Best Countries to Live in Europe 2025: How to Choose?
Looking for a new start in Europe this year? Whether you’re searching for better job opportunities, a change in lifestyle, or just more sunshine, 2025 is offering some exciting destinations across the continent.
In this guide, we highlight the top places to move abroad in Europe based on updated quality of life indexes, job market trends, and expat-friendly opportunities, with a special focus on Spain, Portugal, France and Greece.
📍 Where Is the Best Place to Move Abroad in Europe?
To be honest, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The "best" place to live depends on WHO you are and WHAT you value.
If you’re looking for strong economies and structured systems, countries like Germany, Switzerland, or Sweden may be ideal for you. On the other hand, if your priorities lean more toward sunshine, sea, and slower living, then Spain, Portugal, or Greece might be the better match.
Ultimately, your best destination is the one that aligns with your own lifestyle, career goals, and personal values. That’s why many people turn to tools like the OECD’s Better Life Index, which evaluates countries based on:
Housing
Income
Job Opportunities
Community
Education
Environment
Civic Engagement
Health System
Life Satisfaction
Safety
Work-Life Balance
These indicators help build a more complete picture of what life is really like in each country, so you can decide what matters most for you in your move abroad.
🌟 Top Countries for Quality of Life in 2025
According to the latest Numbeo Quality of Life Index, the best-ranking European countries are:
Luxembourg (220.1)
Netherlands (211.3)
Denmark (209.9)
Switzerland (205.0)
Finland (203.8)
Iceland (202.7)
Austria (197.4)
Norway (196.8)
Germany (194.3)
France (178.5)
Sweden (176.2)
Spain (174.7)
Estonia (170.2)
Slovenia (169.8)
Portugal (165.9)
These countries lead with strong healthcare, public safety, infrastructure, and overall satisfaction. But beyond the usual leaders, new trends are emerging in Southern Europe, where a more relaxed lifestyle, affordable living, and international job demand are making countries like Spain, Portugal, and Greece increasingly attractive.
Spain: Recovery, Growth & Sunshine 🇪🇸
Spain is bouncing back. After a few challenging years, its economy is regaining momentum:
Unemployment is dropping, with projections around 10.9% in 2025 (OECD).
GDP growth is estimated at +2.3% this year, supported by tourism, tech, and domestic demand.
Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Valencia are expanding their international job markets — especially in customer service, tech, and digital services.
But let’s not forget the lifestyle: 300+ days of sun, vibrant food culture, affordable rent compared to northern hubs, and a great work-life balance make Spain a top pick for expats.
Portugal: Tech Jobs, Tax Breaks & Coastal Life🇵🇹
Portugal continues to charm expats with its welcoming culture and growing economy:
Lisbon and Porto are booming tech and startup hubs.
The minimum wage rose to €870/month, with average net salaries now around €1,270.
A new 10-year tax break for under-35s is boosting youth attraction.
Digital nomads are flocking to the Algarve and Madeira thanks to friendly visa options and strong expat communities.
Portugal offers one of Europe’s best balances between career and lifestyle: ocean views, low crime, friendly locals, and quality healthcare.
Greece: Opportunity Amid Labor Shortage 🇬🇷
Greece might surprise you in 2025. Despite economic ups and downs, the country is seeing:
Over 300,000 job vacancies, especially in tourism, hospitality, and agriculture.
A record-breaking summer ahead, with 80,000+ food and hotel jobs still open.
Affordable cost of living, especially outside tourist-heavy zones.
Growing international roles in Athens and Thessaloniki, supported by EU-backed employment initiatives.
Add to that the beauty of the islands, a rich cultural life, and great Mediterranean weather, and you’ve got a hidden gem.
France: High Quality of Life, But Language Matters🇫🇷
France continues to rank well in quality-of-life studies in 2025, with an estimated Numbeo index score around 170–180, placing it within Europe’s top 10. The country offers a strong public healthcare system, an efficient transport network, rich culture, and world-renowned cuisine.
Major cities like Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Nantes attract many expats for their professional opportunities and vibrant urban life. However, non-French speakers may face challenges when it comes to integration and job access, especially outside of international companies.
While France may not be the easiest destination in terms of language, for those open to embracing the local culture and learning French, it offers a rewarding long-term experience.
Other Top Contenders
Germany: Strong economy, diverse industries, and solid infrastructure.
Netherlands: English-speaking jobs, excellent quality of life, and high expat satisfaction.
Ireland & Belgium: Competitive salaries and access to large international employers.
Austria & Finland: Great public services, clean cities, and work-life balance.
🔍 Employment Opportunities in 2025: A Key Factor to Watch
One important criterion if you want to move abroad is to check the employment opportunities and in 2025, Europe offers a mix of stability and innovation.
Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Ireland continue to show strong demand for professionals in engineering, tech, finance, and healthcare. Meanwhile, Spain, Portugal, and Greece are booming in multilingual roles, customer service, tourism, and digital support, making them increasingly attractive for expats.
Remote work also continues to expand, allowing talent from across Europe to access international companies without needing to move immediately. Additionally, EU-wide programs and national initiatives are making visa processes more accessible for skilled foreign workers.
Before relocating, research the sectors in demand, the ease of entering the local job market, and whether your language skills match the roles available.
Sources: Indeed Hiring Lab & European Commission
🌐 How to Choose the Right Country to live for You
When considering a move abroad, think beyond just salary. Here are key factors to weigh:
Quality of Life: Healthcare, safety, climate, and daily happiness.
Job Market & Language: Is your native or second language in demand?
Cost of Living vs Salary: Make sure your income covers your lifestyle.
Visa & Relocation Support: Some countries offer easier paths than others.
Community & Integration: Do expats feel welcome and connected?
Whether you're dreaming of Lisbon, Athens, or Barcelona, Blu Selection helps you find international jobs that match your language skills and lifestyle.
We connect you with opportunities in customer service, sales, tech, and more, in some of Europe’s most exciting cities. Plus, we support you with relocation tips, local insights, and personalized guidance.
Need help deciding where to go next? Contact us, we’re here to help you find the right destination, the right job, and the right start. 🚀
Want to know more about the salary you can ask? Have a look to our last Salary Benchmark for Barcelona, Paris, Lisbon and Athens 2024/25 for entry-level jobs.
