The 10 Best Countries to Live And Work Abroad in 2025

1 dzień temu

In a world where remote working has gone from pandemic necessity to permanent lifestyle, the question isn’t whether to pack your bags, but which destination deserves to host your Zoom background for the foreseeable future. As global citizens increasingly trade cubicles for co-working spaces and rush hours for sunset happy hours, the competition among countries to attract these digital nomads and expatriates has reached Olympic levels.

The following list showcases 10 countries that have mastered the art of making foreigners feel at home, providing the perfect blend of economic opportunity and quality of life that will have you updating your LinkedIn location faster than you can say “visa application.”

1. Australia

Average expat salary: US$60,185

Topping the list for 2025, Australia is winning tourists from around the globe with its promise of long summers, competitive job opportunities, and renowned universal healthcare. From the bright lights of Sydney to the historic Fremantle Harbour, here’s what you can expect from life down under.

Quality of life

With its beautiful beaches, verdant landscapes, and cosmopolitan cities, Australia makes a fantastic home for foreign workers and their families. Well known for its work-life balance, Australia consistently ranks high in quality of life indices, with high marks in almost every metric.

When it comes to employment, it’s good news across the board. With a strong economy, competitive salaries and low unemployment rate, expats will have access to a diverse range of career opportunities.

Expats in Australia tend to report reasonable working hours, generous vacation time, and inclusive workplace environments. That said, Australia has not escaped the rising cost of living, with Sydney and Melbourne often appearing in lists of the world’s most expensive cities to live.

Healthcare

Australia ranks 6th in the world for life expectancy, thanks to a world-leading universal healthcare system that covers everything, including medical clinic visits and dentistry.

2. Finland

Average expat salary: US$51,304

If happiness is what you’ve been searching for, look no further. For 7 years running, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world according to the World Happiness Report, which ranks countries based on gross domestic product (GDP), social support, healthcare and freedom among other factors.

Quality of life

Finland might not be the first place you think of relocating, considering its famous cold winters and limited hours of daylight. However, the Finns are some of the happiest folk in the world for more reasons than sunshine. Finns love to spend time together, whether outside in nature or indoors taking a sauna.

Finland is a bilingual country, with both Finnish and Swedish as national languages. Many Finns also speak English as a third language. Finland has previously been named the world’s most literate nation.

The cost of living in Finland averages around 1.2% lower than in the UK. Food however, is where you can expect to spend a much higher portion of your income!

Healthcare

Finland has a great universal healthcare system, which is available to all permanent residents. Most hospitals are equipped for common accidents and illnesses.

3. Switzerland

Average expat salary: US$89,607

Last year’s number one, Switzerland, retains a high position in our list of the best countries to move to for 2025. Despite its diminutive size, Switzerland is globally renowned as a business, finance and commerce powerhouse.

Quality of life

While many expatriates come to Switzerland for the high wages, those who end up staying do so for other reasons. Namely the fresh alpine air, high-end luxuries, the abundance of winter activities, first-class transport connections and much, much more.

What makes Switzerland a particularly great place for expats to settle is its unusually relaxed political climate. Famously neutral in global affairs, Switzerland benefits from a high degree of political and social stability. The main language of Switzerland is Swiss German, but the Swiss people are also fluent in English (45%), French (22%), and Italian (8%).

The only downside to living in Switzerland is that the cost of living is very high. Switzerland has three of the four most expensive cities in Europe, in Geneva, Zurich, and Bern.

Healthcare

Switzerland’s healthcare system is well-established as one of the best in the world. And its prowess is proven by Switzerland’s position as 5th in the world for average life expectancy, at an average 84.09 years.

4. New Zealand

Average expat salary: US$36,953

If it’s the great outdoors you’re after, New Zealand might be the destination for you. Known for its stunning landscapes and high quality of life, New Zealand offers a unique experience for adventurous expats.

Quality of life

New Zealand consistently ranks high in global quality of life and happiness indexes. According to the OECD Better Life Index, New Zealand outperforms the average across income, jobs, education, health, environmental quality, social connections, civic engagement, and life satisfaction. It’s easy to see why the Kiwis have a life satisfaction score of 7.3 out of 10, higher than the OECD average of 6.7.

It’s good news on the employment front too. New Zealand has a stable economy and an exceptional employment rate of 77% among working-age citizens, surpassing the OECD average of 66%.

New Zealand’s diverse environment, from pristine beaches to majestic mountains, provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and water sports. The cost of living varies by region, with Auckland and Wellington tending to have higher living costs compared to other areas. However, the average cost of living is still 5.7% lower than in the UK.

Healthcare

New Zealand provides a stable public healthcare system that offers free or heavily subsidised medical care to residents (however, non-residents, including expats, are advised to get international health insurance).

5. Austria

Average expat salary: US$37,278

From the historic streets of Vienna to the alpine beauty of Salzburg, Austria has everything an expat could hope for. With the promise of a rich cultural heritage and a high standard of living, expats around the world have named Austria as a favourite destination for a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Quality of life

One of the greatest perks of moving to Austria is the diversity of the climate and landscape, as well as its proximity to other desirable European countries. Citizens of Austria report a 7.8 out of 10 for life satisfaction, supported by a strong sense of community and commitment to the environment.

Key industries in Austria include the food and drink, mechanical and steel engineering, chemical, and automotive industries. Tourism is also a driving force for the Austrian economy, providing ample opportunities for expats looking for both part-time and full-time work.

The cost of living in Austria can be quite high, especially in bigger cities like Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck. On average, expats can expect their living costs to come in around 2.7% more expensive than in the UK.

Healthcare

Coming in 9th overall in the Euro Health Consumer Index, Austria boasts a comprehensive healthcare system that gives residents access to high-quality medical care, paid for through public taxes.

6. Norway

Average expat salary: US$53,660

Norway consistently places in the top 10 happiest countries in the world. Famous for its fjords and fishing, Norway may not seem the obvious place for high-flying expats to make a name for themselves, but it has plenty to recommend it.

Quality of life

With one of the lowest population densities in the world and fewer people in its capital city, Oslo, than in Rhode Island, Norway has plenty to offer the intrepid expat.

Living in Norway may not be cheap, but expats can expect a high quality of life. Speaking of which, you may not need to worry too much about your finances because, when it comes to GDP per capita, Norway ranks 5th in the world.

Right now, Norway is looking to move away from its traditional oil and gas industries towards a future full of hydropower, digital services and tourism, which is why foreign expertise is in such high demand.

Healthcare

Norway’s healthcare system is arguably one of the best in the world, and might explain why Norway ranks 12th in the world for life expectancy, with an average of 83.46 years. Healthcare in Norway is free for everyone who pays national insurance, which you’ll pay as part of your taxes.

7. Germany

Average expat salary: US$53,754

Germany, Europe’s largest economy, offers expatriates a dynamic environment rich in history, culture, and economic opportunity.

Quality of life

Germany’s high standard of living is characterised by efficient public services, a strong social welfare system, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. Cities like Munich and Hamburg offer expats a unique mix of modern amenities and cultural heritage, along with competitive job opportunities.

The German economy is varied, with key sectors including automotive, engineering, finance, and technology. Salaries are generally higher on average than elsewhere in Europe, however, they can vary significantly based on industry, experience, and location, with city-based employees earning more.

The cost of living can be high, particularly in major cities, though it still comes out 1.3% lower than the U.K. The average cost of rent in Germany is also 25.1% lower than the U.K, but this can vary greatly depending on where you choose to live.

Healthcare

Germany has a universal healthcare system, currently providing around 89% of the population with high-quality healthcare. Germany consistently ranks highly in global indices due to its comprehensive care, specialised treatments, and well-funded health centres, contributing to the country’s high life expectancy of 81 years.

8. Ireland

Average expat salary: US$55,964

The Emerald Isle, known for its rolling hills, wild Atlantic coast and vibrant culture, emerges this year as one of the top destinations for expats, thanks to its strong mix of work and social opportunities.

Quality of life

The stereotypes are true – the Irish really are happy folk! In the 2023 World Happiness Report, Ireland placed 16th globally, thanks to strong performance in areas like social support, life expectancy, and economic stability.

The Irish economy is one of the fastest-growing in the EU, with a 5% growth in 2023. The country has become a major hub for global tech companies, including Google and Apple, and offers a low corporate tax rate of 12.5%, making it an attractive place for business and innovation. With a low 4.2% unemployment rate and a strong demand for skilled workers, you should have no trouble finding your perfect career.

That said, the cost of living in Ireland can be high, especially in Dublin, which is among the most expensive cities in Europe. Housing prices, in particular, have surged in recent years, making accommodation costly, around 31% more expensive than the UK.

Healthcare

Ireland’s healthcare system is a mix of public and private services. The Health Service Executive (HSE) oversees public healthcare, providing services to residents. In 2025, the HSE’s National Service Plan allocated €26.9 billion to healthcare services, marking a €1.6 billion increase from the previous year.

9. Canada

Average expat salary: US$64,064

In 2021, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) listed Canada as the number 1 destination people said they would move to given the chance. It’s not hard to see why – Canada has a particularly strong appeal to younger, digitally-minded, white collar workers owing to its strong tech and digital services scene.

Quality of life

The perks of moving to Canada are plentiful and ought to appeal especially to young families. They include free universal healthcare for all permanent residents, free public secondary education, a high degree of public safety and low air pollution – indeed, Canada ranks as low as 93rd out of 134 countries for air pollution.

Canada is also renowned as one of the most liberal and progressive societies in the world, making it a really exciting and energising place to live, no matter what background you’re from.

Ultimately, Canada ranks highly across almost all quality of life metrics, including safety, health, the environment and life satisfaction.

Healthcare

The World Population Review placed Canada’s healthcare system as 4th in the world in 2024 based on factors from access to healthcare to overall healthcare outcomes. Universal healthcare is available to all residents and, in some provinces, is the only option!

10. Netherlands

Average expat salary: US$43,516

The home of tulips and Vincent van Gogh, the Netherlands continues to be a favourite among expats looking for a slower pace of life with all the benefits of a thriving economy and international employment opportunities.

Quality of life

The Netherlands is known for its enviable work-life balance, with 0.5% of the workforce regularly working long hours, compared to the OECD average of 10%. It’s not surprising, then, that the Dutch report a high life satisfaction score of 8.7 out of 10, placing them 5th in the world.

This emphasis on well-being extends beyond the workplace, with the Dutch enjoying vibrant cultural scenes, world-class cycling infrastructure, and an overall relaxed pace of life. The Netherlands also scores highly in environmental quality, with 91% of people satisfied with their water quality, though air pollution levels come in below the OECD average.

Economically, the Netherlands boasts a robust GDP per capita of around US$64,570, and a low unemployment rate of 3.5. Combined with thriving industries in technology, renewable energy, and the creative sector, the Netherlands offers forward-thinking environment for expats to live and work.

Healthcare

The Dutch healthcare system is a model of efficiency and quality, consistently ranking among the top in Europe. In the 2024 Euro Health Consumer Index, the Netherlands ranked 2nd overall, excelling in patient rights, accessibility, and treatment outcomes. The country has a strong emphasis on preventive care and patient-centred services.

Bottom Line

As our global tour of expatriate paradises comes to a close, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the competition for your residency application is fierce.

From Australia’s sun-drenched beaches to Finland’s pristine forests, from Switzerland’s clockwork efficiency to Canada’s progressive policies, each nation offers its unique cocktail of benefits to entice the globally mobile worker.

The expat life isn’t just about escaping your home country’s flaws—it’s about embracing the strengths of another. So update that resume, dust off that passport, and prepare to join the growing ranks of global citizens who have discovered that sometimes, the grass is greener on the other side!

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