Best Countries to Work in Europe in 2025

Seeking a higher salary, a nice place to live, and a lifestyle that accommodates you better is essential. However, narrowing down the potential choices of countries to work and live in can be a bit overwhelming, even if you only focus on Europe.

To make your decision easier, we compared some of the best European countries to live and work in based on some of the most critical statistics, including minimum wage, the unemployment rate, and the average monthly salary after taxes.

Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Country to Work In Europe

To avoid subjective preferences, we will only consider the following factors while comparing the best European countries to live and work:

• Cost of Living and Standard of Living
• Minimum Wage and Average Monthly Salary
• Work-Life Balance and Benefits
• Language Requirements and Cultural Integration
• Healthcare System

1. Cost of Living and Standard of Living

The living costs and standard of living vary from country to country, and it’s a decisive factor when planning to move abroad to work. 

In simplest terms, the cost of living refers to the amount of money you need to earn to maintain a certain living standard in a particular location, consisting of expenses like housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities. The standard of living refers to the overall quality of life, including factors such as healthcare systems, safety, cultural amenities, social benefits, and services.

Knowing the cost of living is essential because it helps individuals estimate how far their income will stretch in a new country. Understanding the standard of living is equally important, as it provides insights into the overall lifestyle and well-being of a country.

The most important thing to know about the cost of living and the standard of living in a country is how they align with your financial situation and lifestyle expectations. 

Moving to work in Europe involves not only considering the salary offered but also evaluating how it will cover the expenses necessary to maintain the desired standard of living. 

When considering the best European countries to live and work, understanding these costs enables you to make informed decisions about different financial plans, savings, and overall expectations that will shape your relocation.

2. Minimum Wage and Average Monthly Salary

Which European country is the best for work? Usually, the one with the most agreeable wages and monthly salaries.The minimum wage describes the legally mandated minimum amount employers must pay their employees. It’s the compensation baseline, which has a significant impact on financial well-being.

The average salary is how much you earn in a month, considering factors like industries, occupations, and economic conditions.

Understanding these two is important for several reasons:

• It allows you to evaluate the earning potential of their chosen destination and compare it to their financial needs and expectations. 
• You can assess whether it provides a sufficient income to cover their basic expenses and maintain a reasonable standard of living. 
• Insights about the earning potential beyond the minimum wage help you gauge the competitiveness of salaries in their desired field or industry.

It is essential to consider other factors such as taxes, social security contributions, healthcare costs, and the general cost of goods and services to accurately assess the financial implications when opting for the best country to work in Europe.

3. Work-Life Balance and Benefits

Work-life balance is how much time you spend working and at home. Most countries have varying cultural norms, working hours, labour laws, and workplace practices that influence work-life balance. 

Additionally, knowing about the benefits provided by employers, such as paid time off, maternity leave, sick pay, healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and flexible work arrangements, is essential in assessing the support and resources available to employees.

4. Language Requirements and Cultural Integration

Language requirements refer to how well you speak English or your native language to get a job and work. Cultural integration refers to the process of assimilating into the local culture, new language, customs, and social norms of a country.
Needless to say, the best European countries to work for foreigners are those, where expats can quickly integrate. Knowledge of these aspects is crucial to ensuring effective communication, building relationships, and successfully navigating the cultural landscape of the new country.

That said, if you are looking for the best countries to work in Europe for English speakers, countries like the Netherlands might be your top choice, as more than 90% to 93% of Dutchies are more than capable of holding a full English conversation. 

5. Healthcare System

The best countries for job opportunities in Europe should also boast comprehensive healthcare. The healthcare system encompasses various aspects, including healthcare infrastructure, the availability of medical facilities, healthcare professionals, insurance coverage, and healthcare delivery’s overall efficiency and effectiveness.

Knowing the health system in a country allows you to go to the doctor, have regular checkups, or receive help if you get hurt at work. 

Let’s say you move to the Netherlands with your family, your spouse or registered partner, and dependent children under 18 years old are covered under your health insurance policy. They will have the same coverage as you. If your children turn 18, they must get their own insurance, but they can remain covered under your policy until the end of the year they turn 18.

Understanding the health system is also crucial for individuals to plan and secure adequate health insurance coverage. Different countries have varying healthcare financing models, such as public healthcare systems, private insurance-based systems, or a combination of both. 

Top 5 Best Countries in Europe to Live and Work

No. 5. Portugal

Portugal may also be among your top European destinations for work, especially if you want to work near the seaside. And while it might not be among the top European countries with high salaries, it’s definitely among the most affordable countries in the old continent.

Portugal is also among the favorite places of expats living in Europe, with a rather high expat happiness level all-round. If we’d make a cost of living in Europe comparison, the country would rank high, but there’s a catch: among European job markets, the Portuguese scene isn’t as developed as other Westerner countries, it still has lots to offer both for tech experts and blue-collar workers.

Regarding pay, salary expectations should be kept lower than in Germany, France, Belgium, or the Netherlands, but we should also note that the low costs of living do a great job balancing monthly expenses and savings. To be more specific, the average minimum monthly salary is €870. While this may seem weak when compared to other Western counties, keep in mind that average rent prices are also quite agreeable, with the lowest prices hovering at 2.50 euros/m².

Portugal Overview

• The minimum salary is €870 a month, while the average salary is €1602 a month.
• Unemployment rate is at 6.4%.
• 55% of the population speaks English.
• The country offers universal healthcare via the publicly financed publicly SNS, or Serviço Nacional de Saúde.

No 4. Malta

If you are looking for European countries with high English proficiency, then Malta should be definitely on your list. With nearly 88% of the population speaking English, it can be easy to find expat jobs in the smallest country of the European Union. The warm and sunny country also provides workers with enough beaches and beautiful coastlines to unwind after a long workweek.

While the minimum wage is the lowest on the list (€​​5.54 per hour), the country offers 300 days of sun a year, great work-life balance, and in-demand blue-collar jobs, with much better salary conditions for blue collar workers than the minimum. More specifically, hourly wages for blue collar jobs are around €8, which roughly translates into a yearly salary of €16647.

Regarding the job market, taxation is the most attractive to start-ups, but that doesn’t mean that you need to open a business to take advantage of what the country has to offer. There are also quite a lot of in-demand jobs, and some of them require blue-collar expertise.

All in all, Malta can be among the best European countries for families, especially if you prefer the sunny climate and the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Malta Overview

• The minimum salary is €961 per month.
• Unemployment rate is 10.10%.
• 88% of the population speaks English.
• The country has a tax-based system that offers universal access

No. 3. Belgium

Belgium offers a diverse job market and a stable economic landscape that can provide opportunities for job seekers looking to improve their lifestyles. 

The country strongly focuses on manufacturing, construction, hospitality, retail, and healthcare industries, often providing entry-level positions that don’t require advanced degrees. 

While salaries can vary depending on the industry and experience level (the median salary is €4076), job seekers can generally expect decent wages and benefits, including healthcare coverage, paid leave, and social security benefits.

Belgium offers a high quality of life, emphasizing a good work-life balance. While some employees work long hours in specific industries, the country provides generous annual leave and paid public holidays, ensuring free time for rest and leisure. 

Belgium’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and extensive social welfare system contribute to a fulfilling lifestyle. On top of that, the country’s central location within Europe provides easy access to travel opportunities and exposure to diverse cultures.

Job seekers need to be aware of the competitive nature of the job market in Belgium and the need to demonstrate a strong work ethic and adaptability.

Belgium Overview

• The general minimum wage is €2111.89 a month for 38 hours of weekly work (12.82 per hour). 
• Unemployment rate hovers at 5.80%.
• 55% of the country’s population speaks English.
• The Belgian healthcare system is a “fee-for-service payment,” which means that after visiting a medical facility and paying for the services, your public or private health insurance provider will reimburse you.

No. 2. Germany

Viewed by some as the best place to live and work in Europe, Germany presents promising opportunities for job seekers looking to secure employment and enhance their lifestyle. This European country is a fantastic destination for working families, offering many opportunities for expats to learn new skills, advance their careers, and enjoy job security.

The job market in Germany is robust and diverse, catering to individuals with varying levels of education and qualifications.

While specific industries like engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology offer lucrative positions, numerous opportunities in the hospitality, construction, and retail sectors can accommodate job seekers without college degrees. 

Salaries in Germany are generally competitive and often include benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation, and social security contributions, which provide workers with financial security and stability. 

Apart from being one of the best European countries for job opportunities, Germany’s strong work-life balance culture ensures that employees have ample leisure time and access to comprehensive social welfare programs, contributing to an overall high quality of life. Furthermore, Germany’s renowned cultural scene in the European Union, rich history, and diverse traditions make it an attractive destination for those seeking a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle.

Germany Overview

• Minimum wage in Germany is €12.82 per hour, which means that the minimum monthly salary is roughly €2,222 per month.
• The unemployment rate was 6.3% in March 2025.
• English is not as widely spoken as in other EU member states. Around 56% of people speak English.
• The health system is based on mandatory health insurance, with coverage provided by either statutory health insurance or private health insurance.

No. 1. The Netherlands

Which country in Europe has the highest job opportunities? Without relying on hard data, we can say that the Netherlands is the best country for job seekers looking to work and live in Europe. Renowned for its strong economy, high living standards, and excellent working conditions, the Netherlands offers many opportunities for professionals from various fields. 

As one of the best places to live and work in Europe, the country boasts a well-developed infrastructure, a robust job market, and the best work-life balance, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking career advancement and a high quality of life.

As the best Schengen country to work (no visa required for EU citizens), the Netherlands is known for its progressive culture and employee-friendly policies regarding working conditions. The Dutch value a healthy work-life balance and prioritise the well-being of their workers.

The standard working week in the Netherlands is 40 hours, and employees enjoy generous vacation and parental leave benefits. The country also emphasises a collaborative work culture and values open communication and transparency in the workplace. Because of this, it has long been the go-to place for tech professionals, engineers, finance professionals, artists, entrepreneurs, and blue-collar workers alike.

Another reason many employees can consider the Netherlands is that the country offers many opportunities for working overtime hours to earn more money or have a part-time job.

If you’re a student, we have some great news! The Netherlands prioritises young professionals and offers them business and learning opportunities.

Beyond the professional realm, the Netherlands offers many travel opportunities for those exploring Europe. As a centrally located country, it provides easy access to other European countries such as Germany, Belgium, and France.

The Netherlands itself is famous for its picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and vibrant cities. From the iconic tulip fields and windmills to the historic canals of Amsterdam and the beautiful Dutch coastline, there is no shortage of attractions to discover and explore. Travelling through the Netherlands and other top countries is simple, thanks to excellent public transportation.

The Netherlands is a perfect destination for job seekers looking to work and live in Europe. With favourable working conditions, competitive salaries, low unemployment rates, tasty food, well-established expat communities, and ample travel opportunities, it provides a highly desirable environment for individuals seeking professional growth and an excellent quality of life.

The Netherlands Overview

• Minimum wage in the Netherlands is €2.437.07 per month for employees who are 21 or older.
• Unemployment rate is 3.8% as of February 2025..
• Most people speak English, around 93%. 
• Regarding the health system, anyone living and working in the Netherlands must purchase statutory basic health insurance from private insurers. Most companies offer private health insurance to their employees.

Side-by-side Comparison of Europe’s Best Countries for Work in 2025

Which Country is The Best to Earn Money in Europe: Final Words

When it comes to the best countries to work in Europe, the Netherlands takes the crown, offering a perfect blend of career opportunities, excellent work-life balance, and progressive work culture. Germany and Belgium also boast thriving job markets and an exceptional quality of life. Whether you’re seeking professional growth, cultural immersion, or new adventures, these countries have much to offer. 

Ready to take the next step? Instead of comparing your options on Eurostat, register today to find a suitable job position with accommodation in the Netherlands, Germany, or Belgium. Your exciting European work experience awaits!