Have you ever thought about living and working in another country?
In this article, we’ll share the 30 best countries to work abroad in 2025. These places are not only safe but also offer strong worker protections, making them great options for anyone looking for a secure Job.
If you’re ready to explore new opportunities and find your perfect destination, then keep reading!
List of Best Countries to Work Abroad by Category
List of 29 Best Countries to Work Abroad in 2025
Here’s a categorized list of countries considered safe and known for their high worker protections that are a perfect career opportunity for you.
A. Europe
1. Denmark
- Country Description: Known for its high quality of life, Denmark is a Nordic country with a strong economy and a well-developed welfare system.
- Safety Rate: Denmark has a strong safety culture, with a relatively low workplace accident rate. Regular inspections and compliance with safety standards help maintain this.
- Worker Protection Rate: Denmark emphasizes shared responsibility between employers and workers for safety. Laws ensure workers’ rights to report hazards and refuse unsafe work. Employers must implement risk assessments and safety measures. [1]
2. Switzerland
- Country Description: A prosperous country with a high standard of living, Switzerland is known for its banking sector and excellent healthcare system.
- Safety Rate: Switzerland has a very low rate of workplace accidents due to strict adherence to safety protocols and regulations.
- Worker Protection Rate: The Swiss Accident Insurance Fund (SUVA) oversees safety, and workers are well protected by strong laws requiring risk assessments and safety training.[2]
3. Norway
- Country Description: Norway is a wealthy Nordic nation with a focus on sustainability, known for its natural beauty and high living standards.
- Safety Rate: Norway maintains a low workplace accident rate thanks to strong regulations and proactive safety measures.
- Worker Protection Rate: Norway is a safe, peaceful country with good welfare systems and a constructive, well-regulated employer–employee relationship. A flat organizational structure with a high degree of transparency and good opportunities for employee participation is typical of Norwegian workplaces. The workforce is highly qualified.[3]
4. Finland
- Country Description: Finland is a highly developed country with a strong education system and a focus on equality and innovation.
- Safety Rate: Finland’s workplace safety is among the best in the world due to rigorous safety laws and effective enforcement.
- Worker Protection Rate: The country currently leads the way in terms of flexible working with new laws (Working Hours Act) giving employees the opportunity to choose when and where they work for at least half of their contracted working hours.[4]
5. Sweden
- Country Description: Sweden is a Scandinavian country known for its welfare state, progressive policies, and high standard of living.
- Safety Rate: Sweden has a low rate of workplace injuries, supported by comprehensive safety laws and regular inspections.
- Worker Protection Rate: In Sweden, fair and safe working conditions are important for keeping people happy and healthy at work. This helps the economy stay strong because more people can work and stay employed. Jobs in Sweden are designed to treat workers well, so no one feels taken advantage of or gets too tired to keep working.[5]
6. Netherlands
- Country Description: The Netherlands is a prosperous European nation with a high standard of living and a strong economy.
- Safety Rate: The country has relatively low workplace accident rates, thanks to strict safety regulations and frequent inspections. [6]
- Worker Protection Rate: Employers in the Netherlands are required to implement safety measures, conduct risk assessments, and ensure workers’ active participation in safety planning
7. Germany
- Country Description: Germany is a leading industrial and economic power in Europe, known for its engineering and manufacturing sectors.
- Safety Rate: Germany has a very low accident rate in the workplace due to strict adherence to safety standards.
- Worker Protection Rate: Workers are well-protected by occupational safety laws, with strong rights to refuse unsafe work. Regular inspections ensure compliance with safety laws.
8. Austria
- Country Description: Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, known for its cultural heritage and high quality of life.
- Safety Rate: Austria maintains low accident rates due to strong safety measures and regulations.
- Worker Protection Rate: Austrian laws ensure that workers are protected through regular risk assessments, safety training, and proactive safety measures.
9. Iceland
- Country Description: Iceland is a small, island nation with a high standard of living and a focus on sustainability and natural beauty.
- Safety Rate: Iceland has a low rate of workplace accidents, bolstered by strict safety regulations and government oversight.
- Worker Protection Rate: Icelandic laws require employers to ensure safety and regularly assess risks. Workers have strong protection in the event of workplace injuries
10. Ireland
- Country Description: Ireland is known for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and growing tech industry.
- Safety Rate: Ireland has good workplace safety, with a low accident rate due to strong regulations.
- Worker Protection Rate: Workers are protected under the Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work Act, which mandates risk assessments, safety training, and inspections
11. Portugal
- Country Description: Portugal is a Southern European country known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and relaxed lifestyle.
- Safety Rate: Portugal’s workplace safety is fairly high, supported by government regulations and enforcement.
- Worker Protection Rate: Portuguese laws ensure workplace safety through risk assessments, safety protocols, and active worker participation in safety decisions
Average Monthly Salary in Europe
The average monthly salaries for overseas workers in Europe vary significantly by country. In Denmark, it is about €4,000 (Php 240,000), while Switzerland offers the highest at €6,000 (Php370,000) to €7,000 (Php 430,000). In Germany, it is around €3,500 (Php 210,000), Austria €3,100 (Php 190,000) to €3,500 (Php 210,000) and Ireland €3,500 (Php 210,000) to €4,000 (Php 240,000). [7]
The average monthly salary across these European countries is approximately around €3,700 (Php 230,000).
B. Asia-Pacific
12. New Zealand
- Country Description: New Zealand is known for its stunning natural landscapes, progressive policies, and high quality of life.
- Safety Rate: New Zealand ranks as one of the safest countries in the world with low crime rates and strong community safety practices
- Worker Protection Rate: The country has strong worker protections under the Health and Safety at Work Act, emphasizing worker participation, safety standards, and effective enforcement by regulators like WorkSafe New Zealand. [8]
13. Australia
- Country Description: Australia is a diverse and developed nation famous for its rich culture, outdoor lifestyle, and iconic landmarks.
- Safety Rate: With relatively low crime rates and stable governance, Australia is considered safe for residents and workers
- Worker Protection Rate: Australia has comprehensive labor laws, ensuring fair pay, safe working conditions, and the right to unionize. Programs like Fair Work Ombudsman oversee worker rights. [9]
14. Japan
- Country Description: Japan is a technologically advanced nation celebrated for its unique culture, strong economy, and efficient public services.
- Safety Rate: Japan has an extremely low crime rate, making it one of the safest countries globally.
- Worker Protection Rate: Labor laws in Japan focus on protecting full-time employees, though reforms are being made to better support non-regular workers
15. Singapore
- Country Description: A global financial hub, Singapore is known for its high living standards, multicultural society, and efficient infrastructure.
- Safety Rate: Singapore consistently ranks among the safest countries, with strict law enforcement and low crime rates
- Worker Protection Rate: It has robust worker protections but faces scrutiny regarding the rights of foreign workers. Government initiatives aim to balance these concerns
16. South Korea
- Country Description: South Korea is a modern nation with a vibrant culture, technological innovation, and a rich history.
- Safety Rate: The country has a moderate safety rate with relatively low violent crime but higher cyber threats
- Worker Protection Rate: Labor rights are evolving, with strong protections for regular workers but ongoing challenges for temporary and gig worker
17. Taiwan
- Country Description: Taiwan is a dynamic island known for its technology industry, rich culture, and democratic governance.
- Safety Rate: Taiwan is considered safe with low crime rates and high public trust in law enforcement
- Worker Protection Rate: Labor laws ensure protections like fair wages and workplace safety, but there are gaps for foreign workers
18. Malaysia
- Country Description: Malaysia is a culturally diverse nation known for its rich history, economic development, and natural beauty.
- Safety Rate: Malaysia has moderate safety ratings, with urban areas experiencing some crime risks
- Worker Protection Rate: Worker protections exist but vary in enforcement, particularly for migrant laborers
19. Hong Kong
- Country Description: Hong Kong is a major financial center blending Eastern and Western cultures with a fast-paced lifestyle.
- Safety Rate: Known for its general safety and efficient law enforcement, though recent political unrest has impacted perceptions.
- Worker Protection Rate: Labor laws focus on fair employment practices, but protections for domestic and migrant workers remain areas for improvement.
Average Monthly Salary in Asia-Pacific
The average monthly salaries for overseas workers in the Asia-Pacific region vary by country and sector. In Japan, it ranges from ¥250,000 (Php 95,000) to ¥300,000 (Php 115,000), while South Korea offers ₩2,200,000 (Php 92,000) to ₩2,800,000 (Php 117,000). In Australia, salaries are significantly higher, averaging AUD 5,000 (Php 180,000) to AUD 6,500 (Php 235,000). Singapore offers around SGD 4,000 (Php 160,000) to SGD 5,500 (Php 220,000), and New Zealand averages NZD 4,800 (Php 160,000) to NZD 6,000 (Php 200,000).[7]
The average monthly salary across these Asia-Pacific countries is approximately Php 145,000 to Php 175,000.
C. North America
20. Canada
- Country Description: Canada is a vast country known for its natural beauty, multicultural society, and strong economy. It is a leader in human rights and social welfare.
- Safety Rate: Canada is considered very safe, ranking highly on global safety indices. Its crime rate is low compared to other developed countries, and its citizens enjoy high levels of personal security.
- Worker Protection Rate: Canada provides robust protections for workers, including laws ensuring workplace safety, fair wages, and benefits. Recent laws like Ontario’s Working for Workers Act have strengthened wage transparency, safety measures, and fair treatment for both local and immigrant workers.[10]
21. United States
- Country Description: The United States is a large and diverse nation known for its economic power, innovation, and cultural influence worldwide.
- Safety Rate: Safety varies greatly by location. Some areas have higher crime rates, while many regions remain very safe. Overall, the U.S. ranks lower on global safety indices compared to Canada.
- Worker Protection Rate: Worker protections depend heavily on the state, but federal laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act ensure basic rights like minimum wage and overtime pay. However, compared to other developed countries, the U.S. offers less extensive protections such as universal paid family leave or health benefits
Average Monthly Salary in North America
The average monthly salaries for overseas workers in North America, particularly in Canada and the United States, are among the highest globally. In the United States, salaries average around $4,500 (Php 250,000) to $6,000 (Php 330,000), depending on the profession and location. In Canada, the average monthly salary is slightly lower, ranging from CAD 4,000 (Php 160,000) to CAD 5,500 (Php 220,000). [7]
The average monthly salary across these North American countries is approximately $5,250 (Php 290,000).
D. Middle East
22. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Country Description: The UAE is a wealthy and modern Middle Eastern country known for its skyscrapers, luxury lifestyle, and diverse expatriate workforce. It has a strong economy driven by oil, trade, and tourism.
- Safety Rate: The UAE has a high safety rate with low crime levels, strict law enforcement, and strong public security measures. It is one of the safest countries in the region.
- Worker Protection Rate: UAE labor laws have improved significantly, offering protections like regulated work hours, annual leaves, anti-discrimination laws, and penalties for unsafe work environment. [11]
23. Qatar
- Country Description: Qatar is a small but wealthy country on the Arabian Peninsula, known for its natural gas reserves, modern infrastructure, and hosting major global events like the FIFA World Cup.
- Safety Rate: Qatar ranks among the safest countries globally, with low crime and strict legal systems ensuring public security
- Worker Protection Rate: Labor reforms in recent years include improved wage systems, limits on working hours, and the abolition of the Kafala system, which previously restricted workers’ rights. However, implementation remains an area for further improvement
24. Israel
- Country Description: Israel is a technologically advanced nation in the Middle East, known for its innovation, robust economy, and complex geopolitical environment.
- Safety Rate: While internal safety and law enforcement are strong in most areas, the country faces ongoing regional security challenges. Crime rates within Israel are relatively low
- Worker Protection Rate: Israel has progressive labor laws, including minimum wage standards, social benefits, and protections for both local and migrant workers. However, disparities can exist between various labor sectors.
Average Monthly Salary in Middle East
The average monthly salaries for overseas workers in the Middle East are moderate and depend on the job sector. In the UAE, salaries average around AED 4,500 (Php 67,000) to AED 7,000 (Php 105,000). In Qatar, it ranges from QAR 4,000 (Php 62,000) to QAR 7,000 (Php 110,000). In Israel, the average monthly salary is ILS 5,000 (Php 80,000) to ILS 8,000 (Php 125,000).[7]
The average monthly salary across these Middle Eastern countries is approximately Php 70,000 to Php 100,000.
E. Africa
25. Mauritius
- Country Description:
Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean known for its beautiful beaches, strong economy, and political stability. The country relies heavily on tourism, agriculture, and services for economic growth. - Safety Rate:
Mauritius is considered relatively safe, with low crime rates compared to other African countries. It has proactive law enforcement and community safety measures. However, petty crimes like theft can occur in tourist areas - Worker Protection Rate:
The country has strong worker protection laws under the Workers’ Rights Act. These include maternity and paternity leave, minimum wages, safe work conditions, and rights for migrant workers. Workplace safety is regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Division to ensure proper training, equipment, and risk management.[12]
26. Botswana
- Country Description:
Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, recognized for its stable democracy, diamond mining industry, and conservation efforts, including wildlife tourism. - Safety Rate:
Botswana is relatively safe, especially for tourists. Violent crime is low, though petty crimes like pickpocketing may occur. Its political stability contributes to a secure environment - Worker Protection Rate:
The government enforces labor laws to protect worker rights, ensuring fair pay and working conditions. Efforts have been made to improve workplace safety and provide rights to unionize
27. Rwanda
- Country Description:
Rwanda is a small but fast-developing country in East Africa, known for its clean cities, ambitious economic reforms, and efforts to rebuild after the 1994 genocide. - Safety Rate:
Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa, with low crime rates and a highly respected police force. The government places emphasis on public security and community development - Worker Protection Rate:
Rwanda has strong labor laws, including mandatory workplace safety measures and fair wages. Workers have the right to unionize, and the government is actively improving labor rights, particularly in growing industries like construction and services.
Average Monthly Salary in Africa
The average monthly salaries for overseas workers in Africa vary by country. In Mauritius, it is around MUR 25,000 (Php 30,000) to MUR 35,000 (Php 42,000). In Botswana, the average monthly salary is BWP 10,000 (Php 42,000) to BWP 15,000 (Php 63,000), while in Rwanda, it is lower, averaging RWF 250,000 (Php 11,000) to RWF 400,000 (Php 18,000).[7]
The average monthly salary across these African countries is approximately Php 30,000 to Php 41,000.
F. Latin America
28. Costa Rica
- Country Description: Costa Rica is a peaceful and eco-friendly country in Central America, known for its biodiversity and commitment to environmental sustainability. It has a strong focus on renewable energy and is a popular tourist destination for its natural attractions.
- Safety Rate: Costa Rica is relatively safe but has moderate crime concerns in urban areas. Common crimes include petty theft, especially in busy cities like San José. Applying general caution makes it a relatively safe place for tourists and residents
- Worker Protection Rate: Costa Rica has robust labor laws ensuring fair wages, limits on work hours, and mandatory overtime pay. Workers have access to social security benefits, including healthcare and pensions. Anti-discrimination laws cover a wide range of protections, making workplaces more inclusive [13]
29. Chile
- Country Description: Chile is a long, narrow country in South America with a diverse climate, from deserts in the north to glaciers in the south. It is politically stable and known for its natural beauty, wine, and growing economy.
- Safety Rate: Chile is one of the safest countries in Latin America. While urban areas like Santiago have occasional issues with theft, rural regions and tourist destinations are generally very secure.
- Worker Protection Rate: Chile has comprehensive labor protections, including mandated minimum wages, collective bargaining rights, and strict regulations for workplace safety. It ensures severance pay for unfair dismissal and paid leave for maternity and annual vacations.
Average Monthly Salary in Latin America
The average monthly salaries for overseas workers in Latin America vary by country. In Costa Rica, it is around CRC 1,061,772 (Php 123,120), while in Chile, it is about CLP 1,434,510 (Php 86,816). [7]
The average monthly salary across these Latin American countries is approximately Php 105,000.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about working abroad, this list of 29 countries is a great place to start. These countries not only offer job opportunities but also have strong worker protections and are generally safe. Whether you’re looking for better work-life balance, fair wages, or a secure environment, these countries have you covered.
From the safe and progressive nations in Europe to the growing economies in Latin America and Africa, there’s a place that fits your needs. Now is a perfect time to explore your options and take the next step in your career abroad!
References
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- Templeton. (2023). Living and Working in the Netherlands: The Ultimate Guide. Templeton-Recruitment.com. https://www.templeton-recruitment.com/tech-news/living-and-working-in-the-netherlands-the-ultimate-guide#living-in-the-nl
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- Safe Work Australia. (2023). Who we are and what we do | Safe Work Australia. Www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/about-us/who-we-are-and-what-we-do
- Employment and Social Development Canada. (2018). Temporary foreign workers: Your rights are protected. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/protected-rights.html
- Future Internet. (2023). Rights Of Employees And Workers. Permanent Committee for Human Rights. https://pchr.gov.ae/en/priority-details/rights-of-employees-and-workers
- How safe is Mauritius? | Travel with MoAfrika Tours. (2023, September 18). Moafrika Tours. https://moafrikatours.com/is-mauritius-safe/
- Costa Rica safety and security – StartAbroad. (2023, October 30). StartAbroad. https://startabroad.com/locations/costa-rica-country-guide/costa-rica-safety-and-security/