The Most Popular Countries for Relocation

In recent years, the idea of relocation has become particularly relevant to many people worldwide. In search of new opportunities, better living conditions, a favourable climate or professional growth, people are increasingly considering moving to another country to improve their quality of life. However, choosing the right destination for a relaunch can be difficult, as each person has unique preferences and needs.

Popular countries for relocation usually attract people due to their high standard of living, stable economy, access to education and healthcare, and employment opportunities. Many are also looking for cultural diversity and favourable business conditions.

In this article, we will examine the most attractive countries for relocation, the specifics of the IT sector in these countries, and tips on preparing for relocation. It will help you make a more informed choice and find the country that best meets your expectations and life goals.

What is a Relocation

Companies sometimes transfer employees to a new residence, to the area where the company’s office is moving (or where it is located) – relocation to achieve their goals. In some cases, it is critically important for a company to have the right employee nearby, and remote work is unsuitable. If you can’t find a suitable specialist in your city, relocation comes to the rescue.

What Goals does the Company Pursue when it Organizes Relocation

There are always reasons for relocating employees; here are some of them:

1. Relocation allows the company to attract the necessary employees, close an important vacancy and continue productive work. It may be an employee from another branch of the company or a candidate from another city, region, or country. A company may have different goals, for example, to send an experienced employee to oversee the activities of a new branch. Sometimes, an employee initiates a move himself, not seeing any further prospects at the current location, but most often, the relocation offer comes from the company. Of course, the process can be accompanied by difficulties, but they can be successfully overcome if desired.

2. Another common reason for relocation is business scaling. For example, a company may open a representative or sales office in a new region and move some employees there.

TOP 10 Countries for Relocation

When relocating, IT specialists consider career prospects and salary levels in the new country. Studying visa support and cultural differences are equally important for successful adaptation. Let’s look at the most popular countries for relocation.

United States of America

The world’s largest IT market, the United States, is a leader in many startups and high-tech companies. The salaries of IT specialists in the United States are among the highest in the world. 

The relocation requires a work visa from a foreigner or a visa for an employee of the company’s foreign office.

The salary range for senior engineers is $170,000–$210,000 per year in cash and an additional $150,000–$300,000 in shares. Thus, the total income of a senior developer can reach $400,000 per year under favourable conditions.

Germany

Germany is considered one of the best countries for relocation due to its market opportunities and high quality of life. However, the country lacks software development, design, and testing specialists.

The EU Blue Card immigration program was launched in 2024 to attract qualified migrants. Obtaining a Blue Card requires higher education and a contract with an employer. 

The salary of a software engineer varies from 45,000 to 74,000 euros, depending on education and experience. Among the features is the mandatory availability of relevant experience for at least three years.

Portugal

The country has created a favourable regime for developing artificial intelligence and digital technology companies. Portugal offers temporary and resident visas to attract IT specialists, investors, and individual entrepreneurs. Digital nomads with an income of 3,280 euros or more are granted a residence permit, with the possibility of obtaining citizenship after five years.

The salaries of leading specialists are comparable to the European average—from 110,000 to 160,000 euros per year. However, employees of small companies receive significantly less.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan offers many business opportunities in the IT sector.

You only need a local SIM card and a unique identification number (UIN;  issued in three days) to get a bank card and open a bank account.

Kazakhstan needs backend and frontend developers, cybersecurity specialists, artificial intelligence engineers, and IT business analysts. The average salary of IT specialists is 516 thousand tenge (approximately 950 euros).  

Cyprus

Many IT companies in the country, mainly in fintech, operate on the international market. QA engineers, programmers, data scientists, analysts, and DevOps are just some of the sought—after professions in this region. Salaries for these positions are very attractive here (from 2,700 to 5,400 euros), while most locals earn 2-3 times less.

UAE

You can get a work or investment visa to relocate to the UAE. You can obtain a residence permit through investments in real estate, business, or employment. A resident’s visa allows you to open a bank account.

The UAE’s IT sector demands data analysts, artificial intelligence engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and software developers. Salaries range from 10,983 to 27,538 dirhams (approximately 2,800 euros – 7,200 euros) per month, depending on the position and experience.

Montenegro

Montenegro attracts young IT professionals with no experience. There are few companies of their own in Montenegro.

The city of Podgorica is the centre of Montenegro’s IT sector, which is a priority area for the country’s development. For relocatees, they offer an annual visa without entry restrictions and a two-year freelance residence permit. A programmer’s salary in a small company is about 630 euros, and in a company with more than 100 employees, it is about 900 euros. 

Georgia

Out of about 80,000 Russian-speaking relocators in Georgia, about 25,000 are employed in the IT sector. Georgians demand IT specialists in web development, mobile applications, cybersecurity, and data analysis. Salaries depend on experience and qualifications. Novice professionals earn about $700-1000 monthly, while experienced professionals earn up to $2500-4000 and above.

Armenia

Armenia’s information technology sector employs more than 20,000 people out of a population of three million. Many IT companies in Armenia, including international corporations such as Siemens and Oracle, so there is a high demand for qualified specialists. 

Armenia demands DevOps engineers, software architects, data scientists, mobile application developers, and chip engineers. The average salary is $580 for a junior, $1,528 for a Middle, and $3,061 for a Senior.

Canada

Canada has several visa programs to attract IT talent. 

About 35,000 companies are employed in the country’s technology sector, and there is a need for highly qualified IT specialists. The average income of IT specialists is approximately 3,100 euros per month, which is 50% higher than the average earnings of representatives of other professions. Most IT professions require a bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of work experience, while higher positions require 5 to 10 years of professional experience.

Tips for Easy Relocation

Relocating to another country is always a big step that you need to prepare for in advance. To make the process as easy and comfortable as possible, several key factors must be considered.

1. Knowledge of Foreign Languages
Learning the language of the new country is one of the most important steps. This will not only facilitate everyday communication but also help you integrate into society. Signing up for language courses in advance, even if they are basic, will help you adapt faster.

2. Visa Regime and Duration of Stay
Please carefully study the visa requirements and possible length of stay before travelling. Some countries offer programs for long-term stays or residence permits that open up additional opportunities for work and study. Get information about what documents you will need to apply for a visa and possible extension dates.

3. Transportation of Animals
If you plan to take your pets with you, please specify the rules of their transportation in advance. Some countries require special vaccination, treatment against parasites, or quarantine. Do not forget to prepare all the necessary documents, including veterinary certificates and permits.

4. Banking Operations
Learn what banking services are available to foreign citizens and how to open an account in a new country. Determining which banks offer international transfers, what fees exist, and how to withdraw money abroad is important.

5. Housing and Medical care
Prepare a housing search plan in advance. Renting a temporary home may be worth safely choosing a permanent place. Also, specify which health insurance is available in the new country and how to get medical care, especially in emergencies.

6. Financial Cushion
Create a financial safety cushion for the first few months of life in a new country. It will help you avoid stress in case of unexpected expenses. Calculate the cost of living in the country, considering the rent, food, transportation and other daily expenses.

7. Legalization of Documents
All the documents you need in your new country must be legalized and translated into the desired language. It includes diplomas, workbooks, medical certificates, and more.

8. Registration of Powers of Attorney at Home
If you need to manage your affairs at home, remember to issue a power of attorney for loved ones who can act on your behalf.

9. Transportation of Equipment for Work
If you plan to work remotely or transport work equipment, please specify the customs rules and conditions for the transportation of equipment. Make sure that your equipment is not detained at the border.

Conclusion

Relocation is an important stage for many companies that want to enter the international market or expand their operations outside their home country. The process can be complicated, but with the right support, it becomes much easier. We offer professional assistance in addressing key relocation issues, including personnel management and compliance with local laws. Our PEO (Professional Employer Organization) and EOR (Employer of Record) services will provide your company with everything necessary for successful operation in the new jurisdiction. We take on administrative and legal responsibilities, allowing you to focus on business growth and development. With our help, relocation will become a fast and efficient process, risks will be minimal, and success in the new market is guaranteed.