Top-10 EU cities for Indians

In 2022, Indians became the third-largest group to receive their first residence permits in Europe, with 183,237 individuals obtaining one. Of all the permits issued to Indians, 46.9% were based on employment. The question of which European country is best for Indians remains as relevant as ever. In this detailed guide, we'll explore the top European countries and cities favoured by Indians.

What is the best country to live and work for Indians and what city would be your perfect choice? Let’s find out.

The best European countries for Indians

Picking the country to migrate to Europe from India is a matter of preference. The data indicates that the top three EU issuers of residence permits to Indians are the UK, Germany, and Italy. Check our blog on Indians in Italy to find out more.

The six countries in the table below host the most significant Indian communities in the EU.

While the numbers are important, we’re not going to cover all of the countries listed in the table above in today’s article. Instead, we’ll share what we personally consider the best countries for job opportunities for Indians.

How to migrate to Europe from India. EU Blue Card

Over the years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of Indians obtaining EU Blue Cards, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals in the European job market. 82,000 highly qualified non-EU workers received EU Blue Cards in 2022. Indians were granted the highest number of EU Blue Cards in 2022 among other nations (about 25% of the total amount of all EU Blue Cards issued that year).

Using the opportunities provided by the Blue Card, Indians can move to Europe from India (except for the UK, Denmark, and Ireland). So, if you’re a skilled professional, employment could be one of the ways for you to migrate. There’s plenty of work in Europe for Indian high-skilled workers. To be eligible for receiving a Blue Card, you need to fit certain criteria:

• Hold a higher education qualification or have relevant professional experience. Check the country you're applying to, as it may have different education and work experience criteria.
• Have a valid work contract or job offer for a highly skilled position lasting at least one year.
• Work as a paid employee; self-employment is not eligible.
• Earn an annual gross salary of at least one and a half times the national average wage unless a lower threshold applies.
• Possess valid travel documents and health insurance for yourself and any accompanying family members.
• Meet the minimum salary requirement set by the chosen EU country.
• For regulated professions, such as medical professionals, provide proof of meeting national legal requirements.

Move to Europe from India: Digital nomad visa

Many countries adopted a Digital nomad visa policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you work remotely and are looking for a change of scenery, this could be a perfect option for you. Like with the EU Blue card, every country has its own requirements regarding tax, minimum income, etc.

Here are the best countries to live and work for Indian digital nomads:

• Germany
• Norway
• Spain
• Portugal
• Malta
• Greece
• Cyprus

The UK

For those who speak English already and don’t feel like investing time in learning another language, the UK could be the go-to option for migrating to Europe from India. Although the UK doesn’t participate in the EU Blue Card programme and has no digital nomad visa options, there are still ways for Indians to relocate there. Read more on visas and migration to the UK here.

So, the UK could be the best country to live and work for Indians, but what are the best cities within the country? Naturally, London is the first one to be considered. The Indian community is an astounding 7.5% of the city's population. Next are Leicester, Birmingham, Harrow, Brent, and Ealing. Read our article on the best places to live in the UK for Indians for more details.

The best European country to migrate from India. Germany

After the UK, Germany is an absolute leader in issuing residence permits to Indians. It offers ample opportunities for work in Europe for Indian citizens as well as a great work-life balance.

The country is culturally and ethnically diverse, making it easier for foreigners to transition into the new environment. When it comes to migrating to Europe from India, Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt stand out as the top three most popular choices in Germany. Working in Deutschland, you’ll enjoy a 36 to 40-hour work week along with good benefits and healthcare.

The best European country for Indian citizens. The Netherlands

The Netherlands has been actively seeking foreign talents for years now. It's one of the best countries for job opportunities for Indians, especially in the IT, engineering, energy, and finance sectors. The Netherlands boasts a strong economy, a high quality of life, and an outstanding work-life balance, attracting thousands of expats each year. Aside from the EU Blue Card, you can also apply for Startup and Freelance visas.

Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht are home to the most prominent Indian communities in the country. While the Netherlands is one of the best European countries for Indians, it is also one of the most expensive. We'll provide an estimated cost of living later in the article.

Migrate to Europe from India. Sweden

Scandinavia is especially popular among internationals thanks to its population speaking fluent English, making it easier to find job opportunities. Sweden is another great option when moving to Europe from India. While hired at an international company, you will have no problem using only English, at least at the beginning of your integration. Sweden is famous for its excellent work-life balance and corporate culture, with employees enjoying robust benefit packages.

Sweden is one of the best European countries to migrate from India. Stockholm, Helsingborg, Lund, and Malmö are among the most popular destinations for Indians.

The best country to live and work for Indians. Portugal

Portugal is growing significantly more prevalent among Indians thanks to a high quality of life and pleasant climate. It is the warmest, sunniest (and most affordable) one on today's list.

So, if you can't stand rain and lack of sunlight, you should definitely consider Portugal when migrating to Europe from India. The country offers safety, a favourable tax policy, various residence permit options, and essential social security benefits. Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, and São Teotónio are where significant Indian populations live.

Cost of living comparison

So, what is the best country to live and work for Indians if you’re trying to be on a budget? Check our table to find out.

How to remit from any EU country to India at the best exchange rate

After migrating to Europe from India, many expats face the issue of unfavourable exchange rates and high fees when trying to support loved ones back home. To send money at the best terms, try Profee, a trusted European company.

Here’s why it’s worth sending money to India via Profee:

• Profee’s smart monitoring system tracks exchange rates and suggests the most favourable one each time you send money;
• Your first remittance is zero-fee and processed at a promo exchange rate;
• Commission for your further transfers is no more than 1 euro;
• It’s 100% secure;
• Fast delivery.

The registration process at Profee takes less than 10 minutes and only requires basic information about you. You can choose an intuitive app available for iOS and Android or send money via the easy-to-navigate Profee website.

Moving to Europe from India, with its ups and downs, is a fascinating adventure. We hope today’s article gave you a clear picture of how to migrate to Europe from India. Feel free to share this guide with friends looking for work in Europe for Indians. And, once the relocation is over and you’re all settled in, make sure to support your loved ones back home with fast, safe, and beneficial Profee transfers at a favourable exchange rate.