Where do IT Specialists Move
There has been a noticeable trend in recent years: IT professionals increasingly decide to leave their home countries for better career opportunities, a more comfortable life, and stability. The reasons for such changes are varied, from high taxes and political instability to the desire to work in a more progressive technological environment. In this article, we will look at where IT experts prefer to relocate, which countries provide the most attractive conditions for work and life, and analyze the factors influencing their choice. Suppose you want to understand how global migration processes are reflected in the labour market and what new horizons are opening up for recruiters. In that case, we invite you to delve into our article!
Why do IT specialists choose to migrate
Let’s outline some of the reasons why IT professionals around the world choose migration:
1. Career Opportunities
Migration can open access to higher salaries and better working conditions in other countries.
2. Quality of Life
Many professionals seek to improve their quality of life by choosing countries with a higher standard of living and social security.
3. Skill Development
In an international environment, IT professionals can gain new experience, master modern technologies and expand their skills.
4. Cross-Cultural Exchange
Migration allows interaction with people of different cultures, contributing to personal and professional development.
5. Stimulating Innovation
Participation in international projects and groups can inspire the creation of new ideas and solutions.
6. Family Reasons
Professionals choose to migrate to improve the living conditions of their families or due to family circumstances.
These factors indicate that more and more IT professionals are deciding to leave.
Who are digital nomads?
Digital nomads use modern technologies and the Internet to work anywhere in the world, allowing them to travel and change their residence at their own discretion. This category of people also includes IT specialists.
Digital nomads are a new direction in traditional work models associated with globalization and technological progress. They allow people to combine work and travel.
A number of states are introducing special benefit programs to attract and house domestic nomads—IT specialists. Such programs offer simplified relocation, softer taxes, a longer stay in the states compared to a regular visa, and other benefits.
Countries that create conditions for IT specialists
Several states have created special programs to attract foreign specialists to the IT sphere. We analyzed data from the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development—OECD) report for 2023. The OECD publishes conference reports on migration issues. According to the OECD, the organization includes 34 countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Spain, Korea, Sweden, Turkey, the United States, Israel, and others.
From 2020 to 2023, there was a peculiar dynamic in the arrival of IT specialists in OECD countries.
Canada
Canada launched the Tech Talent Strategy to strengthen its position in global recruitment and attract IT specialists. This approach is based on four key government decisions. These include:
- A new stream of innovation under the International Mobility Program to attract talented people.
- Improving existing programs for specialists in high-skilled tech professions, including a global shift in skills development and startup programming.
- Promoting Canada as a destination for digital nomads.
Spain
Spain has created a one-year digital nomad visa, renewable for up to five years. Spain has also extended the maximum initial validity of business permits from two to three years and relaxed permit requirements by expanding the definitions of “highly skilled” and “entrepreneurial activity.”
Japan, Italy, the UK and Australia
Japan has improved its rules for digital nomads. However, Italy’s plans to introduce a one-year digital nomad visa in the second half of 2022 were put on hold but were relaunched in April 2024. On the other hand, the UK has decided to phase out its startup visa, and Australia is reducing the number of visas issued under the Global Talent Visa program, which includes startups, from 15,000 in 2019 to 5,000 in 2023.
Best Countries for IT Professionals to Relocate to in 2024
Germany
This country is one of the best for relocation. The labour market offers a good choice, and the high standard of living justifies interest in it. Germany is ranked 6th in the list of prosperous countries. The tech sector is experiencing a need for more specialists in software development, design, and testing.
The EU Blue Card immigration program was launched in 2024 to attract relocators. To obtain a Blue Card, one must have a higher education and an employment contract with a legal entity. Among the leading companies in the domestic market, Zalando and Amazon Web Services stand out. The best cities for employment are Berlin, Hamburg, and Stuttgart.
Compulsory education and at least three years of relevant experience enable a software engineer to earn 45,000-74,000 euros.
France
A country with a rapidly developing IT industry is one of the most technologically advanced. In 2023, it took 20th place in the European ranking for quality of life. The authorities are actively implementing digital transformation initiatives, introducing high-speed broadband networks, and investing in startups. The most in-demand vacancies include:
- Programmer.
- Web developer.
- Web specialist.
- Analyst.
- Tester.
- Cybersecurity specialist.
For foreigners with professional experience, the French Tech Visa immigration program is available for two years with the possibility of multiple extensions. French legislation focuses on legal protection and labour laws, ensuring the safety of workers. The IT sector is concentrated in the capital, as well as in Lyon and Toulouse. The largest companies in this area are Capgemini, Atos, Dassault Systèmes and Ubisoft.
With a fairly high cost of living, the salary of a programmer is 3,500 euros, and that of a developer is 4,050 euros.
Spain
Not only according to the OECD report but also several IT specialists choose Spain. In Barcelona, they are actively looking for backend developers, testers and other specialists. After the pandemic, Barcelona took 8th place in the list of cities with the most developed startup ecosystem, ahead of Madrid. The Spanish authorities have allocated the 22@ district for IT companies, where the offices of such global giants as Facebook, Apple, IGG Inc. and many others are located.
Despite the conservative approach to the IT sector and the low level of investment, a novice programmer with knowledge of programming languages can expect a net amount in the range of 1,500-2,200 euros after taxes. Specialists with experience and recommendations receive twice the salary. This income level allows you to rent an apartment or get a mortgage at 2%.
Italy
Italy is among the top ten most developed countries in the world regarding GDP and ranks 21st in terms of wages. The IT sector needs more digital technology specialists, so local and international companies are interested in relocators. In 2024, Italy increased quotas for the self-employed, programmers and telecommunications workers. For foreigners, there is an opportunity to obtain an Italian residence permit under a permesso di soggiorno contract. In April 2024, a program for digital nomads was launched. After five years of residence, temporary residents can apply for permanent residence. Among the well-known companies on the market are PixoLab, Crocoapps, and Omnes srls. The income level varies depending on qualifications and professional experience.
The average salary of a programmer in Italy is 35,000 euros.
Serbia
Programmers also have the opportunity to relocate under the newly opened program for digital nomads. Self-employed professionals register a sole proprietorship. Each option provides the right to obtain a residence permit for 1-3 years. Relocation is advantageous due to low taxes (10-15%) and affordable real estate. Belgrade, Novi Sad and Pristina are home to offices of companies such as Yandex, Luxoft and EPAM. The authorities focus on investing in startups. Serbia is proud of successful IT companies such as Nordeus, Seven Bridges and Vega, which offer quality products. Programmers and analysts are among the most highly paid professions.
Working in local companies on a digital nomad visa is impossible. The average salary of an experienced employee is 4,000 euros.
Romania
Romania ranks 13th among EU countries in GDP and demonstrates stable economic growth. Affordable prices make the country attractive for families planning to relocate. For citizens of third countries, there is a Digital Nomad program. Romania ranks 3rd in the freelance rankings, and program participants can obtain a visa by signing contracts with legal entities not registered in the country.
In Transylvania, in Cluj-Napoca, there is a local “Silicon Valley” with about 1,000 companies and startups. This year, there is a high demand for team managers and programmers for game and application development. Among the leading companies in the region are Microsoft, Nobel, UiPath and Zitec.
Relocators must have English at a level of at least B2 and Romanian at a level of at least B1. The average salary in the IT sector is 1,250-2,500 euros.
Hungary
Specialists who have moved to Hungary as remote workers can receive a White Card with the possibility of a one-time extension. When applying for a job in an IT company, a residence permit is granted for 24 months, and after three years, permanent residency can be issued. Employers offer foreign specialists comfortable working conditions, social guarantees and opportunities for career growth.
Hungary is experiencing a shortage of specialists in artificial intelligence, fintech, and blockchain. Startups and key players such as Prezi, LogMeIn, and Ustream are active in the market and have become examples of successful integration into the global business ecosystem. However, the country’s economy is not one of the most profitable, with a GDP that increased by 0.9%, affecting the population’s overall income.
There are no tax breaks for relocators; the average salary of a front-end developer in Vienna is 1,600 euros, and that of a software engineer is 2,000 euros.
Greece
There is an acute shortage of IT specialists in the country. In this regard, migration programs were revised in 2022 to attract employees, launch high-tech startups, and strengthen the country’s position in the global market.
An annual nomad visa was introduced to attract specialists, with the possibility of an extension of up to two years. Seven years after receiving such a visa, you can apply for citizenship.
New amendments came into force in 2024. Now, foreigners can receive Blue Cards in electronic format. Companies from the IT sector are waiting for the opening of TechVisa. A new influx of specialists will allow more active startup development and filling vacancies.
The minimum wage is 1,000 euros; wages generally depend on length of service and position. Experienced IT specialists earn up to 3,770 euros.
Portugal
The country supports startups and large companies in artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
In this regard, there is an urgent need for IT specialists in Portugal. Investors and individual entrepreneurs are offered temporary and resident visas to attract freelancers and IT specialists.
Digital nomads whose income is at least €3,280 can obtain a residence permit. After five years, they can apply for citizenship.
Employees of leading IT companies receive €110,000 – €160,000 per year, while salaries are significantly lower in small companies.
Montenegro
Montenegro needs digitalization, but few companies are here yet. To this end, an institute was created to launch new programs and attract investment. The authorities note that the IT industry has become a priority in the country’s economy.
Over the past year, the two largest firms, Luke Bar and Plantaže, earned €60 million. Income from digital assets has reached millions of euros. The market situation is gradually improving.
The authorities offer a national D visa for 12 months without entry restrictions to attract specialists. It is also possible to obtain a freelancer’s residence permit for two years with the possibility of an extension. After a break of six months, expats can apply for permanent residence. In poorly developed business infrastructure, a programmer of a small company can earn 755 euros in Montenegro and a company with more than 100 employees – from 1000 euros.
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