Working in foreign cities has become increasingly popular among European professionals, lured by attractive salaries, stable contracts, and diverse working environments. According to the Intelligence Group research, these seven cities are the most attractive places for Europeans who want to work abroad (for a short time or permanently).
#1: London
London tops the list as the most attractive city, with 23.2% of the people who want to work abroad. As a bustling metropolis, London offers a diverse and thriving job market, attracting professionals from all corners of Europe. Its global financial hub status opens doors to prestigious opportunities, especially in finance, technology, and business.
As a bustling metropolis, London offers a diverse and thriving job market, attracting professionals from all corners of Europe.
The appeal of London is no surprise, given that it promises better opportunities and invaluable experiences. As highlighted by Intelligence Group research, these two factors are among the top reasons why Europeans are generally drawn to work abroad.
#2: Paris
Paris, the renowned “City of Lights,” ranks as the second top city for Europeans to work/live. The attraction to Paris can be attributed to its rich cultural heritage, good working environment and high salaries — all top attractions for Europeans seeking to work/live abroad. Moreover, Paris has one of the highest minimum wages in Europe.
Although Paris is ranked as number two, the attraction to work in the city is slightly reduced, compared to previous years.
The allure of Paris could also be linked to the popular “Emily in Paris” series, which showcased the city as a fun and vibrant place to work and live. Although Paris is ranked as number two, the attraction to work in the city is slightly reduced, compared to previous years. In 2021, 16.3% desired to work in the city, and now, the research shows 15.4% still prefer to work in Paris.
#3: Berlin
Berlin has risen to become the third most popular city for Europeans to work. 12.3% of European workers desiring jobs abroad now consider Berlin a top choice. In 2021, the city was ranked fourth, making its recent ascent impressive. This popularity is likely due to the city’s appealing features, such as good salaries, stable job contracts, and flexible working options. Moreover, Forbes recognized Berlin as the eighth-best city globally, adding to its attractiveness as a work destination.
#4: New York
The first non-European city on the list: New York, which ranks as the fourth most popular city for Europeans to work and reside in. According to the Intelligence Group, 12.1% of people want to work in the “Big Apple.” The city has a competitive job market, and the presence of leading companies allows professionals to gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and innovative practices, fostering professional expertise and skills. However, there’s a noticeable decline in Europeans wanting to work in New York. The research in 2021 showed 17.2% desired to work in New York, about 5 percentage points more than it is now.
There’s a noticeable decline in Europeans wanting to work in New York. From 17.2% in 2021 to 12.1% in 2023.
#5: Barcelona
Barcelona’s thriving tourism, technology, and creative industries offer ample job opportunities, making it an appealing destination for career advancement and professional growth. The city currently ranks as the fifth most preferred country to work/live, with 9.2% choosing to work there. A slight increase compared to 2021, where 8.5% showed interest in working in Barcelona.
Interestingly, the allure of the city resonates particularly with older individuals, with 10.5% of those aged 50 years and above expressing their desire to work in Barcelona, compared to 7.7% of those under 30.
#6: Rome
As the capital of Italy, Rome offers a unique blend of ancient landmarks, art, and architecture, creating an inspiring and enriching environment. Based on the research, 7.3% of Europeans view Roma as the sixth most preferred city when considering working/living abroad.
However, more women, 8.7%, than men (6.4%) find Rome a top destination for working abroad. The city’s rich history and vibrant artistic scene could resonate strongly with women seeking opportunities in these fields. Moreover, work-life balance considerations and family responsibilities could also come into play, as Rome’s more relaxed lifestyle and Mediterranean climate may be attractive to those seeking a new work-life environment.
#7: Madrid
Based on the Intelligence Group research, Madrid is the seventh most desirable city for Europeans to work or reside in, with 7.2% indicating a wish to work there. The city offers some of the top benefits Europeans seek when working/living abroad, including rich culture, work-life balance and vast opportunities. Notably, Madrid attracts more women (7.7%) than males (6.9%) looking for work, highlighting the city’s diversified appeal. Madrid’s emphasis on work-life balance may attract women seeking fulfilling careers without compromising their personal life.
