The world is more connected than ever, and in 2025, “home” does not have to mean one place forever. Whether you are chasing career growth, a healthier lifestyle, or simply more sun and sea, this guide explores the top countries where professionals thrive, and life feels just a little more like a dream.

1. Australia

Average expat salary: USD 60,185

Australia blends career opportunity with exceptional lifestyle benefits. From the urban dynamism of Sydney to the coastal charm of Fremantle, it is a top pick for expats.

• Quality of life: Australia scores highly in liveability metrics – great healthcare, education, cultural diversity, plus year-round outdoor attractions.
• Job market: Strong in finance, technology, healthcare, engineering, renewable energy, mining, and tourism.
• Work culture: Standard 38‑hour week with generous leave and legal protections. Most teams favour flexible hours and inclusive environments.
• Cost of living: High in major cities but counterbalanced by public services and strong salaries.
• Healthcare: Universal Medicare, covering essential services; private insurance is common for additional access.

Australia offers a compelling combination of high earnings, progressive society, and excellent public systems – ideal for anyone seeking professional and personal growth.

2. Finland

Average expat salary: USD 58,000

Finland’s Nordic stability, unmatched public services, and natural beauty make it a consistently top-ranked destination.

• Quality of life: One of the world’s happiest countries; safe, clean, and communally oriented.
• Sectors: Tech, gaming, clean energy, education, and R&D.
• Work culture: 37.5‑hour week, five-week annual leave, abundant family-focused policies.
• Healthcare: Fully public, accessible and high performing.

Finland is an ideal choice for those who value social equality, innovation, and family life.

3. Ireland

Average expat salary: USD 67,000

Ireland presents an appealing mix of economic opportunity, cultural charm, and Anglo-European lifestyle.

• Quality of life: Friendly, safe, and multicultural, with vibrant urban and rural communities.
• Sectors: Tech, life sciences, finance, exports and startups.
• Work culture: 39‑hour average week; flexible options are growing in popularity.
• Healthcare: Public + optional private insurance.

Ireland combines modern job markets with a close-knit society and high living standards.

4. Canada

Average expat salary: USD 70,000

Canada’s combination of inclusivity, public services, and career opportunity makes it an enduring favourite.

• Quality of life: Consistently ranks high in safety, education, and environmental friendliness.
• Sectors: Healthcare, IT, finance, engineering, renewable energy.
• Work culture: 37.5–40-hour week, with strong protections and generous leave.
• Healthcare: Public, provincially administered Medicare system.

Canada offers stability, diversity, and global opportunity; a top pick for families and individuals seeking quality and growth.

5. The Netherlands

Average expat salary: USD 65,600

A model of modern efficiency, social progress, and connectivity, the Netherlands is popular among international professionals.

• Quality of life: High-standard public services, bike-friendly cities, and safe neighbourhoods.
• Sectors: Fintech, logistics, creative industries, and sustainable development.
• Work culture: 36–40-hour week, strong employee rights, excellent parental policies.
• Healthcare: Mandatory, regulated private insurance for all residents.

A hub for English speaking professionals who value balance, innovation, and infrastructure.

6. Norway

Average expat salary: USD 72,000

Norway provides one of the world’s most equitable, safe, and environmentally advanced settings.

• Quality of life: Regularly lives high indices for happiness, clean living, and equality.
• Sectors: Energy, maritime, cleantech, and digital services.
• Work culture: 37.5-hour week, generous leave, robust family policies.
• Healthcare: Comprehensive public coverage with minimal out-of-pocket costs.

Norway is a strong choice for professionals seeking wellbeing, work balance, and environmental focus.

7. Germany

Average expat salary: USD 60,000–70,000

Germany conveys economic strength, possesses cultural richness, and strong institutions.

• Quality of life: High safety, efficient transport, and rich cultural offerings.
• Sectors: Engineering, automotive, tech, finance, renewables.
• Work culture: 35–40 hours per week, regulated, union-supported environments.
• Healthcare: Dual public-private insurance system.

Germany is ideal for those focused on career, technical skill, and long-term stability.

8. Austria

Average expat salary: USD 60,000

With a mixture of cultural heritage, ease of living, and central location, Austria appeals widely.

• Quality of life: Vienna is ranked highly for liveability, safety, and green spaces.
• Sectors: Manufacturing, engineering, healthcare, tourism.
• Work culture: 38.5‑hour week; highly regulated holiday and parental policies.
• Healthcare: Universal public system with optional private top-ups.

Austria is a perfect blend of medieval charm and modern systems for expats and families.

9. Switzerland

Average expat salary: USD 100,000+

High wages, multilingual richness, and political neutrality make Switzerland a compelling destination.

• Quality of life: Among the highest globally; blending urban sophistication and Alpine tranquillity.
• Sectors: Finance, pharma, engineering, research, international organisations.
• Work culture: 40‑42-hour week; efficient and protective labour regulations.
• Healthcare: Mandatory private insurance guarantees high standards and fast access.

Switzerland is ideal for those who value security, salary, and a central European hub.

10. New Zealand

Average expat salary: USD 55,000

New Zealand is a natural choice for those craving freedom, safety, and community.

• Quality of life: Clean, peaceful, and outdoor-oriented; frequently listed among the world’s most liveable countries.
• Sectors: Healthcare, IT, renewable energy, education, construction.
• Work culture: 37–40-hour week, high flexibility, robust leave policies.
• Healthcare: Publicly funded, supplemented by private options.

New Zealand is perfect for expats seeking balance, community, and the beauty of the outdoors.

Which country suits you?

Each destination offers its own unique advantages:

• Career-driven (Switzerland, Australia, Canada)
• Family & welfare (Finland, Norway, Austria)
• Cultural & innovation hubs (Ireland, Germany, Netherlands)
• Lifestyle and nature (New Zealand, Australia)

Key considerations: visa requirements, cost of living, language, school systems, career opportunities, and cultural fit.

Thinking of making the move?

Navigating work permits, tax systems, payroll regulations and employment laws across borders can be challenging. That is where Access Financial comes in. We help independent contractors, recruitment agencies and end clients manage compliance, contractor onboarding, payroll, EOR, and immigration services in over 60 countries, so you can focus on what matters: a successful life abroad.

From the list of countries above, we offer our services/solutions in Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. To learn more, contact the Access Financial Team for expert guidance on relocation and workforce management in these and many other countries – https://calendly.com/accessfinancial