Choosing where to live and work is one of the biggest decisions you can make for your career and lifestyle. In 2025, more people than ever are looking for the best countries to live and work in 2025 to secure better opportunities, lower costs, and an improved quality of life.
This guide ranks the top 10 countries to live and work based on practical factors that matter most to foreign workers.
We considered the ease of getting a work visa, job opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers, overall quality of life, cost of living, immigration policies, cultural fit, and how easy it is to get permanent residency.
Whether you are a skilled professional, tradesperson, healthcare worker, or remote freelancer, this list will help you find the country that offers the best balance between work opportunities, living conditions, and future security.
If you are considering relocation, these best countries to live and work in 2025 are your starting point.
How the Ranking Was Achieved
This ranking was created using a weighted scoring system based on seven key factors that are critical for foreigners looking to work and live abroad:
- Ease of Work Visa (15%) – How quickly and easily foreign workers can obtain a legal work visa or permit.
- Economic Opportunities & Job Market (20%) – Availability of jobs in high-demand sectors for both skilled and unskilled workers, unemployment rate, and wage potential.
- Quality of Life & Social Infrastructure (15%) – Safety, healthcare, education, transport, and overall living standards.
- Cost of Living & Affordability (10%) – How far salaries go when paying for housing, food, and other essentials.
- Immigration & Policy Environment (15%) – Whether the country’s policies are friendly, stable, and predictable for foreign workers.
- Culture Fit & Environment (10%) – Language accessibility, diversity, openness to foreigners, and climate.
- Ease of Permanent Residency (15%) – How straightforward it is to transition from a temporary work visa to PR or citizenship.
Each country was scored in these categories based on up-to-date immigration data, job market trends, and official government policy announcements. The final ranking balances immediate work opportunities with long-term settlement potential.
#10 — United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates remains one of the best countries to live and work in 2025 for professionals seeking tax-free income and thriving urban centers.
The UAE offers multiple work visa options, most of which are employer-sponsored.
For skilled workers, the Golden Visa program is a standout feature, granting long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals in high-demand fields.
The job market continues to grow rapidly, especially in construction, finance, hospitality, logistics, and technology.
While the cost of living in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is high, the absence of personal income tax makes take-home pay very attractive. This is a major advantage for foreigners seeking to save and build wealth.
The UAE has also introduced five- and ten-year visas to encourage talent retention and provide stability for foreign workers. However, permanent residency and citizenship remain limited and are granted only in exceptional cases.
This makes the UAE ideal for short- to mid-term career growth but less suitable for those who want citizenship.
Check out Dubai Work Visa Requirements 2025: Types, Eligibility, and Step-by-Step Guide
#9 — Singapore
Singapore is one of Asia’s leading hubs for finance, technology, and innovation. The country is known for its efficient work visa system through the Employment Pass (EP) program, which uses a points-based COMPASS framework to assess applicants.
This makes the process predictable for skilled professionals.
Singapore’s economy is stable, with strong demand for workers in finance, tech, biotech, and logistics. It consistently ranks high in safety, public transport, and healthcare quality, making it attractive for families and individuals alike.
However, the cost of living is among the highest in Asia, with housing being particularly expensive. Singapore has strict but transparent immigration rules, and while getting permanent residency is possible, it is competitive.
This country is best suited for highly skilled workers who want career advancement in a global hub and can manage the higher costs of living.
#8 — Portugal
Portugal is increasingly becoming a favorite for expats and remote workers due to its high quality of life, warm climate, and relatively low cost of living compared to other Western European nations.
The country offers accessible residency routes like the D7 visa for passive income earners and retirees, as well as the D8 digital nomad visa for remote workers.
Portugal’s job market is smaller compared to countries like Germany or Canada, but there are opportunities in tourism, hospitality, renewable energy, and tech startups.
Healthcare and education are affordable, and many services are available in English, making it easier for foreigners to settle.
While salaries may be lower than in other EU nations, the overall cost of living balances this out.
Portugal also offers a clear pathway to permanent residency and eventually citizenship, making it a strong choice for those seeking long-term settlement in the EU.
#7 — Netherlands
The Netherlands remains one of the most welcoming countries in Europe for skilled foreign workers.
Its Highly Skilled Migrant Program allows recognized employers to sponsor foreign professionals with clear salary thresholds, and the process is efficient.
The Dutch job market is strong, with demand in tech, logistics, engineering, and finance.
English is widely spoken, making cultural integration easier.
The Netherlands offers excellent healthcare, public transportation, and education, which contribute to its high quality of life ranking.
Cost of living is moderate to high, especially in cities like Amsterdam, but salaries are competitive.
Permanent residency is attainable after five years of legal stay, and the country’s immigration policies are stable and transparent.
If you’re looking for a European base with good work-life balance, the Netherlands is an excellent choice.
#6 — Germany
Germany is Europe’s economic powerhouse and has made significant reforms to attract skilled labor.
The EU Blue Card program and the Skilled Immigration Act have simplified pathways for both skilled professionals and vocationally trained workers to enter and work in Germany.
Demand is particularly high in engineering, IT, manufacturing, and healthcare. Germany offers strong labor rights, competitive wages, and excellent social infrastructure.
Cost of living varies by city, with Munich and Frankfurt being more expensive, while smaller cities are more affordable.
Permanent residency is possible after a few years of work, and the immigration process is transparent.
Germany is especially attractive for skilled professionals and tradespeople seeking stable long-term opportunities in the EU.
#5 — New Zealand
New Zealand offers one of the most straightforward pathways for skilled workers to transition from temporary work visas to permanent residency.
The Accredited Employer Work Visa is a key route, and new policies introduced in 2025 have expanded options for essential and skilled workers.
The job market is strong in healthcare, construction, agriculture, and IT. The country is renowned for its natural beauty, safety, and outdoor lifestyle, making it a favorite for those seeking work-life balance.
Cost of living can be high in Auckland and Wellington, but regional towns offer more affordable options.
New Zealand’s immigration policies are transparent, and its points-based residency system rewards those with skills that match labor shortages.
This makes it ideal for workers who want both career opportunities and a high quality of life.
#4 — Australia
Australia continues to be one of the best destinations for skilled migrants. Its skilled visa programs, such as the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (subclass 190), provide a clear path to permanent residency.
Australia has a strong job market, with opportunities in healthcare, IT, construction, mining, and education. The country is known for its high wages, good healthcare, and high quality of life.
Cost of living can be high in Sydney and Melbourne, but salaries usually compensate for it.
Immigration policies are stable, and many visas are points-tested, which makes the process transparent. Permanent residency and citizenship pathways are among the clearest in the world.
Australia is best suited for skilled professionals, tradespeople, and healthcare workers who are seeking a long-term future in a diverse and welcoming society.
#3 — Sweden
Sweden is a top choice for immigrant workers and professionals looking for work-life balance and social benefits. Its work permit system is structured and clear, allowing skilled workers to bring family members.
The country has a strong job market in IT, green technology, life sciences, and engineering.
Sweden is known for its excellent public services, gender equality, and focus on sustainability.
English proficiency is high, which helps foreigners integrate easily. The cost of living can be high, but the quality of social services offsets this.
Permanent residency is possible after four years of work, and the process is well-defined.
Sweden’s cultural environment is progressive and welcoming, making it a great option for families and professionals who value a high standard of living and a healthy work-life balance.
#2 — United States
The United States continues to be one of the best countries to live and work in 2025 due to its massive economy and global leadership in innovation.
he U.S. job market is particularly strong in technology, healthcare, finance, and engineering, offering some of the highest salaries and career advancement opportunities in the world..
The visa process can be complex, with popular options like the H-1B visa subject to a lottery system and strict annual quotas.
However, employer-sponsored pathways remain open for professionals with in-demand skills, and recent 2025 policy updates have streamlined some employment-based green card categories for faster processing.
Permanent residency is possible through employment-based green cards, though wait times vary by nationality and job category.
For highly skilled professionals who can secure sponsorship, the U.S. provides unparalleled access to top-tier companies, world-class research opportunities, and a dynamic career environment.
Apply for Jobs in the United States
#1 — Canada
Canada ranks #1 as the top choice among the best countries to live and work in 2025 thanks to its balanced mix of job opportunities, quality of life, and accessible immigration pathways.
Programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and the Global Talent Stream make it easy for skilled workers to obtain work permits and transition to permanent residency.
Canada’s job market is thriving, especially in healthcare, technology, engineering, and skilled trades. Salaries are competitive, and workers enjoy universal healthcare, a high standard of education, and a safe, inclusive environment.
While the cost of living can be high in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, mid-sized cities and smaller provinces offer more affordable options and additional immigration incentives.
Canada’s predictable immigration policies and clear PR pathways make it ideal for individuals seeking both immediate work opportunities and long-term settlement.
For foreign workers in 2025, Canada represents the perfect balance of career growth, family security, and future stability. Apply for Jobs in Canada
How to Choose the Right Country
Selecting the right destination from the best countries to live and work in 2025 depends on your goals, lifestyle preferences, and long-term plans.
Use this simple checklist to guide your decision:
- Clarify Your Goals: Decide whether your main priority is career growth, higher salary, better work-life balance, or a clear pathway to permanent residency.
- Research Job Market Demand: Check government skill shortage lists or labor market reports to see if your profession is in demand in your preferred countries.
- Evaluate Visa Options: Compare work visa types, processing times, and requirements. Look for programs that can transition into permanent residency if long-term settlement is your goal.
- Analyze Cost of Living: Consider housing, taxes, healthcare, and transportation costs. Use online cost-of-living calculators to estimate your net income.
- Assess Quality of Life: Look at healthcare, education, safety, infrastructure, and cultural amenities to determine how comfortable daily life will be.
- Consider Cultural Fit: Think about language, climate, social values, and how welcoming the country is to foreigners.
- Prepare Documentation Early: Get educational credential assessments, language test results, and professional licenses ready to speed up the immigration process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best country to live and work in 2025?
Canada ranks #1 because it combines job opportunities, a high quality of life, and easy permanent residency pathways.
2. Which country has the easiest work visa process?
New Zealand and Canada have straightforward visa systems, especially for skilled professionals.
3. What is the cheapest country to live and work from the list?
Portugal offers one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe, making it budget-friendly for expats.
4. Which country is best for unskilled workers?
The UAE and Canada provide opportunities for unskilled and semi-skilled workers, especially in construction, hospitality, and seasonal jobs.
5. Can I get permanent residency easily in these countries?
Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have well-defined PR pathways that reward skilled workers.
6. Which country is best for tech professionals in 2025?
The U.S., Canada, Singapore, and Germany have the strongest tech sectors and high demand for IT workers.
7. How do I compare cost of living before moving?
Use tools like Numbeo or Expatistan to compare expenses for housing, food, utilities, and transportation.
8. What documents do I need to apply for a work visa?
You’ll typically need a passport, job offer, educational credentials, language test scores, and proof of funds.
9. How long does it take to get permanent residency?
It varies — Canada’s Express Entry can take as little as 6–12 months, while other countries may take several years.
10. Do I need to speak the local language to work abroad?
Not always — English is widely used in Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands, but countries like Germany or Portugal may require local language skills for certain roles.
Conclusion
Choosing the right destination is about more than chasing a high salary — it’s about finding a country where you can build a sustainable career, enjoy a great quality of life, and secure your long-term future.
The best countries to live and work in 2025 were ranked based on work visa accessibility, job market strength, cost of living, quality of life, cultural fit, and ease of obtaining permanent residency.
Whether you are considering Canada for its straightforward PR process, Australia for its points-based skilled migration system, or the UAE for its tax-free earnings, the key is to match your skills and personal goals with the country’s labor demand and immigration policies.
