"Which country should I choose?" is one of the first questions we hear from candidates. There is no single right answer: the best destination depends on your skills, your budget, your family plans and how long you intend to stay. Here is how our four most popular work destinations compare.
Poland: Central Europe's busiest market for foreign workers
Poland has one of the largest and most diverse labour markets in Central Europe, with steady demand in logistics and warehousing, manufacturing, construction, food processing and IT. Living costs are lower than in Western Europe, cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław and Poznań have large international communities, and the immigration process for workers is well established.
- Currency: Polish złoty (PLN)
- Language at work: Polish is a big advantage, but many roles in production, logistics and IT are open to English speakers
- Good fit for: first-time movers, skilled and semi-skilled workers, and anyone planning a long-term stay
Lithuania: compact, digital and well connected
Lithuania is a smaller market, but it has a strong transport and logistics sector — international truck drivers are in constant demand — as well as opportunities in construction, manufacturing, IT and services. The country maintains a list of occupations in shortage, and hiring for those roles is simpler. Public services are highly digitalised.
- Currency: euro (EUR)
- Language at work: Lithuanian, with Russian and English common in some sectors
- Good fit for: drivers, tradespeople and IT specialists who want a smaller, well-organised country
Germany: higher salaries, higher expectations
Germany is the EU's largest economy and offers some of the highest wages in the region, especially in healthcare, engineering, IT and skilled trades. In return, expectations are higher: formal recognition of your qualifications often matters, German language skills make a big difference, and living costs — particularly rents in big cities — are significant. Options include the skilled worker visa, the EU Blue Card and the job-seeker Opportunity Card.
- Currency: euro (EUR)
- Language at work: German in most roles; English mainly in IT and international companies
- Good fit for: qualified professionals with recognised diplomas or vocational training
Croatia: tourism, construction and the Adriatic coast
Croatia has seen fast growth in foreign employment, especially in tourism and hospitality, construction and shipbuilding. Much of the hospitality work is seasonal and concentrated on the coast between spring and autumn. Croatia adopted the euro and joined the Schengen area on 1 January 2023.
- Currency: euro (EUR)
- Language at work: Croatian; English is widely used in tourism
- Good fit for: hospitality staff, chefs, construction workers and anyone looking for seasonal contracts
At a glance
| Poland | Lithuania | Germany | Croatia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Currency | PLN | EUR | EUR | EUR |
| Main language | Polish | Lithuanian | German | Croatian |
| In-demand sectors | Logistics, manufacturing, construction, IT | Transport, construction, IT | Healthcare, engineering, IT, trades | Tourism, construction, shipbuilding |
| Entry barrier | Moderate | Moderate | Higher | Moderate |
| Schengen member | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Four questions to help you decide
- What are your qualifications? If you have a degree or recognised vocational training, Germany or the EU Blue Card route may be realistic. If you are building your career, Poland, Lithuania or Croatia are usually easier entry points.
- Which languages do you speak? Even basic knowledge of the local language widens your options and speeds up integration.
- Are you moving alone or with family? Family reunification rules, housing costs and schooling differ from country to country.
- How long do you want to stay? If permanent residence is your goal, choose a country where you can see yourself living for at least five years.
Talk it through with us
We help candidates find opportunities in all four countries. Explore our work destinations, or book a consultation and we will help you match your profile with the right country and the right employer.