Thinking of taking your career overseas? Europe offers a unique blend of professional opportunities, vibrant cultures, and high quality of life—all within a few hours’ travel. Whether you’re chasing a startup dream in Berlin or embracing the laid-back lifestyle of Lisbon while working remotely, Europe has a city that suits your goals and personality.
At Bilberk Consulting, we help professionals find the right fit when working abroad. Here are our top picks for cities in Europe that are especially friendly to expats looking to work, grow, and thrive.
1. Berlin, Germany
Why it stands out: Tech-friendly, diverse, and buzzing with startups.
Berlin is Europe’s capital of cool and a magnet for creatives, freelancers, and tech professionals. English is widely spoken in professional settings, and the city has an affordable (by European standards) cost of living. Plus, Germany’s strong economy and work culture make it a reliable base for career development.
Bonus: Tons of coworking spaces, a solid social safety net, and an ever-growing international community.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why it stands out: High quality of life, great infrastructure, and global business hub.
Amsterdam consistently ranks as one of the best cities for expats. It offers a great balance between work and leisure, with its bike-friendly streets and thriving international job market. Many multinational companies have headquarters here, and the Dutch work culture emphasizes balance and wellbeing.
Bonus: English proficiency is among the highest in Europe—many jobs don’t even require Dutch!
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Why it stands out: Affordable, sunny, and remote-work friendly.
Lisbon has become a hotspot for digital nomads and remote workers thanks to its relaxed vibe, beautiful weather, and relatively low cost of living. Portugal has also launched initiatives like the Digital Nomad Visa to attract foreign talent.
Bonus: Ocean views during your lunch break? Yes, please.
4. Barcelona, Spain
Why it stands out: Culture, climate, and a growing startup scene.
Barcelona blends Mediterranean charm with modern business. While knowledge of Spanish (and sometimes Catalan) can be helpful, many startups and international companies operate in English. The city’s growing tech hub, 22@Barcelona, is drawing global attention.
Bonus: Tapas after work and weekend escapes to the beach or the Pyrenees.
5. Dublin, Ireland
Why it stands out: Home to the European HQs of tech giants like Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Dublin is a small but mighty player when it comes to international careers. If you’re in tech, finance, or pharmaceuticals, this is a great place to be. Ireland’s friendly visa programs for skilled workers and strong expat community make transitioning easier.
Bonus: English-speaking environment, vibrant pub culture, and beautiful countryside just outside the city.
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
Why it stands out: Design-savvy, sustainable, and socially progressive.
Copenhagen is ideal for professionals looking for purpose-driven work and a high standard of living. The Danish work culture is built around trust, flat hierarchies, and excellent benefits. While the cost of living is high, the quality of life balances it out.
Bonus: Known as one of the happiest cities in the world—work stress levels are seriously low here.
Why Europe Is a Smart Choice for Expats
Europe’s diversity—culturally and economically—means you’re not limited to one kind of lifestyle or career path. From high-paying jobs in finance to creative gigs in design, or laid-back freelance life by the coast, the continent has it all.
At Bilberk Consulting, we guide aspiring expats through every step—from choosing the right destination to handling visas, job placement, and cultural integration.
Ready to Start Your European Work Adventure?
Let’s find the right city and job for you.
Contact Bilberk Consulting to book a free consultation today!