When job seekers are heading to another country for work, they usually hope to recruit for a higher-paying job. However, these expectations do not always come true. How can expats in Europe obtain a high salary? Find out the details in the article.
Jobs in Europe
Due to the pandemic, workers were unable to move out and obtain a workplace in another country. Now, the situation has changed – borders are open, and all that is needed for relocation is a work visa. Fortunately, most employers are willing to hire professionals from abroad. However, to achieve the desired income, it is necessary to consider the average salaries of the region, employment regulations, and the corporate characteristics of the chosen country. Additionally,it is also worth thinking about living expenses: housing, food, and other basic needs. After all, 1,000 EUR in Georgia, Moldova, Switzerland, or the Netherlands represent completely different equivalents in terms of goods and services.
First and foremost, the availability of job positions will determine the decision about the permanent residence location. Often, migrants settle down in small towns and villages. In such cases, it's difficult to count on a high-paying position. Therefore, focusing your job search on a nearby major city makes sense.
When moving to Europe, it's essential to obtain a biometric passport, prepare a birth certificate, a child's passport, and all necessary veterinary documents if you're bringing a pet. Make sure to check if your passport is still valid and process a work visa.
Choose the country
Proficiency in the national and English languages significantly increases the chances of a higher salary. Therefore, the first task when moving to another country is to learn the language.
Which European countries pay the highest salaries?
Top 5 countries with the highest minimum wage in the EU
Salaries in Europe vary significantly from country to country. The difference between the minimum wages in top-ranking and bottom-ranking countries can reach up to 2,000 EUR: for example, Bulgaria — 399 EUR vs Luxembourg — 2,387 EUR. Make sure to compare the indicators of minimum payments in several countries before deciding on your trip.
Countries with the highest minimum wages in the EU
| Country | Minimum wage |
|---|---|
| Ireland | 1,910 EUR |
| Netherlands | 1,934 EUR |
| Belgium | 1,955 EUR |
| Germany | 1,981 EUR |
| Luxemburg | 2,387 EUR |
Luxembourg, among other achievements, has also made it into the World Happiness Report 2023. The banking sector job market is highly competitive, and this is where the highest salaries can be found. Official languages: Luxembourgish, German, and French.
According to Eurostat data, there is a classification into three groups based on the ranking of minimum wages:
- 399 - 840 EUR
- 887 - 1,304 EUR
- 1,700 EUR and above
The complete ranking of minimum wages in Europe is available on the europa.jobs portal.
Choose the industry
In the most highly paid sectors, salaries can reach up to 40,000 EUR per month, as is the case for highly skilled surgeons in Luxembourg. Otherwise, salaries will differ based on the country, experience, education, and skills.
Top 5 highest-payed professions in Europe
Medical professionals (surgeons, dentists, doctors in other fields)
Engineers
Management positions
Pilots, air traffic controllers
The IT sector remains one of the most prestigious. However, entry into the profession has become more challenging. The global economic and political situation led to significant workforce reductions by IT companies in 2022-2023 to safeguard against financial losses. Tens of thousands of employees at companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Zoom were laid off. The job market became saturated with talent seeking employment, increasing competition for job positions. If you were considering a career in IT, doing so now is tougher than it was two years ago; it will require patience and perseverance.
If you lack a diploma, there are professions where the demand for foreign workers remains stable, and a diploma is not required. According to europa.jobs, the highest number of vacancies are available in the following professions:
Construction workers
Cooks
Logistic sector
Caregivers/Nannies
Service industry workers: housekeepers, waiters/waitresses
Create your resume
Searching for a job abroad can be confusing. Therefore, it's worth compiling a list of skills potential employers might appreciate. This will help you gather your thoughts and determine which professions you can consider.
After that, you can start writing your resume. There could be up to 1,000 candidates competing for a good position, so it's crucial to present yourself effectively.
- Length. Ideally, keep it up to one page – maximum of two pages. Remove anything unrelated to the chosen profession. Whenever possible, condense the resume, emphasising key points.
- Resume Content Formula:
- Work experience (30%),
- Qualifications and skills (25%),
- Personal achievements, strengths (16%),
- Formatting/paragraphs/structure (12%),
- Education (10%),
- Objective statement (5%),
- Keywords (2%),
- Contact information (1%).
- Focus. For a recruiter, the list of responsibilities in your past positions is not as important as the results you achieved. Describe how you contributed to the increase in sales, streamlined the documentation — anything you deem relevant.
In European countries, it's necessary to include a clause permitting the use of personal data. Sometimes, you can find a template text in the job posting itself, provided by the employer.
Verify your qualifications
It is essential to understand the requirements imposed on applicants in Europe. Finding a well-paid position with a diploma issued outside the European Union can be challenging. Therefore, confirming your qualifications is of great importance. This procedure will be mandatory for many professions like doctors, engineers, teachers, and architects. In most cases, the employer assists with the necessary documentation, allowing you to start your job search confidently even before confirming your qualifications in Europe.
Even for professions where it's not mandatory, consider obtaining validating documents. This will enhance your competitiveness and enable you to aim for a higher salary.
The qualification verification process involves:
- Gathering the required diplomas and certificates.
- Filling out forms and submitting documents to relevant authorities.
- If necessary: taking exams or completing additional courses.
- Awaiting results and receiving documents that confirm your qualifications in the country.
Looking for a job abroad might demand extra effort from applicants. However, skilled professionals are in demand in all countries. By dedicating sufficient attention to preparation, education, and additional professional courses in the country, you have a strong chance of securing a high-paying job based on your knowledge and skills.
