Best countries in Europe to Live and Work for Indians in 2026: Visa Options & Average Salaries

Are you looking to relocate for better career and lifestyle opportunities abroad? The best countries in Europe to live and work in for Indians in 2026 are becoming increasingly attractive, thanks to high paying jobs, strong immigrant communities, and inclusive immigration policies.

According to Eurostat 2024 data, over 850,000 Indians are residing in Europe, specifically contributing to sectors like IT, healthcare and engineering. Let us further explore the top countries in Europe to live and work for Indians.

Best Countries in Europe to Live and Work for Indians in 2026

Along with the various benefits of working in Europe, coupled with affordable healthcare, quality education, and high standards of living, the continent offers a perfect blend of professional and personal advancement for migrants. So what are the top countries in Europe for Indians:

1. Germany

One of the leading global economies and the largest exporter of goods, there are tremendous career opportunities in Germany for career-oriented and abroad work options locators. Germany is home to many Global conglomerates and a majorly great destination for engineers, among other domains.

Ranked 22 (World Happiness Index), the German cities have a variety of offerings to expats in terms of Healthcare, paid leaves, along with unmatchable experiences. The Innovative European country, Germany might be slightly higher in terms of cost of living compared to a few countries, but it is certainly less expensive compared to many other European countries.

Benefits of employment in Germany

• Germany is one of the best countries to work in Europe, offering you an enriching culture and diversity along with a great work-life balance.
• The best part is that employees work at most 27 hours a week, along with outstanding healthcare, generously paid leaves, and many more benefits.
• Regardless of the place or city, you choose in the country you get to experience the eclectic charm which imbibes in its every nerve.
• Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt are the most popular countries among international expats.

Types of Germany Work Visa

• Directly applying for a work visa might be challenging, rather it is suggestive to opt for a Germany Opportunity Card which would allow you to arrive in the country and search for jobs firsthand and in person.
• On securing a job you can proceed with the application process for the work visa.
• The work environment in Germany, however, is highly competitive yet huge in terms of opportunities, for you to secure a job here your Networking could come to your aid.

Average Salary

The average Gross Salary in Germany for expats is 54,800 EUR.

First Residence Permits (Employment Reason) issued in 2021 in Germany

*Source: Eurostat

2. The Netherlands

The Netherlands has been among the favorite destinations for people and immigrants, thanks to factors like quality of life, work-life balance, etc. Also, as per the 2024 Happiness Index ranking, the Netherlands has been ranked 5th considering its safety standards, social programs, and for being the strong economy.

The Netherlands has been an active seeker of international entrepreneurs and has great initiatives and programs in its pockets to help these entrepreneurs start their own companies in the Netherlands or even to become investors in local companies.

Along with the investor support programs Netherlands also has a huge market for employment opportunities in different sectors or domains. However, since the country is focused on promoting Sustainable energy and a cleaner, healthier environment, the Netherlands is a sure-shot destination for expats in the tech and energy sectors.

Benefits of employment in the Netherlands

• To work in the Netherlands, you would need a company sponsorship (only for non-Europeans).
• The different benefits that we can highlight working in the Netherlands are that you would enjoy a minimum of 20 vacation days yearly, holiday allowances, 16 weeks of maternity leave, and many more.
• The working structure in the Netherlands is in such a way that it ensures the healthy work-life balance of the employee.
• If you are among those who want to start working in the Netherlands but are not sure of the way, then the suggestion is to take up an internship first.
• The cost of living space is relatively higher in this country, hence the destination is not suitable for people with aim of short-term or temporary employment.

Types of Netherlands Work Visa

You will require a work visa sponsorship for relocating to the Netherlands. Try to learn the Dutch language before your interview, at least the basics, as this would prove your interest and enthusiasm for working in the Netherlands. (You can learn the language online or can travel to the Netherlands for a few days on a tourist visa to learn the language intensively).

The Netherlands offers different types of visas for employees and employers:

1. You can apply for a work visa (the employer needs to sponsor you and this visa would expire on your exit from the company)
2. Start-Up Visa will help you to reside in the country for a year to develop new business ideas and lastly
3. The Freelance or self-employment visa helps you work through your small business ideas.

Also Read: How To Get a Job in Europe From India in 10 Simple Steps?

Average Salary in Netherlands

The average Gross Salary in the Netherlands for expats is 44,000 EUR

First Residence Permits (Employment Reason) issued in 2021 in Denmark

*Source: Eurostat

Denmark

Ranked 2nd in the World Happiness Index Ranking, Denmark is a promoter of outstanding work-life balance and social welfare resources, it is one of the safest and happiest havens in the world. Denmark brings you the experience of a high standard of living, and the least income inequalities hence promoting happy residents in the entire of Europe.

Danish is the primary language of the country, while English is well known to be the bi language in the country for the residents’ fluency in the language is great. As per the European Investment Bank Report (Investment), Denmark is among the top productive countries in Europe.

Benefits of employment in Denmark

Though the cost of living in Denmark can be termed expensive, the takeaway here is that the average salaries in the country are as well quite high, and the best benefit is that the working hours are much lesser compared to many other countries.

• Nested between the two prominent countries Sweden and Germany, Denmark stands as a crucial trade route since primitive and the relations withstand till date.
• Following the flat organization structure, Danish is the major promoter of a teamwork culture, hence resulting in increased employee satisfaction.
• Finally, as we have mentioned before, Denmark is an English-speaking country, so if you are fluent in English, you will be able to secure employment and be welcomed into the country.

Types of Denmark Work Visas

• Denmark offers various work visa schemes to immigrants. Trainee Visa is one of the most popular options for migrants (young adults) willing to gain professional connections, strengthen their resumes, and find full-time employment.
• To work in Denmark on full-time employment you would as well need to acquire a residence permit along with the work permit.
• Depending on the migrant’s requirements and circumstances, he or she can opt for a fast-track scheme if they, or already have a job offer in hand that is certified by SIRI.

Average Salary

The average Gross Salary in Denmark for expats is 571,212 DKK which is 76,544 EUR

First Residence Permits (Employment Reason) issued in 2021 in Denmark

*Source: Eurostat

Sweden

Sweden has been one of the most favored destinations for immigrants to live and work and is among the top 5 (4th rank) best countries as per the World Happiness Index report 2024.

Located in the middle part of the European continent, Sweden is the most preferential place for Operations in Northern Europe. The country has a great understanding of globalized humanity.

The Swedish market has been rapidly upgrading and becoming competitive with other European nations and aiding many Start-up businesses. Sweden is an excellent place to live, thanks to the welcoming and friendly residents, Work Life Balance in Sweden, excellent corporate culture, public services, and many more.

Benefits of employment in Sweden

• Swedish employment markets have been popular for providing a healthy job market, worker’s rights, and hefty payouts.
• Sweden is certainly the best country to work in Europe at present and why is that? because Sweden's employment markets are emerging, and the opportunities are vast in the country.
• Sweden has the seventh highest employment rate globally, providing strong benefits packages to its employees like a minimum of 25 days of vacation yearly along with vacation benefits, 14 weeks of paid Maternity leave along with 10 days of paternity leave.
• Sweden strictly follows 40 hours of weekly working and any amount of time above that spent is considered overtime and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• The social security benefits are quite remarkable in Sweden.

Types of Sweden Work Visas

One of the best offerings by Sweden is the Sweden Job Seeker Visa which is offered to migrants for them to arrive in the country and continue their job search.

Once you have a job offer in hand you are further eligible to apply for a work visa to ensure your working and stay in the country.

The Swedish government offers different types of work visas to immigrants that include:

1. Sweden Work Permit (Employer-sponsored)
2. Infra–Company Transfer
3. Business Visa
4. Self-employment Visa
5. Working Holiday Visa
6. EU Blue card

Learn All You Need To Know About EU Blue Card

Average Salary

The average Gross Salary in Sweden for expats is 552,000 SEK which is 49,014 EUR.

First Residence Permits (Employment Reason) issued in 2021 in Sweden

*Source: Eurostat

Explore Sweden’s Job Market & Various Aspects

Norway

Norway is ranked 7th best country as per the World Happiness Report 2024, offering awesome opportunities to the working class and their families by ensuring a well-balanced work life along with the chance to live Scandinavian beauty. Norway is famous for having the highest concentrations of Fords in the world, along with abundant forests and wildlife.

The country offers its residents the benefit of a cosmopolitan lifestyle, having a great composition of diverse cultures and urban populations along with a great environment to explore and experience. The country is also great in terms of offering different choices of restaurants, food, and amazing social life.

Norway ranks 9th in oil production and 3rd in gas production in Europe, giving a lot of job opportunities. Not just limited to it, Norway is great in the sectors like IT, engineering, Telecommunication, and transport offering expats with competitive job opportunities and self-employment.

Benefits of employment in Norway

Norway is known as one of the best countries for work not just in Europe but all around the world.

Norway is considered the 2nd happiest workforce in the world, while the interesting point here is that the work lifestyle is kind of passive and flexible, that is you work only about 7.5 hours a day.

Along with the work-life benefit the other major benefits include

1. At least 25 working days off
2. 48 weeks of paid parental leaves along with Paternity andMaternity leaves
3. 12 months of unpaid parental leaves post the paid parental leaves consumed
4. Pension and retirement contributions
5. Insurance
6. Excellent education structure and many more

Types of Norway Work Visas immigrants need to apply for a Norway work visa to live and work in the country.

• The most common type of work Visa in Norway is the Skilled worker Visa.
• Norway Work Visa also popularly known as the Norwegian Residence Permit for Work is issued with a validity of two years with the option of renewal for the same period which is 2 years.

Average Salary

The average Gross Salary in Norway for expats is 550,068 NOK which is 50,934 EUR

First Residence Permits (Employment Reason) issued in 2021 in Norway

*Source: Eurostat

The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is recognized as one of the best countries even for Americans to relocate to. The UK has been one of the most economically developed countries competitive with America in terms of offering employment, setting up businesses, and freelancing, along with social and health benefits. Irrespective of being ranked 23 as per World Happiness Report 2024, Living in the UK you do not have to face the barriers to language along with the benefits of exploring and experiencing Britain’s beauty and landscape.

The UK is a summation of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and is a beautiful island nation towards the western side of Europe. It is home to many renowned universities like Oxford, Cambridge, etc the UK offers an excellent education structure.

Living in the UK you do not have to face the barriers to language along with the benefits of exploring and experiencing Britain’s beauty and landscape.

Benefits of employment in the United Kingdom

• The UK is known for its high standard of living along with the benefits of diversity and culture and most importantly no language barrier.
• Working in developed nations like the UK you get the benefits of 48 paid leaves per year, lesser weekly working hours, competitive salaries along with social security benefits.
• In terms of educational benefits for families, the UK is known to provide one of the best educational Infrastructures and pedagogy along with top-notch facilitators, practical expertise, and research options to help the overall development of the student.

Types of UK Work Visas

There are different options to work visas in the United Kingdom, and the most common way to move to the UK includes the intra-transfer company work visa.

Along with work visas, the nation also offers Investor visas for potential investors in the UK. The different types of work visas include

1. Skilled worker visa
2. Specialist worker visa
3. Health and Care worker visa
4. Scale-Up Worker Visa
5. Minister of Religion Visa (T2)
6. International Sportsperson Visa

Average Salary

The average Gross Salary in the UK for expats is GBP 37,430

Work visas Granted in the United Kingdom in 2021

*Source: Gov.UK

Portugal

One of the best countries for the working class in Europe. From offering a great quality of life to a favorable climate to economic development to excellent education, Portugal has it all. As per Global Peace Index 2025, Portugal has been ranked 7 and ranks 60 in the World Happiness Index 2024 Report.

Portugal has been on the friendlier front while welcoming foreigners and imbibing plenty of opportunities to increase cultural integration into the country, making it one of the easiest countries to live and settle in. This Portuguese nation offers a huge bag of advantages along with being welcoming that include safety (low crime rate), fresh ocean breeze, warm climate, Entertainment, and Recreation, the best part here is that all of this is available at affordability.

Benefits of Employment in Portugal

• The cost of living in Portugal is relatively very low compared to 60% of the other European countries like Switzerland, Austria, the UK, Spain, etc and life here in the country is considered very inexpensive.
• Non Habitual Residence Tax status is an advantage of tax exemption on income earned abroad (as long as it is taxed at source) and if we take a peek into the income tax rates of skilled professionals like executives, programmers, engineers, etc, is just between 20% to at max 48%.
• One of the best advantages of Portugal is you get paid 14 times a year, that is along with 12 months of salary payment, you as well get to grab the 2 additional salaries – one a Christmas bonus (December 15th) and the other as a holiday bonus (usually around June).
• Employees in Portugal contributing to Social security are eligible for basic insurance by the government that covers healthcare, education, paid parental leave, and unemployment aid.

Types of Portugal Work Visas

In order to work in Portugal land non-EU nationals, need to apply for a Portugal Work Visa.

Further for you to live in the country for the long term on arrival you would have to apply for a Residency Permit.

There are three types of work residency visas offered in Portugal namely

1. Type 1 visa (Residency visa is a Permanent residency visa)
2. Type 2 Visa (resettlement visa for relatives of Portugal citizens)
3. Type 3 visa (resettlement visa for relatives of permanent (non-citizens) residents of Portugal)

Average Salary

The average Gross Salary in Portugal for expats is 33,800 EUR

First Residence Permits (Employment Reason) issued in 2021 in Portugal

*Source: Eurostat

Finland

The World Happiness Report 2024 states that Finland is one of the happiest countries in the world to live in (sustained the position for the fifth time in a row). The Nordic country is best known to offer social and economic security along with many more notable benefits making it an ideal destination for individuals and families.

Finland offers abundant nature to experience which is simply glorious, along with 40 national parks, the longest archipelago in the world, meadows, forests, and many more, bringing in endless enjoyment opportunities. Winters brings out Finland’s greatest beauty, which amazes outsiders and the country’s residents.

Benefits of employment in Finland

• Finland is often considered one of the most gender-equal societies in the world, with equal pay and equal opportunities for men and women
• Finland offers awesome Healthcare, well–managed Safety, an outstanding education system for children, and long maternity and paternity leave.
• The cost of living in Finland, compared to 80% of the countries around the world can be termed as high, however, if we ponder into the efforts of the government with respect, to the concern and care that the government makes sure to ensure the wellness, security, and nurturing of its citizens which is truly commendable.

Types of Finland Work Visas

• Finland offers various work visa schemes to immigrants. A Residence Visa is the most common among the working class. There are three types of visas under the residence permit for an employed person – Continuous (A), Temporary (B), and Permanent (P).
• The temporary Residence Visa is issued for a maximum of 12 months usually unless the person is applying for an explicitly shorter duration (fixed term). The ongoing residence permit has the chance of extension to a maximum of 3 years.
• The other forms of visas offered are a Business Visa issued for a maximum of 90 days, (applicable to employees who will not be staying back in the country) and a Residence permit for Self-Employment for personnel involving businessmen. Individuals within a company, cooperative leaders, etc.

Average Salary

The average Gross Salary in Finland for expats is 43,440 EUR

First Residence Permits (Employment Reason) issued in 2021 in Finland

*Source: Eurostat

Make your way to Europe Job Markets With GetGIS

Though the top 10 reasons for migration vary, the best countries in Europe to live and work for Indians offer a mix of economic opportunities, cultural diversity, and high living standards. European countries irrespective of the requirements provide varied visa options to help you make right choice based on your profession, language adaptability, and long term goals.

For personalised guidance to the visa process, job search assistance and more consider reaching out to GetGIS. Our team is here to ensures your timely and safe immigration to Europe. 

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