Best Work-Life Balance Countries in Europe: 2025 Rankings for Expats

What does work-life balance mean?

There’s no single way to define work-life balance, but some elements tend to come up again and again: working hours, paid time off, job stability, and how well your income covers everyday costs. Healthcare access, childcare and parental leave policies, and how safe it is to get around also influence daily life. And for expats moving to Europe, practical matters like finding housing and getting a visa also make a big difference.

Reports and rankings use different methods to measure these factors. Inter Nations, for instance, publishes an Expat Insider survey based on expats’ self-reported experiences. Their rankings include areas like quality of life, working abroad, ease of settling in, and personal finance. The Quality of Life Index draws from subcategories such as healthcare, safety, and environment, and respondents rate each factor on a scale of 1 to 7.

The EIU’s Global Liveability Index takes another approach. It gives scores to over 30 factors grouped under five broad categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. These are based on expert evaluation as well as local data from each city. The final result is a score out of 100 which shows how easy or difficult it is to live comfortably in each location.

Each of these rankings focuses on different angles, so comparisons between countries (or even cities) can vary depending on what matters most to you. That’s also why it helps to look at work-life balance as a mix of different factors, rather than one overall score.

Beyond these rankings, you can also capitalise on Relocate.me to compare countries side by side. We have country pages and city guides on visa options, salaries, and cost of living that can give you a clearer picture of what to expect in each place. We can also help you find a job abroad.

The best work-life balance countries in Europe

The best work-life balance countries in Europe for expats include Austria, Portugal, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. Each country has a strong tech sector and offers different benefits (shorter workweeks, generous holidays, easy visa options, or more predictable living costs) that make it stand out. There’s no single “best” for everyone, so this list follows no particular order. What suits you depends on what you value most: public services, climate, cost of living, or how far your income goes after rent and taxes.

Austria 🇦🇹

Austria consistently performs well in quality-of-life rankings. Vienna topped the EIU’s Global Liveability Index for three consecutive years (2020–2022) before being narrowly overtaken by Copenhagen. It still holds a top-three spot in 2025. Other sources also rank Vienna as one of the best cities in the world for livability and work-life balance.

Austria has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Public transport is efficient and affordable—Vienna’s monthly pass costs around €51, while similar passes in cities like Paris or Amsterdam often exceed €80.

The work week is generally 35 to 40 hours, with a minimum of 25 days of paid vacation, plus 13 public holidays. Visa routes like the Red-White-Red Card and the jobseeker visa are relatively accessible and designed with skilled professionals from non-EU countries in mind.

Austria is among the more expensive countries in Europe overall, but the cost of living is still manageable. Although tech wages are slightly lower than in France or Denmark—a mid-level software engineer in Austria earns around €60,000, compared to about €70,000 in Denmark—the more affordable housing and transportation help balance things out.

Portugal 🇵🇹

Portugal stands out for its mild climate, relatively low cost of living, and remote work-friendly visa options. In the 2024 Expat Insider survey, it ranked in the top 10 globally for quality of life, with expats particularly delighted with the weather and natural scenery. It’s also one of the safest countries in the world, as it ranked 7th in the 2025 Global Peace Index.

Living expenses are lower than in most Western European countries. A one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon averages around €1,090 per month. By comparison, rent for a similar apartment in Madrid or Barcelona tends to be €200–€400 higher. Outside of Lisbon, day-to-day expenses drop even further, which makes Portugal especially attractive for remote professionals or young families that want to enjoy sunny beach days.

Portugal is also highly ranked for remote work readiness. Remote jobs are relatively easy to access, and the visa system supports this. The D8 Digital Nomad Visa is a popular option for remote workers earning income from outside Portugal, while the D2 Entrepreneur Visa is well-suited for freelancers or small business owners. Both are common choices and relatively straightforward to apply for. And if you're wondering about the language, don't worry, many locals speak English, and the general vibe is very welcoming for expats.

Denmark 🇩🇰

Denmark regularly ranks near the top when it comes to quality of life and work-life balance. Copenhagen placed first in the EIU’s Global Liveability Index in 2025 and was also named the best city for working abroad by InterNations in 2024. In the OECD Better Life Index, Denmark scores above average in nearly every category, from income and housing to safety and civic engagement.

A full-time workweek typically runs around 37 hours, and workers receive five weeks of paid vacation plus public holidays. The average gross salary for a software engineer in Denmark is about €66,000, and in Copenhagen, average salaries round up to €83,579 a year before taxes. While income tax rates are high (often 50% or more) this is reflected in strong public services like free healthcare and childcare and reliable infrastructure.

Monthly living costs in Copenhagen are high compared to countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and even the USA (if we exclude rent). Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Copenhagen is often around €1,600, whereas a similar place in Munich costs about €1,400. Still, the higher salary levels in Denmark help balance the cost of living.

Denmark also has different work visas that make it easier for non-EU tech professionals to relocate for work. The Pay Limit Scheme lets you get a work permit if you have a job offer with a high enough salary, while the Positive List covers roles that are in demand, like software engineers and IT consultants. Both routes are relatively straightforward if you already have a job offer.

Germany 🇩🇪

Germany has one of the strongest economies in the world (it ranks third globally by GDP after the U.S. and China), and this translates into stable job opportunities and a solid labour market for tech professionals. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt have a strong international presence and many open roles in IT and engineering. Salaries vary depending on the region and the job, but the national average across industries is around €52,000 gross per year. The cost of living in Berlin is 45% lower than in New York City (excluding rent) and groceries in Munich cost 60% less than in New York City.

The standard full-time workweek is 35–40 hours, and employees receive at least 20 days of paid vacation, plus 9 to 13 public holidays. Many companies offer more. Large employers like SAP give 30 days off in addition to sick leave. Work culture generally respects your time outside work, and most people do not receive calls or emails after hours. With this balance between time off and job security, it’s hardly surprising that Germany is considered one of the best work-life balance countries in Europe.

Germany’s public healthcare system is funded through employer and employee contributions and covers most services. Public transport is reliable and easy to use. For non-EU professionals, Germany offers several visa routes, including the EU Blue Card and the jobseeker visa, both of which are relatively simple to apply for. English is commonly used in tech jobs, but knowing some German helps with day-to-day life and official paperwork.

The Netherlands 🇳🇱

The Netherlands is a popular destination for international professionals thanks to good salaries, attractive visa options, and a high level of English spoken in the workplace. Amsterdam ranks 5th in InterNations’ 2024 Working Abroad Index, with many expats saying they’re satisfied with their jobs and work-life balance, and that it’s easy to settle in.

The average salary across sectors is around €44,000, though mid-level software engineers earn closer to €55,000, depending on location and company size. Working hours typically stay within 36–40 per week, and employees are entitled to at least 20 days of vacation, and many companies offer even six weeks total.

Living expenses are relatively high, particularly in Amsterdam, where rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages €2,041 per month. However, cities like Rotterdam or The Hague offer more affordable alternatives while still being close to major tech hubs. Compared to cities like Berlin or Lisbon, groceries and transportation in the Netherlands tend to be slightly more expensive, but public services and infrastructure are well-maintained and reliable.

For expats, one standout benefit is the 30% ruling, a tax break that allows eligible skilled workers to receive up to 30% of their salary tax-free for five years. The Netherlands also offers several visa options for non-EU nationals who want to work in the country, such as the self-employment visa, the highly skilled migrant visa and the DAFT visa, designed exclusively for U.S. citizens.

Talk to an immigration expert before relocating to Europe 🇪🇺

The best work-life balance countries in Europe each offer something different. If you’re looking for warm weather and a slower pace of life, Portugal might suit you. If strong public services are more important, Austria or Denmark could be a better choice. And if your priorities are around English-speaking environments, higher salaries, or a growing tech scene, the Netherlands might feel more familiar.

Rankings can help you compare factors and get a clear view of the strengths and negatives of each option. But numbers aside, what really counts is how all these pieces fit together in real life for someone relocating as an expat. That includes visa options, salary expectations, access to healthcare, and how long it takes to get settled.

If you’re serious about making a move, we recommend speaking to a relocation or immigration expert. They can walk you through your options and help you find the most realistic and efficient path. We can connect you with trusted partners who specialise in helping tech professionals relocate across borders.

Good luck!