Moving abroad for work is one of the most transformative career decisions you can make. But with 195 countries to choose from, where do you start?
This guide ranks the best countries for expats in 2026 based on four factors: salary potential, quality of life, visa accessibility, and English-friendliness of the job market.
How We Ranked Countries
Each country is scored on:
- 💰 Salary: Average tech/professional salary vs. cost of living
- 🌍 Visa ease: How straightforward it is to get a work visa as a non-citizen
- 🏥 Quality of life: Healthcare, safety, infrastructure, work-life balance
- 🗣️ English jobs: Availability of English-language roles
🥇 1. Canada
Best for: Long-term immigration, tech professionals, healthcare workers
Canada consistently ranks as the top destination for skilled workers. The Express Entry system is transparent, points-based, and has no lottery — if you score high enough, you get an invitation to apply.
- Average tech salary: CAD $95,000–$130,000 (~USD $70,000–$95,000)
- Visa ease: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Express Entry is the gold standard
- Quality of life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Universal healthcare, safety, multiculturalism
- English jobs: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — English is an official language
Top cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary
Best for roles: Software engineering, data science, healthcare, finance
Tip: Apply for Express Entry while job searching. You don't need a job offer to get permanent residency, though it boosts your score.
🥈 2. Germany
Best for: Engineers, IT professionals, EU Blue Card seekers
Germany has a critical shortage of 137,000+ IT workers and has made it easier than ever for skilled non-EU professionals to relocate. The EU Blue Card provides a clear, fast pathway.
- Average tech salary: €60,000–€90,000 (~USD $65,000–$98,000)
- Visa ease: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Blue Card is straightforward, no lottery
- Quality of life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Excellent healthcare, safety, public transport
- English jobs: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Most tech companies operate in English
Top cities: Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt
Best for roles: Software engineering, data, DevOps, product management
🥉 3. Netherlands
Best for: English speakers, tech workers, finance professionals
The Netherlands is arguably the most English-friendly non-English-speaking country in the world. Nearly 95% of Dutch people speak English fluently, and Amsterdam's tech scene is booming.
- Average tech salary: €55,000–€85,000 + 30% tax ruling for expats
- Visa ease: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Highly Skilled Migrant visa is fast (2–4 weeks)
- Quality of life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Cycling culture, excellent work-life balance
- English jobs: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Most companies work entirely in English
Top cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Utrecht
Best for roles: Tech, finance, marketing, product
30% Tax Ruling: Expats in the Netherlands may qualify for a 30% tax-free allowance on their salary for up to 5 years. This significantly boosts take-home pay.
4. Australia
Best for: Healthcare workers, engineers, outdoor lifestyle seekers
Australia has a strong points-based immigration system and high demand for skilled workers across tech, healthcare, and engineering. The lifestyle is a major draw.
- Average tech salary: AUD $100,000–$140,000 (~USD $65,000–$92,000)
- Visa ease: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Points-based, clear pathways
- Quality of life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Climate, safety, healthcare
- English jobs: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — English is the official language
Top cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
Best for roles: Software engineering, healthcare, construction, education
5. Ireland
Best for: US professionals, tech workers, EU access
Ireland is the European headquarters for Google, Meta, Apple, LinkedIn, and dozens of other US tech giants. It's English-speaking, has a young population, and offers a gateway to the EU.
- Average tech salary: €60,000–€95,000
- Visa ease: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Critical Skills Employment Permit is fast
- Quality of life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Excellent, though housing costs are high in Dublin
- English jobs: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — English is the primary language
Top cities: Dublin, Cork, Galway
Best for roles: Software engineering, sales, marketing, finance
6. Singapore
Best for: Finance professionals, Asia-Pacific hub seekers
Singapore is Asia's financial and tech hub. Tax rates are low, salaries are high, and the city-state is one of the safest in the world.
- Average tech salary: SGD $80,000–$130,000 (~USD $60,000–$97,000)
- Visa ease: ⭐⭐⭐ — Employment Pass requires employer sponsorship
- Quality of life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Safe, efficient, but expensive
- English jobs: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — English is an official language
Top cities: Singapore (city-state)
Best for roles: Finance, tech, consulting, logistics
7. Portugal
Best for: Remote workers, digital nomads, lifestyle seekers
Portugal has become a hotspot for remote workers and expats thanks to its low cost of living, warm climate, and the D8 Digital Nomad Visa. Lisbon and Porto have thriving startup scenes.
- Average tech salary: €30,000–€55,000 (lower than Western Europe)
- Visa ease: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — D8 Digital Nomad Visa, NHR tax regime
- Quality of life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Climate, food, safety, cost of living
- English jobs: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Many international companies, English widely spoken
Top cities: Lisbon, Porto, Braga
Best for roles: Remote work, startups, tech
NHR Tax Regime: Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident status offers a flat 20% tax rate on Portuguese-sourced income for 10 years. Ideal for remote workers.
8. United Kingdom
Best for: Finance professionals, experienced tech workers
Post-Brexit, the UK has its own immigration system. The Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 visa and is available for roles paying above the salary threshold.
- Average tech salary: £55,000–£90,000
- Visa ease: ⭐⭐⭐ — Skilled Worker visa requires employer sponsorship
- Quality of life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — World-class culture, healthcare (NHS)
- English jobs: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — English is the official language
Top cities: London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol
Best for roles: Finance, tech, consulting, media
9. New Zealand
Best for: Lifestyle seekers, healthcare workers, outdoor enthusiasts
New Zealand offers a high quality of life, stunning nature, and a welcoming immigration system. It's less competitive than Australia but has a smaller job market.
- Average tech salary: NZD $90,000–$120,000 (~USD $55,000–$73,000)
- Visa ease: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Skilled Migrant Category
- Quality of life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Nature, safety, work-life balance
- English jobs: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — English is the official language
Top cities: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
Best for roles: Healthcare, IT, engineering, agriculture
10. UAE (Dubai)
Best for: High earners, finance/tech professionals, tax-free income
Dubai offers zero income tax, world-class infrastructure, and a rapidly growing tech scene. The cost of living is high but so are salaries.
- Average tech salary: AED $250,000–$400,000 (~USD $68,000–$109,000) — tax-free
- Visa ease: ⭐⭐⭐ — Employer-sponsored, or Golden Visa for high earners
- Quality of life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Luxury infrastructure, but hot climate
- English jobs: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Business language is English
Top cities: Dubai, Abu Dhabi
Best for roles: Finance, tech, consulting, real estate
Quick Comparison Table
| Country | Salary (USD equiv.) | Visa Ease | English Jobs | QoL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $70–95K | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Germany | $65–98K | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Netherlands | $60–93K | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Australia | $65–92K | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ireland | $66–104K | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Singapore | $60–97K | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Portugal | $33–60K | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| UK | $70–114K | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| New Zealand | $55–73K | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| UAE | $68–109K | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How to Start Your Search
Once you've chosen your target country, use Global Job Scanner to search across LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and 20+ other platforms simultaneously. Filter by country and role to see all available opportunities in one place — no more switching between 10 different tabs.
The world is hiring. Pick your destination and start searching today.