Top 10 countries for programmer relocation

Relocating a programmer to another country is a popular path for those who want to live in comfortable conditions, earn more, and develop within the global IT environment. We have prepared a selection of 10 countries that are considered the most attractive for IT professionals relocating.

Published 3 min read

Germany
Visa type: EU Blue Card

Germany actively attracts highly qualified specialists, including IT experts. A work visa is required, which can be obtained with a job offer offering a salary of at least €45,000 per year. The EU Blue Card provides the right to reside and work in Germany, as well as the possibility of obtaining permanent residency after 33 months or 21 months if you have German language proficiency at level B1.

Canada
Visa type: Global Talent Stream

Canada offers an expedited program to attract IT specialists. You can apply for a work visa with a job offer from a Canadian employer in the IT sector. The program ensures fast processing of applications, the possibility of obtaining permanent residency, and a high standard of living.

Estonia
Visa type: Digital Nomad Visa

Estonia offers a visa for digital nomads, allowing remote work from the country. Proof of remote work and income of at least €3,504 per month is required. Estonia is known for its digital infrastructure and simple bureaucratic procedures.

Portugal
Visa type: Digital Nomad Visa, D8

Portugal offers the D8 visa for remote workers. Citizens of Central Asia must provide proof of remote work and income of at least €3,280 per month. The visa provides the opportunity to reside and work in the country, as well as a path to permanent residency after five years.

Spain
Visa type: Digital Nomad Visa

Spain offers a visa for remote workers, allowing residence and work in the country for up to 12 months with the possibility of extension. Income of at least €2,520 per month, proof of remote work, and no criminal record are required. The visa provides access to the Spanish healthcare system and the possibility of extension up to five years.

Netherlands
Visa type: Highly Skilled Migrant

The Netherlands offers a visa for highly qualified specialists. You can apply with a job offer offering income of at least €5,670 per month. The country is known for its developed startup ecosystem and tax benefits for expats.

Georgia
Visa type: Remotely from Georgia

Georgia offers a program for remote workers, allowing residence in the country for up to one year without a visa. This program can be used with remote work and income of at least $2,000 per month. The country is known for low taxes and a hospitable culture.

Czech Republic
Visa type: Živnostenský list — for freelancers

The Czech Republic offers a visa for freelancers, allowing work and residence in the country. You need to register as a self-employed individual and have clients. The Czech Republic is known for its central location in Europe and a developed IT community.

UAE, Dubai
Visa type: Virtual Work Residency

The UAE offers a visa for remote workers, allowing residence and work in the country. You need to have remote work and income of at least $5,000 per month. The UAE is known for its tax-free system and modern infrastructure.

Thailand
Visa type: Long-Term Resident Visa, LTR

Thailand offers a long-term visa for remote workers and highly qualified specialists. You can apply with remote work and income of at least $80,000 per year. The visa provides the right to reside in the country for up to 10 years and many benefits, including tax exemptions.