Best Countries for Software Engineers

Top Countries to Immigrate for Software Engineers 

As technology fields continue to expand, especially with the advancement of AI and machine learning, the demand for software engineers and related roles is increasing globally. And this has led to an increase in job opportunities for software engineers.

However, the demand for software engineers and specific skills is higher in certain countries than others. Also, opportunities and benefits for software engineers differ in various countries. Some countries offer higher compensation packages and career growth opportunities, while others offer more in terms of quality of life and work-life balance.

If you’re a software engineer looking to relocate abroad, choosing the right country is as important as mastering your skill, as your destination will impact your career and overall life quality. 

We’ve curated a list of the top 10 countries for software engineers worldwide to help you make a more informed decision. The list is based on salary and benefits, demand for software engineers and specific languages, visa access, and work-life balance.

United States

The United States tops the list of the best countries for software engineers, which is no surprise considering it is home to most global tech giants (Apple, Google, IBM, Meta, Microsoft) and offers the highest salaries for software engineers and other tech roles. On average, software engineers earn $120,000 (€102,621), while senior devs can earn up to $180,000 (€153,931) per annum.

The US also has the highest demand for software engineers worldwide, thanks to Big Tech and a thriving startup ecosystem. The demand for engineers is notably higher in niche fields like AI and machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, and blockchain technology. But beyond traditional tech industries, software engineers can also find opportunities in healthcare, finance, and entertainment.

The H-1B visa is the most common route for tech professionals coming to work in the U.S. However, it is highly competitive and requires employer sponsorship. Exceptionally skilled professionals can explore the O-1 visa, and foreign tech students in the US can leverage the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program to kick-start their software engineering careers.

However, the US is not the best place to achieve work-life balance. Costs of living in major tech hubs are very high, and universal healthcare is not available. Also, working overly long hours is the norm for most people, and paid time off is employer-dependent.

Canada

Like its larger neighbour, the US, Canada is one of the top countries for software engineers. Its tech industry is thriving and expanding, and has one of the highest demands for tech talent, particularly in fields like AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and system design. The Canadian government also incentivises the tech industry through grants, tax breaks, and investments in clean tech.

Software engineering roles make up a large percentage of tech roles in Canada. Software engineers earn an average salary of C$98,000 (€61,239) while senior engineers can earn up to CA$150,000 (€93,743) in major tech hubs like Toronto and Vancouver. 

The startup and gaming industries are among Canada’s highest employers for software engineers. In addition to local tech companies, most multinational companies like Amazon, Google, and Shopify have offices in Canada, increasing the demand pool.

Canada prioritises work-life balance more than the U.S. There is generous parental leave and paid time off. The pace of life is also more relaxed, and universal healthcare coverage for all residents. The cost of living is also affordable, although it’s steadily rising in the major cities.

Another attraction for software engineers in Canada is its friendly immigration policies. Top talents can get direct permanent residence through the Express Entry program and other regional programs like the British Columbia PNP Tech and Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP). International tech graduates can kick off their career with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Switzerland

Switzerland can easily be called Europe’s tech capital. According to the Swiss Federal Statistics Bureau, there are over 400 tech companies in Zurich alone. And it is one of the highest-paying countries for software engineers worldwide. Engineers earn an average salary of CHF95,198 (€102,000) while senior devs can easily earn up to CHF130,664 (€140,000) in Switzerland, particularly in tech cities like Geneva and Zurich.

Opportunities for software engineers abound in Switzerland, with fintech, healthcare tech, AI, and robotics carrying the highest demands. However, the competition is stiff, and you must be highly skilled/experienced to stand out. Blockchain, embedded systems, and fintech offer some of the highest pay for software engineers in Switzerland.  

Work-life balance is a core component of Swiss living. There are generous vacation policies and parental leave, and consistently working overtime is uncommon. Expats also enjoy access to quality universal healthcare and education. However, Switzerland is an expensive place to live. Its largest tech hub, Zurich, is dubbed the world’s most expensive city. 

EU/EEA nationals enjoy open policies that allow them access to opportunities in Switzerland. However, non-EU/EEA software engineers must get a job offer to qualify for a visa. The employer-sponsored work permit is usually renewable and can lead to permanent residency.

United Kingdom

The UK has a vast tech ecosystem, which makes it one of the best countries for software engineers. Its capital, London, is a leading tech and finance hub, with ample investment funding for tech projects and startups, particularly climate tech startups. This creates an ever-increasing demand for software engineers and other tech talent.

Although not as high as those in the U.S. and Switzerland, the UK pays software engineers competitive salaries. Software engineers earn about £60,000 (€69,210), while a senior software developer can earn up to £90,000 (€103,823.55), with AI and robotics, cybersecurity, data science, and fintech roles earning the highest pay.

While London offers the most opportunities for career growth in the UK, the cost of living is also very high. Cities like Bristol, Edinburgh, and Manchester are fast-rising tech hubs offering a lower cost of living. Excellent public services, including a world-class transport system and quality universal healthcare (NHS), are available throughout the UK.  

Work-life balance in the UK depends on the specific industry, location, and employer. However, most companies allow remote or hybrid work settings. Government policies also make ample provision for both maternity and paternity leave.

Software engineers can relocate to the UK through the Skilled Worker or Global Talent visa routes. International tech graduates from UK universities can apply for a Graduate visa to start their careers in the UK.

Australia

Australia offers one of the best software engineer job opportunities worldwide. Its tech industry is booming, fueled by the government’s focus on digital transformation, which has attracted huge investments in areas like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. This boom has significantly increased tech recruiting, with software engineers among the top 10 in-demand roles in the country.

Job security is much higher in Australia than in most developed nations. Software engineer salary ranges vary across companies, with an average earning of A$125,000, while senior developers and tech managers can earn up to A$170,000 with roles in AI, cloud engineering, and cybersecurity commanding the highest pay.

Another reason many software engineers immigrate to Australia is its high quality of life. It is safe, economically and politically stable, has abundant green spaces and excellent public amenities, and prioritises community. Expats enjoy access to high-quality universal healthcare and a relaxed work culture. However, the cost of living in major cities like Melbourne and Sydney is very high.

Foreign software engineers can work in Australia via the General Skilled Migration Program (GSM). Depending on experience and skill levels, you can apply for the Skilled Independent visa or a state-nominated visa. Australia also allows tech companies to sponsor international workers due to the high demand for software engineers.

Germany

Germany is the EU’s largest tech hub. It is home to tech giant SAP and other industry heavyweights like Siemens, N26, Bosch, and SoundCloud, among many others. The abundance of tech startups and major IT companies in Germany has resulted in a nationwide high demand for software engineers and other tech roles. The demand is higher in Germany’s major tech cities, Berlin and Munich.

Software engineers in Germany earn an average salary of €62,000 a year. However, senior architects and engineers can earn up to €85,000, with those in fields like cybersecurity, embedded systems, and machine learning earning the highest pay. Engineers often also receive additional benefits like performance and holiday bonuses.

German culture promotes a healthy work-life balance, and the pace of life is slower than in the UK and the U.S. There is efficient public infrastructure and free, quality healthcare for citizens and residents. Cost of living is generally moderate in Germany; however, prices are steadily rising in Berlin. Education is tuition-free in Germany, even for expats. It provides software engineers the opportunity to advance their education and careers.

The Skilled Workers Immigration Act makes it easy for non-EU tech professionals to migrate to Germany. You can obtain permanent residency after a few years of working in Germany. If you already reside in a different EU country and have an EU Blue Card, you don’t need a visa to work in Germany, provided you have a job offer.

Netherlands

The Netherlands has a large and rapidly expanding tech industry, which is constantly creating new opportunities for software developers. Amsterdam is home to hundreds of tech startups and hosts the regional offices of tech giants like Google and Netflix. Plus, the Dutch government actively supports digital innovation in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, fields with high demand for tech talents. 

The average pay for a software developer is €70,000. However, senior devs can earn up to €120,000. Although Dutch tech salaries are lower than those in the U.S. and Switzerland, they generally come with benefits like employer pension contributions and paid vacation days. Expats also benefit from the “30% ruling” – a scheme that allows foreign employees to receive 30% of their salary tax-free for the first five years.

The Dutch are famous for being one of the happiest people worldwide. They prioritise work-life balance and community activities. The cost of living is higher in Amsterdam than in other cities. However, the Netherlands offers a high quality of life. There are abundant urban green spaces, and biking is a popular means of transportation. Expats can access quality, free public healthcare.

You can work as a software engineer in the Netherlands through the highly skilled migrant visa. However, you must get a job offer from a Dutch company that will sponsor your visa application. Non-EU graduates of Dutch universities can stay for up to one year to start their careers via the Orientation Year visa.

Denmark

Denmark ranks as one of the best countries for software engineers. The Danish tech industry is steadily growing. It has a thriving startup ecosystem, and many startups like Trustpilot, CrownTech, and 3Shape are pulling their weight. Tech giants like IBM, Microsoft, SAP, and Zendesk also have software development and innovation centres in Denmark.

There are abundant software job opportunities in Denmark’s growing startup and clean tech industries. However, many of these opportunities are concentrated in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense. Software engineers in Denmark earn DKK523,000 (€70,000) on average, while senior software developers can earn up to DKK750,000 (€100,099), with cybersecurity and AI roles commanding the highest pay. 

Danes enjoy life at a leisurely pace. 37-hour work weeks are standard, and government policies provide 25 paid vacation days. It makes Denmark one of the places with the healthiest work-life balance. However, the cost of living in Copenhagen is quite high. Some software engineers opt to live outside the city and commute into the city for work. Denmark has an efficient public transport system, so it’s not a big challenge.

Due to high demand for skilled developers, the government makes it easy for tech companies to recruit foreign software developers. You can immigrate to Denmark by securing a job with a Danish employer that will pay you at least DKK465,000 (€62,295.82) per year. You can also self-sponsor your visa through the Startup Denmark Program.

Sweden

Sweden, like its Nordic neighbour, is one of the best countries for tech talent worldwide. There is high demand for software developers in areas like AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, mobile apps, and game development. Beyond IT, software engineer job opportunities abound in other fields, particularly fintech and sustainability. The Swedish government also heavily invests in its digital economy.

Sweden offers competitive salaries for developers. The country pays software engineers more than most countries. Software engineers earn an average salary of Kr700,000 (€62,493) while senior developers earn up to Kr900,000 (€80,295.42) in Stockholm and Gothenburg.

Swedes take work-life balance seriously, and family time is non-negotiable. Expat workers enjoy comprehensive healthcare coverage, paid parental leave, paid vacation, and flexible work hours. However, the cost of living in Stockholm is high, especially the rent. Cities like Gothenburg, Malmö, and Uppsala have vibrant tech ecosystems and are more affordable.

You can relocate to Sweden as a software engineer by securing a job offer from a Swedish sponsoring employer. Your dependent family members (spouse and children) will also receive permits allowing them to live with you and work in Sweden. Non-EU/EEA graduates from Swedish universities can remain to pursue a career in the country.

Israel

Israel is dubbed a “startup nation” because of its vibrant tech industry and booming startup economy. It is a world leader in cybersecurity and hosts offices, research and development centres, and innovation hubs for most global tech giants, including Apple, Cisco, Meta, Google, Microsoft, and SAP. 

Thanks to the abundance of tech companies and startups in Israel, the country has a high demand for software developers. It is one of the top-paying countries for software engineers. Developers earn an average of ILS340,000 (€86,764), and senior developers can earn up to ILS450,000 (€114,835.50).

While Israel is great for high-paying opportunities, the work-life balance isn’t optimal. The fast-paced startup ecosystem and “hustle culture” often demand long work hours and little time for family and personal pursuits.

To move to Israel as a software developer, you must first obtain a job with an Israeli employer. Who will then apply for a work permit on your behalf. The Hi-Tech Work visa allows Israeli companies to hire recent graduates in hi-tech professions.

Software Engineer Average Salary by Country

The average salaries of software engineers vary across different countries, with some countries offering significantly higher wages than others. Below is the average salary for software engineers by country, from the highest paying country to the least.

• United States –  €102,621
• Switzerland – €102,000
• Israel – €86,754
• Denmark – €70,062
• The Netherlands – €70,000
• Australia – €69,767
• United Kingdom – €69,210
• Sweden – €62,493
• Germany – €62,000
• Canada – €61,239

The salary differences result from various factors like economic stability, tech industry size, skill demand, cost of living, and per capita income in each country. Although the U.S., Switzerland, and Israel are the highest paying countries, they do not fare so well in terms of affordable cost of living and work-life balance.

Countries like Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Australia, and Germany offer many more social benefits than the U.S. and Israel. They encourage a healthier work-life balance, provide free universal healthcare coverage to residents, and offer a more relaxed pace of life. Though their salaries are lower, they’re ideal if you’re looking for a balanced country to settle with your family.

Best Cities to Work in as a Software Engineer

While reviewing each country’s offer for software engineers, it’s important to note that the benefits differ across the cities in each country. The best city for you will be based on your personal preferences, whether you prioritise higher pay or a well-balanced life.

The best cities for software engineers based on salary and career growth opportunities are as follows:

• San Francisco – €136,876
• Seattle – €119,766
• New York – €106,934
• Zurich – €117,858
• Geneva – €114,644
• Tel Aviv – €86,764
• London – €86,536
• Copenhagen – €77,614
• Toronto – €75,037
• Amsterdam – €70,750
• Sydney – €69,760
• Munich – €65,000
• Melbourne – €64,179
• Berlin – €62,600
• Stockholm – €62,493

Which Country has the Highest Demand for Software Engineers?

The US has the highest demand for software engineers. This is because it has many tech corporations and a vibrant startup ecosystem. It’s also among the largest employers of tech talent worldwide.

Next to the US is Canada. Canada has an increasing demand for software engineers thanks to its fast-growing tech industry. Software engineers make up a significant percentage of all tech hires in Canada.

Australia is also one of the countries with the highest demand for software engineers. Its fast-growing tech ecosystem has led to shortages in tech talent, particularly software engineers. Many Australian tech companies are looking overseas to hire the needed talent.

Other countries with high and increasing demand for software engineers include Germany, Denmark, the UK, Sweden, and Switzerland.

What Factors Should Software Engineers Consider When Choosing a Country to Work in?

Relocating to a foreign country for work is a significant decision and requires careful planning. While software developers are in high demand globally, not all countries offer the same benefits and opportunities. Plus, not every place will be the right fit for your life goals.

Major factors to consider when choosing a country to move to for work include:

• Salary: The salary range for software engineers varies across different countries. The US, Switzerland, and Israel are some of the highest-paying countries for software engineers. 
• Job Demand: The demand for software developers is higher in some countries than others. The higher the demand, the more opportunities and chances of securing high-paying roles. The U.S., Canada, and Australia have the highest demand for software engineers.
• Work-Life Balance: Some countries have a more relaxed pace of living and prioritise flexibility and time off work than others. Countries like Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands do not have the fast-paced hustle culture of the US and Israel’s tech industries. They offer flexible work hours and ample paid time off.
• Cost of Living: High costs of living often accompany high salaries. Calculating living costs against your expected compensation package and other social benefits is essential. Living costs are usually very high in major tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, Zurich, and Geneva. They are some of the most expensive places to live.
• Visa Requirements: The ease of obtaining a visa and getting permanent residency in your new country is also a vital consideration. Check the visa requirements for each country and find one that follows a straightforward process without unnecessary administrative bottlenecks.

Safety: Irrespective of how high a country pays, you can’t fully enjoy your earnings if you’re in constant fear for your safety. Look out for countries that are politically and economically stable and are not in conflict zones. The Netherlands, Denmark, Australia, and Sweden consistently rank among the safest countries worldwide.

IAS Can Help You Move to Your Dream Country

Software engineering is a high-value profession in high global demand. Still, the decision to move to a new country for work shouldn’t be taken with levity. You’ll need to plan carefully to ensure the move aligns with your career and financial goals, without compromising your overall well-being. 

Planning such a relocation is quite complex, and seeking expert guidance is advisable. IAS can help take the bulk of the stress off you. We are a world-class immigration firm that has helped thousands of clients successfully relocate to a new country for work or to join family. We can assist you with all the details of your relocation plans.

Our team of expert immigration lawyers will guide you in assessing your options and choosing the right destination and visa route. We will also assist you with completing your visa application, compiling supporting documents, and obtaining any necessary licences or permits. Our concierge and relocation teams can help you find a suitable home in your new country, arrange for the shipping of your luggage, and help you settle in.

We are always ready to help. You can reach us today at +44 (0)333 414 9244, on our website, or via email.