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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 NRIOL data, over 2.28 million 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听

1. Germany

One of the leading global economies and the largest exporter of goods, there are tremendous听career opportunities in Germany听for those seeking a lucrative job abroad. Germany is home to many global conglomerates and a great destination for engineers, among other domains.

Ranked 22nd (World Happiness Index), German cities have a variety of offerings to expats in terms of Healthcare, paid leave, and 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 Working 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 cities among international expats.

Visa and PR Pathways听

Average Salary

The average Gross Salary in Germany for expats is EUR 60,000.听

2. The Netherlands

When we ask 鈥榳hich European country is best for work?鈥�, the Netherlands falls among the favourite destinations for people and immigrants, thanks to factors like quality of life, work-life balance, etc. Also, as per the 2026, Happiness Index ranking, the Netherlands has been ranked 6th, considering its safety standards, social programs, and for being the strong economy. This is one of the reasons for it being one of the best countries to live in Europe.

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 Working 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 ensures a 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 the aim of short-term or temporary employment.
• Visa and PR Pathways听

Average Salary in the Netherlands听

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

3. Sweden

Sweden has been one of the most favoured 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 preferred place for Operations in Northern Europe. The country has a great understanding of globalised humanity.

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

Benefits of Working in Sweden

• Swedish employment markets have been popular for providing a healthy job market, worker 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, including a minimum of 25 days of vacation yearly, along with vacation benefits, 14 weeks of paid Maternity leave and 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. This is why many feel it is the best Europe country to work.

Visa and PR Pathways听

Average Salary

The average Gross Salary in Sweden for expats is SEK 580,000 which is EUR.51,500听

Must Read:听Sweden鈥檚 Job Market & Various Aspects

4. Portugal

One of the best countries for the Indian working class and also among the best countries to live in Europe has to be Portugal. From offering a great quality of life to a favourable climate to economic development to excellent education, Portugal has it all.听

Portugal has been on the friendlier front while welcoming foreigners and offering 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, which 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 an affordable price.

Benefits of Workingin 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, it is just between 20% to at max 48%.
• One of the best advantages of Portugal is that you get paid 14 times a year, that is, along with 12 months of salary payment, you also get to grab the 2 additional salaries 鈥� 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.

Visa and PR Pathways

Average Salary

The average Gross Salary in Norway for expats is NOK 660,00 which is EUR 61,200.听

5. Norway

Norway is ranked the 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 in Scandinavian beauty. Norway is famous for having the highest concentration of Fords in the world, along with abundant forests and wildlife.

The country offers its residents the benefit of a cosmopolitan lifestyle, with 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 an 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 sectors like IT, engineering, Telecommunication, and transport, offering expats with competitive job opportunities and self-employment.

Benefits of Working in Norway

Norway is known as one of the best Europe 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 consumption of paid parental leaves
4. Pension and retirement contributions
5. Insurance
6. Excellent education structure and many more

Visa or PR Pathways听

Average Salary

The average gross salary for expats in Norway is NOK 660,000 annually, equivalent to approximately EUR 61,200 as of 2026.

Make Your Way to Europe Job Markets with 成人每日大赛

Though the听top 10 reasons for migration听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 requirement,s provide varied visa options to help you make the 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 成人每日大赛. Our team is here to ensure your timely and safe immigration to Europe.听

Book Your Free Consultation

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• Canada vs Germany: Which is better for Indian Students & Immigrants in 2026?