Many people dream of moving across the world to experience different cultures or pursue better job opportunities. However, recent changes in immigration policies across some major countries have made this process more challenging. Nations like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK have recently tightened their immigration policies, making it harder to secure work visas.

Luckily, there are still countries actively seeking foreign workers. In this guide, we’ll explore five of them, discussing visa options, average salaries, cost of living, taxes, roles in demand, and what you can expect in each location.

1. Germany

Germany, a country rich in history, offers a high standard of living and is actively hiring foreign workers. The nation faces a shortage of skilled employees, requiring approximately 400,000 new workers annually, particularly in engineering, IT, and healthcare.

Visa Options

Germany recently launched the Opportunity Card (as of June 1st, 2024), which allows non-EU citizens to enter Germany for up to a year to search for a job. After securing a job, you can apply for a work visa or an EU Blue Card if you hold a higher education degree.

Cost of Living and Salaries

• Average salary: Around €60,000 per year
• Cost for a single person: Approximately €2,000/month
• Cost for a family of four: About €3,500/month
• Taxes: Average tax rate of 37.4%

In-Demand Roles

Germany is actively seeking:

• IT specialists
• Engineers
• Healthcare professionals
• Skilled tradespersons

2. Portugal

Portugal, known for its stunning coastlines and warm locals, has a high percentage of elderly people and is in need of foreign workers to address labor shortages.

Visa Options

Portugal offers several visa options, including:

• D7 Visa for retirees with passive income
• D8 Visa for remote and freelance workers
• Golden Visa for investors
• Tech Visa and Jobseeker Visa for skilled professionals

Cost of Living and Salaries

• Average salary: €15,000–€25,000 per year
• Cost for a single person: Around €1,200/month
• Cost for a family of four: About €2,500/month
• Taxes: Average tax rate of 26.5%

In-Demand Roles

Portugal is hiring in various industries, including:

• Agricultural laborers
• Heavy truck drivers
• Mechanics
• Software developers
• Medical professionals

3. Spain

Spain is famous for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and rich cuisine. Although the unemployment rate is relatively high (12.3% overall, 26.4% among younger individuals), the country is still open to foreign workers, especially English speakers.

Visa Options

Spain offers:

• Entrepreneur Visa for starting a business
• EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals
• Work Visa for seasonal jobs

Cost of Living and Salaries

• Average salary: €27,000 per year
• Cost for a single person: €1,750/month
• Cost for a family of four: €3,000/month
• Taxes: Average tax rate of 22.1%

In-Demand Roles

• Data scientists
• Industrial engineers
• Business developers
• IT specialists
• Truck drivers (due to a labor shortage in transport)

4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offers a luxurious lifestyle along with numerous job opportunities.

Visa Options

The UAE has several visa categories, including:

• Standard Work Visa
• Green Visa
• Golden Visa for long-term residency, aimed at investors and highly talented individuals

Cost of Living and Salaries

• Average salary: AED 150,000–200,000 per year (€37,000–€50,000)
• Cost for a single person: AED 7,000/month (€1,700)
• Cost for a family of four: AED 15,000/month (€3,600)
• Taxes: Zero income taxes

In-Demand Roles

The UAE is looking for professionals in:

• Artificial intelligence
• Data science
• Cybersecurity
• Digital marketing
• Healthcare

5. Netherlands

The Netherlands is known for its picturesque canals and progressive culture. It is also ranked among the happiest countries in the world.

Visa Options

The Netherlands provides:

• Highly Skilled Migrant Visa
• Startup Visa for entrepreneurs

Cost of Living and Salaries

• Average salary: €35,000 per year
• Cost for a single person: €1,500/month
• Cost for a family of four: €3,500/month
• Taxes: Average tax rate of 27.3%

In-Demand Roles

Key industries hiring include:

• Software development
• Cybersecurity
• Marketing
• Financial analysis

Salary Comparison by Country

Here’s a brief comparison of how much different countries pay (after taxes):

Rank	Country	Salary (After Taxes)
1	Switzerland	Highest
2	Luxembourg	High
3	Singapore	High
7	UAE	Moderate
9	Netherlands	Moderate
12	Germany	Moderate
29	Spain	Low
41	Portugal	Low

Each country offers different opportunities, so whether you’re a software developer, healthcare professional, or agricultural worker, one of these nations might be the right fit for you.