Work Abroad in 2025: Where Germans and Dutch Are Moving — And Why

Thinking about working abroad this year? You’re not alone. Across Europe, more and more German and Dutch professionals are packing their bags, chasing sunshine, better work-life balance, or just the chance to start fresh in a new city.

2025 is shaping up to be a big year for mobility: flexible work, digital nomad visas, and multilingual hubs across Europe have opened up options we didn’t have just a few years ago. But where are people actually going? And why?

Let’s break it down — no jargon, no endless lists, just the insights you really need.

Spain & Portugal: the Iberian dream

If there’s one clear winner for German and Dutch professionals in 2025, it’s the Iberian Peninsula.

Cities like Valencia, Málaga, Lisbon and Porto are buzzing with international talent. For many, it’s simple: you want a good job and a life worth living. Sunshine, lower costs than Berlin or Amsterdam, vibrant culture, and growing tech hubs make Spain and Portugal irresistible.

And yes, digital nomad visas are part of the story — Spain’s is fully operational, and Portugal’s D8 visa continues to attract remote workers, especially in tech, design, and marketing. That said, the famous NHR tax regime in Portugal closed for new applicants in 2024, so the focus now is more on lifestyle and community rather than tax breaks.

For German and Dutch speakers, Iberia also offers something rare: tons of jobs that value your native language. Customer support, inside sales, and tech roles are thriving, and relocation packages make it easier than ever to land softly.

The adventure path: Australia, New Zealand & Canada

For younger professionals — or anyone craving a gap year before settling — Australia, New Zealand and Canada are hotter than ever.

Why? Simple: Working Holiday visas. If you’re under 30 (sometimes 35), these programs let you work, travel, and live abroad for up to a year. Australians and Kiwis have built whole ecosystems around this: shared housing, international coworking, seasonal jobs, and weekend adventures.

Imagine working weekdays in Melbourne and surfing at Bondi on Saturday. Or moving to Vancouver, working in a multilingual role, and skiing Whistler on your days off.

For many Germans and Dutch, these routes are also a career booster. After a year abroad, returning to Europe with fluent English, international experience, and a wider network opens doors to bigger opportunities — especially in tech and CX roles.

Ireland & Denmark: the “skilled” sweet spot

If you’re more career-focused, two destinations stand out in 2025: Ireland and Denmark.

Ireland is one of Europe’s fastest-growing tech and life-science hubs. Dublin isn’t just about Guinness anymore — 14 of the world’s top 15 medtech companies and most global pharma giants have offices here. If you work in IT, biotech, QA, or data, you’ll find endless opportunities and employers willing to sponsor relocation.

Denmark, meanwhile, is rewriting the rulebook for skilled migration. Its Positive Lists make it clear which roles are in shortage — from software engineers to biotech researchers — and the work permit process is refreshingly transparent. Add free education, strong healthcare, and high English fluency, and Denmark becomes a natural choice for professionals aiming for balance and growth.

A shift in mindset: work + life, not just work

What’s different about 2025 isn’t just the destinations — it’s the why.

For many Germans, it’s about escaping bureaucracy and finding better weather. Spain, Portugal and even Switzerland (still the top choice for German expats thanks to language and salaries) remain safe bets.

For Dutch professionals, it’s about cultural fit and flexibility. English-speaking environments in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland rank high, but Iberia has become increasingly attractive for those craving sun and a slower rhythm.

And then there’s the rise of digital nomadism. Greece, Portugal, Spain, even Malaysia are all creating visa pathways for remote workers — letting you live abroad while keeping your current job. For many, it’s the best of both worlds: European salaries, global lifestyles.

Where to start

If you’re ready to make the move, here’s what works best for Germans & Dutch in 2025:

• Iberia (Spain & Portugal) → Perfect for German/Dutch speakers, digital nomads, and anyone chasing lifestyle.

• Working Holiday (AU/NZ/CA) → Best for younger professionals looking to combine travel + career experience.

• Ireland & Denmark → Ideal for skilled professionals in IT, engineering, biotech, and life sciences.

• Remote-first options → Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Malaysia lead with active nomad visas.

Ready to move?

At CityJobOffers, we help German and Dutch professionals find roles that match your skills, lifestyle, and ambitions — from multilingual jobs in Lisbon and Barcelona to tech roles in Ireland or Working Holiday opportunities in Canada.

Your next chapter could be just one application away. 🌍