Countries facing labor shortages and demographic decline are increasingly turning to foreign talent to sustain their economies. Skilled migrants help fill critical gaps, driving economic stability and long-term growth. So, where are the best opportunities for expats today? Here's a closer look.
Working abroad: The best destinations for expats
Remitly, a U.S.-based expert in online international money transfers, recently published its . The takeaway: working abroad remains highly attractive. For many young professionals, it's even central to their career plans. While the international job market is becoming more competitive, it also presents new opportunities for skilled foreigners.
In response to persistent labor shortages and a deepening demographic crisis, several countries are easing immigration rules to draw in foreign talent. Traditional expat destinationsāCanada, Australia, the U.S., and othersāremain popular among workers, even as immigration policies grow stricter.
Aspiring expats understand a key advantage: being qualified gives them a competitive edge. This holds true in Canada, the UK, the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. Today, many countries are primarily targeting skilled professionals. For them, the top destinations to work in 2025 are largely consistent. These include long-standing expat hubs as well as Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, the UAE, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore, and the Netherlands.
Countries simplifying the visa process for skilled workers
Cumbersome immigration procedures can deter even the most motivated expats. From unreliable online systems to excessive paperwork and complex regulations, the process is often lengthy and frustrating. To attract skilled migrants, some countries now emphasize streamlined, accessible visa systems.
According to Remitly's report, Latvia meets all the key criteria through its : fast processing (10 days), low cost (ā¬100), and long validity (up to 5 years). Ireland follows with its , available within 28 days via . It includes extra advantages for . While visa fees range from ā¬500 to ā¬1,000 depending on duration (up to 5 years), they haven't reduced Ireland's appeal. Iceland also simplifies procedures. With solid economic growth (2.9% according to the IMF), it draws skilled expats with incentives such as a 25% income tax reduction for three years. Germany (ranked 4th) is actively tackling bureaucratic inefficiencies. An passed in June 2024 makes it easier for skilled professionals to apply. The EU Blue Card is now accessible to more applicants, with special provisions for shortage occupations like IT and healthcare. The question now is whether the new government will uphold these 2024 reforms.
Other countries that have eased visa processes for skilled workers include the United States (), the United Kingdom (), , , and Czechia () and Canada ( available for applicants outside the country).
Immigration reforms: What expats need to know
United States
Has Donald Trump's election accelerated the global shift toward stricter immigration policies? On one hand, many countries recognize the economic value of skilled foreign professionals. On the other, there is growing political pressure to reduce overall immigration levelsāas seen in recent measures adopted by Australia and the UK. This tension is increasingly reflected in ongoing policy reforms worldwide.
Canada
Despite increasingly restrictive migration policies, Canada remains a leading destination for expats. In a statement issued on March 7, 2025, the Ministry of Immigration reaffirmed the country's pressing need for āa solid workforce,ā particularly in the construction sector, to address ongoing housing demands. However, in response to the impact of U.S. tariff policies under President Trump, the federal government emphasized the importance of clearly identifying labor priorities.
As of January 21, 2025, new rules have been introduced regarding open work permits (OWPs). These permits are now limited to spousesāmarried or common-lawāof certain foreign workers and international students. While dependents who no longer qualify for OWPs may still be eligible for , the overall framework has become more selective.
United Kingdom
On April 9, 2025, the UK implemented new rules for skilled foreign workers. A key measure prohibits employers from charging workers for sponsorship costs, aiming to protect against exploitation. Moreover, the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker Visa is set to rise from Ā£23,200 to Ā£25,000 per year.
In the healthcare sector, employers must now prioritize hiring foreign workers who already reside in the UK before recruiting from abroad. This requirement does not apply in Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales. The government is also intensifying inspections to prevent abuse of the sponsorship system. In Q4 2024 alone, 513 sponsorship licenses were revokedāsurpassing the total number revoked in 2023 (377).
The has also been revised. Applicants are now required to submit a CV and cover letter demonstrating collaboration with a mentor in their fieldāwhether in the arts and culture, academia, or digital technology. Prize winners may still apply directly, while all other candidates must include a recommendation letter.
Australia
The re-election of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is not expected to alter Australia's immigration policy adopted in December 2023, as the plan was introduced by his own government. Australia continues to favor a more restrictive immigration model that prioritizes skilled professionals.
Under the 2023ā2024 framework, the permanent immigration program allocates 190,000 spots, with the goal of addressing labor shortages and attracting both skilled and highly skilled foreign workers.
On December 7, 2024, the government released an updated list of in-demand occupations for its skilled visa program. It also launched a new visa category: the āā (SID) visa, which replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage visa. A specialized version of the SID visa was also introduced for highly qualified migrants.
France
While a new immigration reform has been under consideration, no further changes are expected for now, as a major reform was already enacted in January 2024. France remains committed to attracting foreign talent but continues to face challenges in retaining themālargely due to a sluggish economic climate and restrictive immigration policies.
According to the 2025 Workforce Needs Survey by France Travail, recruitment projections have dropped by 12.5%, amounting to 350,000 fewer job openings. Nearly all sectors have been affected, with significant declines in textiles (-33.5%) and construction (-22%). In contrast, hospitality and agriculture reported increased hiring, though mainly for seasonal positions.
Despite the overall decline in job opportunities, shortages persist in critical occupations such as doctors, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, caregivers, home aides, skilled laborers, and roofers.
Could the become a more effective tool for attracting skilled professionals? Under pressure from the European Union, the French Senate passed a bill on March 10, 2025, to ease eligibility for the Blue Card. This legislation, still in its first reading and subject to amendments, aligns with the EU directive issued on October 20, 2021.
Useful links:
