canada. Canada top the list of best countries to study abroad and work. Known for its scenic beauty and high standard of living, Canada is also the most educated country in the world. It is quickly becoming the top destination for international students because of its quality education and low tuition fees.
Which foreign country is best for study and work? ›- Study in Russia. ...
- Study in New Zealand. ...
- Study in Switzerland. ...
- Study in France. ...
- Study in Australia. ...
- Study in Canada. ...
- Study in UK. ...
- Study in USA. Number of USA universities in the QS World University ranking 2021.
If you can handle the cold, Germany and the Netherlands are two of the most popular countries for expats, both offering international communities and unique residency options. Switzerland: Although many European countries offer a better quality of life than the U.S., Switzerland takes the cake.
What is the easiest European country for an American to move to? ›Portugal consistently tops lists of the best places for expats to live, and in fact, the number of Americans living in Portugal rose 45% in 2021, according to government data.
How can I work in Europe as an American? ›
As a US citizen, you do not have an automatic right to work in Europe. You need a valid Schengen work visa or a work visa for a specific non-Schengen country. Many Americans looking to work in Europe will use their 90 days per 180 days visa-free period to apply for jobs before obtaining a work visa.
Is it cheaper to live in Europe than the US? ›Key Takeaways. Overall, Europe has a lower cost of living due to lower healthcare expenses, a weakening euro currency, and low inflation. Europeans, however, tend to pay more of their income to taxes, and average wages tend to be lower than in America.
What country is easy to move to from America? ›- Why Move Abroad Anyway?
- The 11 EASIEST Countries for Americans to Move to in 2023. #1. Mexico. #2. Portugal. #3. Spain. #4. Greece. #5. Turkey. #6. Malta. #7. The Netherlands. #8. Thailand. #9. Belize. #10. Georgia. #11. Canada.
- Before you go… Related articles:
In general, wages in the United States tend to be higher than those in Europe, particularly for skilled and high-paying jobs. Part of the reason for this is that the cost of living in the U.S. is usually higher than in Europe. This means that workers need to make more money to keep their standard of living the same.
What country has the best living wage? ›- Luxembourg. ...
- Netherlands. ...
- New Zealand. ...
- San Marino. ...
- Slovenia. ...
- Spain. ...
- Switzerland. ...
- United Kingdom. The national hourly minimum wage in the UK is around $12 (9.55 Pound Sterling) for workers 18 years and over.
Country | Hourly Minimum Wage (in USD) |
---|---|
Australia | 14.54 |
Luxembourg | 13.67 |
New Zealand | 13.18 |
Monaco | 11.88 |
- Albania.
- Portugal.
- Costa Rica.
- Panama.
- Mexico.
- Thailand.
- Malaysia.
- Vietnam.
Sweden. Sweden has some of the most permissive citizenship regulations in Europe, with no language requirements for new Swedes and only a five-year residency time required to become a Swedish citizen.
Are Americans moving to Europe for free college degrees? ›There are at least 44 schools across Europe where Americans can earn their bachelor's degree for free, according to Jennifer Viemont, the founder of an advising service called Beyond The States. All public colleges in Germany, Iceland, Norway and Finland are free for residents and international students.
Is it smart to move to Europe? ›Pros of Moving to Europe
Among the pros are accessible and affordable transportation between European cities, allowing for less expensive tourism; a strong exchange rate; more cost-effective home prices; and an overall healthier lifestyle, ex-pats say.
Which is better to study US or Germany? ›
Germany is an excellent option if you're looking for affordable and high-quality education. If you want to be in an English-speaking environment and have the opportunity to travel within America, the USA is a good choice.
Which country gives job easily? ›New Zealand has solidified its place among the top countries offering easy work permits to Indians because of the stress-free visa system and minimal requirements.
Which country is best for job and living? ›The top 3 countries to work in are Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Norway.
Which is the best country to get job easily? ›...
- Canada. #1 in Start a Career Rankings. ...
- Switzerland. #2 in Start a Career Rankings. ...
- Germany. ...
- Japan. ...
- Netherlands. ...
- United States. ...
- Denmark. ...
- United Kingdom.
- Working Holiday in New Zealand.
- Teach English in Thailand.
- Au Pair in Germany.
- Work in Tourism and Hospitality in Spain.
- Marketing and Business in China.
- Choose from hundreds of jobs in foreign countries on GoAbroad.
- Germany. ...
- France. ...
- Mexico. ...
- India. ...
- Argentina. ...
- Poland. ...
- Malaysia. ...
- South Africa. Concluding our look at some of the best places to study abroad on a budget, South Africa is renowned for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and turbulent history.
Among the top European countries visited by Americans are Italy, France, and Germany. At this time, U.S. citizens can travel to the Schengen Area for short-term stays without having to apply for a visa. In 2024, the EU plans to introduce ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System.
Where are Americans moving to in Europe? ›International real estate businesses release data every day showing a growing interest from American buyers, particularly concerning Portugal, Greece, Italy and Spain, among others, that offer special deals for golden visas, digital-nomad visas, green visas and lower-cost housing.
Is it hard for Americans to live in Europe? ›Most European countries have difficult paths to residency but don't worry, there are still plenty of countries with long-term living options. There are 16 European countries that are easiest for U.S. citizens to move to, including popular destinations like Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany and Estonia.
What country is best for US citizens to move to? ›
- Vietnam. Vietnam has one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, with a rising middle-class, low crime rates, and a way, way low cost of living. ...
- Spain. ...
- Ghana. ...
- Argentina. ...
- Bermuda. ...
- Germany. ...
- South Korea. ...
- New Zealand.
Mexico is the top destination for Americans moving abroad, followed by the U.K., Canada and Australia. So far in 2022, ~75% more Americans have moved to Mexico than Canada. Portugal has seen the biggest percentage increase in Americans moving in (+122% from 2019-2021)
What country pays you to move there? ›Albinen, Switzerland
The urgency of bringing this figure up is why the Swiss government has started paying people to relocate there. Families who move to Albinen can expect to receive up to 25,000 Swiss francs (almost $27,000) per adult, and up to 10,000 francs (almost $11,000) per child.
With a valid U.S. passport, you can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business during any 180-day period. Do not overstay! You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area. To stay longer than 90 days, you must have a visa.
Can I move to Europe without a job? ›Yes, it is possible to move to Europe without a job! The process won't be the easiest one, but if you really want to move to Europe, then that should motivate you to get through the harder parts without giving up.
How can I move to Europe without a degree? ›- Get a Cheaper Degree (or a Free One) In Europe. The BEST way to move to Europe without a degree is to plan to get a degree while you are in Europe. ...
- Bring a Job With You to Europe. ...
- Find a Job that Doesn't Require a Degree.
With every country, there are advantages and disadvantages. Most Americans choose to move to Europe to experience a more relaxed way of life and enjoy better health care, a higher standard of living, cheaper real estate, and more security.
Is food cheaper in Europe or America? ›US families spend a lot less on food comparatively
Part of the reason Americans spend less of their overall budget on food than Europeans is because they have a much higher per capita income, so the former spends less on food as a share of their income, says Swanson.
Costa Rica
And you don't need to go broke while living and working there, because Costa Rica is one of the cheapest countries to live in for Americans.
Key Takeaways
Bermuda, Monaco, the Bahamas, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are four countries that do not have personal income taxes. If you renounce your U.S. citizenship, you may end up paying a tax penalty called an expatriation tax.
What is the easiest English speaking country to immigrate to? ›
Canada. Having garnered a reputation for being one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants and being ranked as one of the most liveable places in the world, Canada is definitely the best and easiest country to immigrate to.
Which country has the highest job opportunities? ›...
Top 10 Countries with Highest Job Opportunities
- China.
- Hong Kong.
- Turkey.
- Australia.
- Canada.
- France.
- USA.
- Switzerland.
...
Employment rate in OECD countries in 2021.
Finding a job in Europe may not be hard if you have the required qualifications and experience. Finding a job in Europe will be easy if you follow a well-planned job search strategy and get your work visa.
Which country pays highest salary to workers? ›Luxembourg (Average Salary: $68,681)
With a population of 632,000, Luxembourg is one of the world's wealthiest and highest-paying countries. The salaries of workers average about $68,681, which is the highest in the world.
- Canada. #1 in A good job market. #3 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Germany. #2 in A good job market. ...
- United Kingdom. #3 in A good job market. ...
- United States. #4 in A good job market. ...
- Australia. #5 in A good job market. ...
- Japan. #6 in A good job market. ...
- Switzerland. #7 in A good job market. ...
- Sweden. #8 in A good job market.
- Sweden. #1 in Quality of Life. #5 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Denmark. #2 in Quality of Life. #10 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Canada. #3 in Quality of Life. ...
- Switzerland. #4 in Quality of Life. ...
- Norway. #5 in Quality of Life. ...
- Finland. #6 in Quality of Life. ...
- Germany. #7 in Quality of Life. ...
- Netherlands. #8 in Quality of Life.
- Vietnam.
- Costa Rica.
- Bulgaria.
- Mexico.
- South Africa.
- China.
- South Korea.
- Thailand.
Rank | Country | Minimum hourly wages (USD) |
---|---|---|
1 | Australia | 14.14 |
2 | Luxembourg | 13.14 |
3 | New Zealand | 11.28 |
4 | France | 11.24 |