Best Countries in Europe to Work in 2024

You seek a better lifestyle, a higher salary, and a nice place to live, but it’s hard to decide in which country you will find what you want. Since there is no definite answer to the question of what is the best country to work in Europe, you need to find one that is right for you.

In this article, you will find a comparison of the best European countries to live and work in based on the most critical statistics, like the minimum wage, the unemployment rate, and the average monthly salary after taxes.

Let’s dive in!

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Country to Work In

To avoid subjective preferences, we will only consider the following factors while comparing different European countries:

Cost of Living and Standard of Living

The living costs and standard of living vary from country to country, and understanding this information is crucial before deciding to move abroad for work. 

The cost of living refers to the amount of money required to maintain a certain standard of living in a particular location, considering expenses such as housing, transportation, food, healthcare, and other necessities. 

On the other hand, the standard of living reflects the overall quality of life, including factors like education, healthcare systems, safety, cultural amenities, and social services.

Knowing the cost of living is essential because it helps individuals estimate how far their income will stretch in a new country. It allows them to plan their finances accordingly, considering factors like housing affordability, taxes, and the general cost of goods and services. 

Understanding the standard of living is equally important, as it provides insights into the overall lifestyle and well-being of a country. It helps individuals gauge the availability and quality of essential services, social support systems, and recreational activities, among other factors contributing to their overall satisfaction.

Calculating the cost of living involves gathering data on various expense categories and comparing them across different locations. 

Governmental organizations, research institutes, or specialized websites frequently gather and analyze data on costs, salaries, and other pertinent factors to gather this information.

Researchers consider factors like accommodation, transportation, food, healthcare, and other common expenditures to determine the cost of living index for a specific location.

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 personal 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. 

By understanding the cost of living and the standard of living, you can make informed decisions about your financial plans, potential savings, and the overall feasibility and desirability of relocating to a new country for work.

Minimum Wage and Average Monthly Salary

The minimum wage is the legally mandated minimum amount employers must pay their employees. It serves as a worker’s compensation baseline and can significantly impact their financial well-being. 

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

Understanding the minimum wage and average monthly salary 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 of working and living in a different country. 

Work-Life Balance and Benefits

Understanding the work-life balance and benefits offered in a country is crucial before moving abroad for work, as it directly impacts our personal lives and overall well-being. 

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.

Language Requirements and Cultural Integration

Understanding the language requirements and cultural integration in a country is essential before moving abroad for work because it greatly affects communication, social interactions, and overall adaptation. 

Language requirements refer to how well you speak English or the 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.

Knowledge of these aspects is crucial to ensuring effective communication, building relationships, and successfully navigating the cultural landscape of the new country.

Healthcare System

The health 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. 

If you moved 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. 

#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, 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.

It is important for job seekers 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

💰 Minimum wage in Belgium is €1,954.99 per month.

😵 Unemployment rate is 5.60%.

🗣 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.

#2 Germany

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. 

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. Moreover, Germany’s renowned cultural scene, 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 €1,987,00 per month.

😵 Unemployment rate is 5.7%.

🗣 English is not as widely spoken as in other EU member states. Around 56% of people speak English.

🩺 Health system is based on mandatory health insurance, with coverage provided by either statutory health insurance or private health insurance.

#1 The Netherlands

The Netherlands is the best country for job seekers looking to work and live in Europe. Renowned for its strong economy, high standard of living, and excellent working conditions, the Netherlands offers many opportunities for professionals from various fields. 

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.

The Netherlands is known for its progressive 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.

The Netherlands has a well-defined minimum wage system in place to ensure fair pay for all workers. As of 2024, the gross monthly minimum wage for individuals aged 21 and above is €1,995. The Dutch government regularly adjusts the minimum wage to keep up with inflation and changes in the cost of living.

One of the key advantages of working in the Netherlands is that it has one of the lowest youth unemployment rates compared to other countries in Europe.

The unemployment rate in the Netherlands is approximately 3.5%. This means job seekers have a higher chance of finding employment opportunities that align with their skills and qualifications.

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, 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 €1,995,00 per month.

😵 Unemployment rate is 3.5%.

🗣 Most people speak English, around 95%.

🩺 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.

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. 

Still, let’s not forget the allure of Germany and Belgium, which 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? 

Visit our website and register today to find a suitable job position with accommodation in the Netherlands, Germany, or Belgium. Your exciting European work experience awaits!