Why work in European countries

Austria is a country of 9.2 million people in the middle of Europe with an employment rate above the EU average: 77.6% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

The economy has been weak since 2023 and unemployment has gone up – from 4.8% in 2022 to 5.7% in 2025. That is still below the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment is also lower than in the EU as a whole: 11.5% among people aged 15–24, compared with 15.2%.

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a work permit – you can move, look for a job and start working on the same terms as Austrians. What you do need for most jobs is German: applications are normally written in German, unless the job ad says otherwise.

Belgium is a country of 12.0 million people with three regional labour markets. Each region has its own public employment service: VDAB in Flanders, Le Forem in Wallonia and Actiris in Brussels, plus ADG for the German-speaking Community.

Unemployment has gone up slightly – from 5.6% in 2022 to 6.2% in 2025, just above the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment is also higher than in the EU as a whole: 17.4% among people aged 15–24, compared with 15.2%. The employment rate is below the EU average: 72.8% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

As an EU/EEA citizen you do not need a work permit. What matters most is language: Dutch is used in Flanders, French in Wallonia, German in the German-speaking area and both Dutch and French in Brussels.

Bulgaria is a country of 6.4 million people with an employment rate above the EU average: 77.0% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment is low and falling: from 4.2% in 2022 to 3.5% in 2025, well below the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment has gone up – from 10.6% in 2022 to 13.1% among people aged 15–24 in 2025 – but it is still below the EU average of 15.2%.

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a work permit. Since 1 January 2026 Bulgaria uses the euro (€1 = 1.95583 lev) – useful to know when you read older pay figures in leva. For most jobs you need Bulgarian.

Croatia is a country of 3.9 million people with an employment rate below the EU average: 74.4% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment has fallen fast – from 6.8% in 2022 to 4.9% in 2025, below the EU average of 6.0%. Young people find it harder: youth unemployment is 18.3% among people aged 15–24, higher than the EU average of 15.2%.

As an EU/EEA citizen you do not need a work permit – you can work in Croatia without a stay and work permit, on the same terms as Croatians. For most jobs you need Croatian: CVs are normally written in Croatian, unless the employer asks for another language.

Cyprus is an island country of 996,571 people with an employment rate above the EU average: 81.3% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment has fallen every year – from 6.3% in 2022 to 4.4% in 2025, below the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment has dropped too, from 18.1% in 2022 to 13.5% in 2025 among people aged 15–24 – now below the EU figure of 15.2%.

As an EU/EEA citizen you do not need a work permit – you can move, look for a job and work on the same terms as Cypriots; you only register your residence after arrival. The official languages are Greek and Turkish. If you do not speak Greek, job interviews are usually held in English, unless you share another language with the employer.

The Czech Republic is a country of 10.9 million people with the lowest unemployment rate in the EU in 2025: 2.8% (EU: 6.0%). Its employment rate is also well above the EU average: 82.9% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment has crept up – from 2.2% in 2022 to 2.8% in 2025 – and youth unemployment has risen faster, from 6.8% to 10.4% among people aged 15–24. That is still well below the EU average of 15.2%.

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a work permit – you can move, look for a job and start working on the same terms as Czech citizens. What you do need for most jobs is Czech: the overwhelming majority of employers require it.

Denmark has 6.0 million people and an employment rate above the EU average: 79.8% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment has risen in recent years – from 4.5% in 2022 to 6.4% in 2025 – and is now slightly above the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment (15–24) is 13.8%, below the EU rate of 15.2%.

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a residence or work permit. If you stay longer than three months, you register and get an EU residence document. A big plus: according to the public recruitment service Workindenmark, most positions do not require Danish – though some do, especially in healthcare.

Estonia is a country of 1.4 million people on the Baltic Sea with an employment rate above the EU average: 81.7% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

At the same time, unemployment has gone up – from 5.6% in 2022 to 7.6% in 2024 and 7.5% in 2025, above the EU average of 6.0%. Young people find it hardest: youth unemployment is 20.7% among people aged 15–24, compared with 15.2% in the EU.

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a work permit – you can move, look for a job and start working on the same terms as Estonians. The official language is Estonian, so check in every job ad which language the employer expects. Once you have an Estonian ID card, it also works as your key to the state’s e-services.

Finland is a country of 5.7 million people with an employment rate just above the EU average: 76.3% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

The labour market has weakened in recent years. Unemployment has gone up every year – from 6.8% in 2022 to 9.7% in 2025, well above the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment (15–24) rose to 21.8%, compared with 15.2% in the EU.

As a citizen of the EU, Liechtenstein or Switzerland you do not need a work permit – if you stay longer than 3 months, you just register your right of residence. Language matters: the public employment service calls Finnish or Swedish “the key to integration”, but some jobs, for example those collected on Work in Finland, can be done in English.

France is a country of 69.1 million people. Its unemployment rate is above the EU average and has been rising slowly – from 7.3% in 2022 to 7.7% in 2025 (EU: 6.0%).

Young people find it harder: youth unemployment is 19.8% among people aged 15–24, compared with 15.2% in the EU. The employment rate is slightly below the EU average: 75.4% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you need neither a work permit nor a residence permit – you can look for a job and work on the same terms as French citizens. What you do need for most jobs is French: EURES advises stating your level in reading, writing and speaking in your application.

Germany is a country of 83.5 million people with an employment rate well above the EU average: 81.1% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment has risen slowly in recent years – from 3.1% in 2022 to 3.8% in 2025 – but it is still far below the EU average of 6.0%. Young people have good chances too: youth unemployment (15–24) is 7.1%, less than half the EU rate of 15.2%.

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a visa or a work permit – a valid passport or ID card is enough to move, look for work and start a job. For most jobs you will need German: employers expect applications in German, and you may have to translate your certificates.

Greece is a country of 10.4 million people whose labour market has improved quickly. Unemployment fell from 12.5% in 2022 to 8.9% in 2025 – still above the EU average of 6.0%, but falling every year.

Youth unemployment dropped even faster: from 31.4% in 2022 to 19.1% in 2025 among people aged 15–24 (EU: 15.2%). The employment rate is 71.0% of people aged 20–64, below the EU average of 76.1%. According to the Ministry of Labour, the average salary recorded in the ERGANI system was €1,516 in 2025.

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a work permit – you can move, look for a job and work on the same terms as Greeks. Tourism employers in particular also hire workers from abroad when demand rises in the season.

Hungary is a country of 9.5 million people with an employment rate well above the EU average: 81.1% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment went up from 3.6% in 2022 to 4.5% in 2024 and was 4.4% in 2025 – below the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment is also lower than in the EU as a whole: 13.9% among people aged 15–24, compared with 15.2%.

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a work permit – you can move, look for a job and start working on the same terms as Hungarians. For most jobs you apply in Hungarian: CVs are written in Hungarian and, depending on the post, also in English. And if you are under 25, you pay no personal income tax on your salary.

Iceland is a small country of 394,324 people with an employment rate far above the EU average: 85.8% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment is low, but it went up in 2025 – from 3.6% in 2024 to 4.5% (2022: 3.8%), still below the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment is also low: 9.5% among people aged 15–24, compared with 15.2% in the EU.

Iceland is not in the EU, but it is part of the EEA. So as an EU/EEA citizen you do not need a work permit. Keep two things in mind: most Icelandic employers advertise jobs in Icelandic, and finding a flat is hard – demand for rentals is much higher than supply and rents are high.

Ireland is a country of 5.5 million people with an employment rate above the EU average: 80.2% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment is low, although it has gone up slightly – from 4.5% in 2022 to 4.7% in 2025. That is below the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment is also lower than in the EU as a whole: 11.8% among people aged 15–24, compared with 15.2% – but it has risen from 10.1% in 2022.

As an EU/EEA citizen you do not need a work permit or a residence permit – you can move, look for a job and work on the same terms as Irish citizens. British citizens can also live and work in Ireland without any permission under the Common Travel Area. The official languages are Irish and English, so if you speak English well, you can start applying without learning a new language first.

Italy is a country of 58.9 million people where unemployment has fallen fast: from 8.1% in 2022 to 6.1% in 2025 – now only just above the EU average of 6.0%.

Other numbers are less rosy. The employment rate is 67.6% of people aged 20–64, well below the EU average of 76.1%, and youth unemployment is 20.6% among people aged 15–24 (EU: 15.2%). The north has much lower unemployment than the south.

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a work permit – you can move, look for a job and work on the same terms as Italians. The national job platforms and most procedures are in Italian, so the language is a big advantage.

Latvia is a country of 1.8 million people on the Baltic Sea with an employment rate above the EU average: 78.2% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment has stayed at about the same level for years – 6.9% in 2022, 6.5% in 2023 and 6.9% in 2024 and 2025. That is above the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment is slightly lower than in the EU as a whole: 14.8% among people aged 15–24, compared with 15.2%.

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a work permit – you have free access to the Latvian labour market. What you do need for most jobs is Latvian: it is the only official state language, and EURES advises that adequate knowledge of Latvian is necessary when you apply for a job.

Liechtenstein is a small country of 41,227 people between Switzerland and Austria – but it has more jobs than inhabitants: since 2017 more people work in Liechtenstein than live there. In 2022, 57% of all jobs were held by cross-border commuters from neighbouring countries.

Eurostat publishes no current unemployment figures for Liechtenstein. National data show a tight labour market: the unemployment rate averaged 2.0% in 2025 (Office of Statistics), and at the end of August 2026 only 416 people were registered as unemployed with the public employment service (AMS FL), and in December 2023 there were about 3.1 vacancies per unemployed person. According to the Office of Statistics and Eurostat, 78.3% of people aged 20–64 had a job in 2022.

Liechtenstein is in the EEA, not in the EU, and has special rules on free movement: as an EEA or Swiss citizen you need a permit for any job, however short, and residence permits are limited and partly allocated by lottery. The official language is German.

Lithuania is the largest of the three Baltic states, with 2.9 million people, and its employment rate is above the EU average: 80.0% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment went up from 6.0% in 2022 to 7.1% in 2024 and eased slightly to 6.9% in 2025 – still above the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment is lower than in the EU as a whole: 14.1% among people aged 15–24, compared with 15.2%.

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a work permit – you can look for a job and start working on the same terms as Lithuanians. The official language is Lithuanian, so check in every job ad which language the employer expects.

Luxembourg is a small country of 690,959 people with a very international workforce: in 2023, 39.6% of workers were from Luxembourg, 44% from other EU countries and 16.2% from outside the EU. Many people working in Luxembourg live across the border in France, Belgium or Germany.

Unemployment has risen – from 4.6% in 2022 to 6.5% in 2025, now above the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment is high: 21.6% among people aged 15–24 in 2024 (the latest available figure). The employment rate is below the EU average: 73.9% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

As an EU citizen you do not need a work permit. But languages are key: Luxembourg has three official languages – Luxembourgish, French and German – and EURES advises mastering at least two languages, including at least one of the official ones.

Malta is a small island country of 588,254 people with an employment rate well above the EU average: 83.6% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment is very low and still falling – from 3.5% in 2022 to 3.1% in 2025, about half the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment is also much lower than in the EU as a whole: 9.6% among people aged 15–24, compared with 15.2%, although it has edged up from 9.0% in 2022. According to EURES, low unemployment has led to labour shortages across all sectors.

As an EU/EEA citizen you do not need a permit to live and work in Malta. English is one of the two official languages, and job applications are made with a CV in English – so you can start without learning Maltese.

The Netherlands is a country of 18.1 million people with an employment rate well above the EU average: 83.4% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment has edged up from 3.5% in 2022 to 3.9% in 2025, but it is still far below the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment is low too: 8.8% among people aged 15–24, compared with 15.2% in the EU.

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a residence permit or a work permit – your passport or ID card is enough, and your employer does not need a work permit (TWV) for you. Employers appreciate applications in Dutch, unless the job ad says otherwise.

Norway is a country of 5.6 million people with an employment rate above the EU average: 79.5% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment is low but has gone up every year – from 3.2% in 2022 to 4.5% in 2025, still well below the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment (15–24) has risen more, from 10% to 14%, but is still below the EU’s 15.2%.

Norway is not in the EU, but it is part of the EEA. So as an EU/EEA citizen you do not need a work permit – you only register if you stay longer than 3 months. On Nav’s job portal you can filter for vacancies where English is the working language; knowing Norwegian opens many more doors.

Poland is a country of 36.3 million people with an employment rate above the EU average: 78.8% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment is low and has changed little in recent years – 3.1% in 2025, compared with 2.9% in 2022. That is about half the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment is also below the EU level: 12.2% among people aged 15–24, compared with 15.2% – although it went up from 10.8% in 2024.

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a work permit – you can move, look for a job and start working on the same terms as Polish citizens. The statutory minimum wage is PLN 4,806 gross a month (2026), and if you are under 26 you pay no income tax on earnings up to PLN 85,528 a year.

Portugal is a country of 11.4 million people with an employment rate above the EU average: 79.6% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment has been fairly stable – 6.2% in 2022, 6.5% in 2023 and 2024 and 6.0% in 2025, exactly the EU average. Young people find it harder: youth unemployment is 19.5% among people aged 15–24, compared with 15.2% in the EU.

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a work permit – you can move, look for a job and work on the same terms as Portuguese citizens. Portuguese helps a lot, but if you do not speak it, you can send your CV in English.

Romania is a country of 19.0 million people (2026 estimate) with an employment rate well below the EU average: 69.0% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment was 5.6% in 2022 and 2023 and 5.4% in 2024, then rose to 6.1% in 2025 – just above the EU average of 6.0%. Young people find it much harder: youth unemployment is 26.1% among people aged 15–24, compared with 15.2% in the EU, and it has gone up from 22.8% in 2022.

As an EU citizen you do not need a work permit – you can work in Romania for an employer or as self-employed, on the same terms as Romanians. For most jobs you need Romanian: CVs are normally written in Romanian, and your employment contract will be in Romanian too.

Slovakia is a country of 5.4 million people that uses the euro. Its employment rate is above the EU average: 78.1% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment has gone down – from 6.1% in 2022 to 5.4% in 2025, below the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment has fallen even faster, from 19.9% in 2022 to 15.3% among people aged 15–24 – now almost the same as the EU average (15.2%).

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a work permit – your employer only has to inform the labour office within 7 working days after you start. The minimum wage is €915 a month (2026). Prepare your CV in Slovak.

Slovenia is a country of 2.1 million people with an employment rate above the EU average: 78.3% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment is low: 3.9% in 2025, compared with 6.0% in the EU. It went down from 4.0% in 2022 to 3.7% in 2023 and 2024 and rose slightly in 2025. Youth unemployment has gone up – from 10.1% in 2022 to 12.1% among people aged 15–24 in 2025 – but it is still below the EU average of 15.2%.

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a work permit – you look for a job and work on the same terms as Slovenians. What matters is language: employers usually expect applications in Slovenian, although some accept English, German or Italian.

Spain is a country of 49.6 million people, and its labour market has been improving for several years. Unemployment has fallen every year – from 13.0% in 2022 to 10.5% in 2025 – but it is still well above the EU average of 6.0%.

Young people have it hardest: 24.9% of people aged 15–24 who want a job do not have one (EU: 15.2%), although this is down from 29.7% in 2022. The employment rate is 72.4% of people aged 20–64, below the EU average of 76.1%.

As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a work permit – you can move, look for a job and work on the same terms as Spaniards. What you do need for most jobs is Spanish: cover letters are written in Spanish unless the job ad says otherwise.

Sweden is a country of 10.6 million people with an employment rate well above the EU average: 81.8% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

At the same time, unemployment is high and has gone up every year – from 7.5% in 2022 to 8.8% in 2025, above the EU average of 6.0%. Young people find it especially hard: youth unemployment (15–24) was 24.3%, compared with 15.2% in the EU.

As an EU/EEA citizen you do not need a work permit. You can stay for up to 3 months with a valid ID card or passport, and longer if you work, look for a job with a genuine chance of getting one, or study. In most workplaces you need to read and understand Swedish – the main exceptions are IT, engineering, tourism and seasonal work.

Switzerland has 9.1 million people and an employment rate well above the EU average: 82.4% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment has gone up a little – from 4.1% in 2022 to 4.9% in 2025 – but it is still below the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment (15–24) is 8.8%, well below the EU rate of 15.2%.

Switzerland is not in the EU or the EEA, but a free movement agreement gives EU/EFTA citizens the right to live and work here. You still need a residence permit from the canton (or, for short jobs, a notification by your employer). The working language depends on the region: German (spoken by more than 60% of the population), French or Italian.

Croatian citizens: no quotas apply in 2026, and full free movement starts on 1 January 2027.

The United Kingdom has 69.6 million people. Its labour market figures come from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which uses slightly different age groups from Eurostat – so they cannot be compared directly with the EU averages we give for other countries.

Unemployment has been rising: from 3.8% in 2022 to 4.9% in 2025 (people aged 16 and over), and it was still 4.9% in May–July 2026. Young people are hit hardest – unemployment among 16–24-year-olds went up from 10.7% in 2022 to 15.0% in 2025. The employment rate is stable: 75.1% of people aged 16–64 had a job in 2025 and in May–July 2026. There were 702,000 vacancies in June–August 2026, broadly flat since the start of the year.

The biggest change for EU citizens: since the UK left the EU, you need a visa to work unless you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Irish citizens can still live and work in the UK without any permission. The working language is English.