The Fastest-Growing Job Markets for Expats in 2025

The world will never be the same again. Unstable economies, political upheaval, and constant technological innovation shape the job market. While great resignations have been the norm in the past, the situation is likely to change in 2025. Professionals will continue to seek a better life in other countries. As a result, competition among expats for jobs is expected to intensify. At the same time, companies and the world as a whole will need skilled workers. Those with the right skills will win. What those skills are, how expats can find a good job, and how employers can find talented professionals - all of this is covered in our article.

The state of the labor market in 2025

The year 2025 unfolds amid ongoing transformations in global labor markets. The driving forces of the global labor market by 2030 are expected to be:

• technological change

• geo-economic fragmentation 

• economic uncertainty 

• demographic shifts and

• "green transition.

It's interesting to note that the global unemployment rate is 4.9%. It’s the lowest since 1991. However, this figure does not reflect the real situation. In particular, unemployment is more or less low in middle-income countries, while it is high in low-income countries. Add to that political escalation, unresolved refugee and expat issues, the rising cost of living around the world, and the climate crisis. All of these factors affect both job seekers and employers. Today, you cannot plan your future without considering these factors.

Is expat life getting more complicated?

Emigrants are at a disadvantage. They have to leave their country in search of better living conditions. It turns out, however, that it is often difficult to find work and housing in the countries they choose to live in. Not to mention social security, health insurance, and other aspects of a fulfilling life.

Expats need a job 

Because life is getting expensive. Even a mecca of relaxed living like Ibiza is no longer affordable for young expats. Even those with a good track record and career. One way or another, we all come to the same conclusion: we need a job. But finding a well-paid job is difficult for foreigners. 

Businesses need professionals

On the other hand, employers need skilled workers to grow their businesses. So we have a double-edged sword: 

1. Lack of decent jobs for expats and lack of in-demand skills.

2. Employers' need for skilled workers and a shortage of skilled workers. 

But it's not all bad. The needs of both expats and employers can be met. Let's find out what the job market will look like in 2025.

The fastest-growing job markets for expats in 2025

In short, healthcare, technology, renewable energy/sustainability, and computing jobs will be in demand in 2025. This means that if you are one of these professionals, you will be warmly welcomed abroad. They will even try to keep good specialists. To that end, fast-track immigration policies, attractive tax breaks, and government support are being put in place. 

But you will still have a chance to get a good job as an expat in 2025, even if you are a specialist in a different field.

Key trends in the job markets

The job market is not the same in every country. What they have in common are current trends and the need for qualified personnel.

Current trends include:

• Fewer job openings amid growing economic uncertainty;

• Labor shortages due to retirements and a lack of qualified young workers.

• Technological progress. This is one of the drivers of the global economy. As a result, digital skills are a must as industries integrate advanced technologies.

• The world is becoming increasingly data-driven. Therefore, there is a growing need for AI and cybersecurity skills, analytics, and systems thinking. 

• Soft skills remain in high demand. Adaptability, resilience, and communication skills are valued everywhere.

• English and other languages (especially German, Dutch and Scandinavian) remain key.

At the same time, other skills such as design, UX, marketing, and media are in demand as well. They are closely related to digital transformation, as researching the impact of technology on consumer behavior is critical.


As more companies outsource their work to agencies and demand for Digital Marketing Specialists continues to grow, it's important to know which best digital marketing agencies are hiring, where they're located, and what skills are required to apply.

What countries are doing to attract skilled workers

Skill shortages and the urgent need to attract professionals force countries to develop a strategic plan.

In particular:

• Investments in training and retraining of specialists;

• Fast-track immigrant integration programs;

• Language programs for foreigners;

• Simplified procedures for obtaining residency and work permits;

• Encouraging remote work;

• More competitive salaries.

In-demand jobs in 2025

This year, we can expect a high demand for such professionals:

Healthcare workers

The population is aging. This means that medicine is advancing, allowing humanity to treat diseases for which there were no cures 50-100 years ago. Geriatric care specialists, nurses, experienced physicians, researchers - all of these professionals will be in demand in 2025.

IT specialists and data analysts

The adoption of the latest technologies is in full swing. New projects are emerging, and more and more advanced developments are being carried out. The global technology race is underway. That is why tech-savvy professionals can count on stable work.

Experts in Artificial Intelligence

AI takes the lead and continues to be widely adopted. Its main task is to perform routine tasks by automating complex processes. What is left to people is the most challenging part of the job - managing complex interactions. This type of work requires people to be highly skilled and have strong problem-solving skills.

Experts in working with people 

Today's job market can be described as people-oriented, as soft skills are still a priority. Empathy, the ability to communicate with clients, and running back office operations are all things that young expat candidates can offer.  

Green energy specialists

As humanity rethinks its approach to the environment, those who embrace green solutions are the winners. Electric cars, wind or solar power, gardens on the roofs of skyscrapers, water purification systems - this is our future. The future that is here. And we do need professionals with these skills.

Key strategies for candidates to find jobs 

To get a job, you need to meet the job requirements and consider other factors. We have put together some tips to help you find a job abroad.

Learn languages

Before you consider a country for living and working, you should start with the language. Expats need to speak the language of the country they're going to. If it's Spain, it's not enough to know English. You need to demonstrate your loyalty and commitment to the country's culture to really fit in. Remember that expats who speak Spanish in Spain or Danish in Denmark have a better chance of getting attractive job offers.

For example, if you come to Denmark by force or by choice, you will have to learn Danish in special language courses. Once you pass the exam, you can find a job with a better salary. That's why it's important to know the language. 

Choose a country where your profession or skills are needed

If you are a young professional, a startup representative, or a digital nomad, you might want to consider Portugal. It offers exciting initiatives to attract young tech professionals. Besides, English will be enough for you to get started. It is also English that can open the way for expats in industries such as tourism and hospitality. So think carefully about which country has the most expat-friendly environment. Especially if you plan to bring your family with you.

 

Be clear about your strengths, knowledge and skills

If you are not ready for a major career shift or do not have a clear employment strategy, consider countries with a low entry threshold for beginners. Such a country could be the Czech Republic or even Germany with its developed engineering, automotive, technology, renewable energy, and finance sectors. It makes sense to get a job in a factory and gradually develop your career. 

In addition, you should not forget about safety and comfort for foreigners while looking for a salary. There are a lot of foreigners in Germany, so you can join the community of your home country and get the support you need in the initial stage.

Explore opportunities in the most promising sectors

The job market in green technology and renewable energy is booming in the Netherlands. Companies in these fields often offer training and internships to newcomers. Even if the job doesn't seem attractive at first, you can be sure it will be relevant in the future: this field is here to stay.

Keep it simple

If you speak English, don't mind starting with a low-paying job, and want time to study while working, consider Greece. This country has a very developed tourism, hotel, restaurant, and customer service industry. If you are just starting out, it makes sense to consider this option.

Consider working and living conditions

It is best to find a job before you move. This will help you avoid problems with housing and money. When choosing a country and looking for a job, you should consider the ratio between salary and cost of living. If you can earn more in France, the cost of living here may be too high and eat up your salary quickly. Conversely, in some countries, expat jobs may not pay well, but housing and food prices are more affordable.

How to avoid missing out on in-demand jobs

The job market changes quickly, so it's easy to miss out on really great opportunities. Use the tips below to stay on top of hiring trends and employer offers:

• Join online communities and industry groups. This way, you can meet people, share experiences, and stay abreast of changes in the job market. Networking is key.

• Subscribe to job boards and stay up to date with the latest news and job openings.

• Follow the latest career forecasts from research firms.

• Follow updates from companies you are interested in. 

But that's not all. It is also important to upskill to stay competitive in a particular industry. In addition, you should actively look for a job. Gone are the days when people could afford to be passive job seekers. In 2025, you have to be smart, nimble, and proactive to get the job you want. However, job markets are sizzling with opportunities. There are bound to be some that are right for you.

Trends and implications for employers

The job market is competitive not only for job seekers, but also for employers. Therefore, both job seekers and employers should consider labor market trends. In 2025, companies should:

• Offer salaries that reflect market realities; 

• Provide additional benefits; 

• Create conditions for employees' career growth;

• Remain flexible to adapt to market requirements and employee expectations.

Therefore, to remain competitive, companies will need to focus on being flexible, delivering value, and engaging with candidates.

How to hire better

Among the barriers that the employers surveyed believe will hinder their organizational transformation are:

• Skill shortages in the labor market;

• Inability to attract the best talent to the industry;

• The tedious job search process.

The reality is that companies often spend time and money searching for candidates by manually matching data. So, attracting the right talent is also a challenge. In the near future, automation and AI will play a crucial role. In particular, the use of a modern ATS. Employers can build an ATS for recruitment to keep control of the hiring process and attract the best candidates for the job as quickly as possible. Properly configured, such a system will attract employees with the right skills, experience, or even just the right culture.

Conclusion

The job market in 2025 won't be smooth sailing. Competition is growing. For expats, as well as for companies, winning the battle for jobs is critical. Expats looking for work in 2025 will need to hone their digital skills, multilingualism, and adaptability to navigate this changing landscape. The more you know about what's in demand now, the better your chances of landing a lucrative job in 2025. For their part, companies should optimize their recruitment efforts and offer attractive working conditions to qualified employees. 

It looks like this year has a lot to offer. Good luck with your job search!