The best 5 countries to live and work in as a family

Spain

Spain is a great place for families to move to! The lifestyle is relaxed and family comes first. Kids are welcome everywhere, whether you’re grabbing a snack at a café, playing in the park, or enjoying a beach day. There’s always something fun to do, and with so many job options and flexible work hours, parents can balance work and family time easily. Schools in Spain are great too, with free public schools and international choices, so your kids will be well taken care of. Plus, it’s a safe place, making it the perfect spot to raise a family!

Pros of living in Spain

• Weather wonderland: if you want to live in a country where it’s mostly sunny, Spain is a perfect choice with over 300 days of sun per year!
• Affordable healthcare: Spain has a high-quality healthcare system that is generally affordable, offering both public and private options.

Cons of living in Spain

• Language barrier: if you’re not fluent in Spanish, it can be challenging. For instance, not every busdriver speaks English. Make sure you learn the basics!
• Bureaucracy: paperwork takes a long time in Spain. Luckily, we will guide you along every step of the way if you find your job via Yobbers! ✨

Germany

With a low crime rate, a top-notch healthcare system, and high living standards, Germany is one of the best countries to live and work in as a family. With higher salaries than many other European countries, people here can live comfortably. The educational system offers various options, from free schools to top universities and hands-on training programs. Germany's strong job market provides many opportunities, and many companies promote work-life balance with flexible hours, helping parents manage their work and family life. Oh, and don't forget to check out the Christmas markets, beer gardens and festivals here! 🌳

Pros of living in Germany

• Great education: Germany has one of the best educational systems in Europe, and it is accessible for everyone.
• Language: don’t worry when your German isn’t perfect, you will perfectly get around by speaking English!

Cons of living in Germany

• Rental costs: in big cities like Berlin or Munich, rent can be quite high. However, salaries are generally much higher compared to other countries, so you'll most likely be able to manage just fine! 
• Weather: winters can be dark and cold and the lack of sunlight during these months might affect your mood, unless you’re a real winter lover!

Portugal

Looking for a sunny spot to settle with your family? Portugal is the perfect choice! 🌞 With its laid-back lifestyle, stunning scenery, and welcoming community, it’s a great place to live and thrive. Cities like Lisbon and Porto are family-friendly and full of parks, cultural events, and festivals all year. Enjoy delicious food, beautiful beaches, and a balance of adventure and relaxation. Portugal truly offers the ideal environment for your family to grow and enjoy life! 

Pros of living in Portugal

• Growing job market: Portugal has become a vibrant hub for international start-ups and entrepreneurs, particularly in cities like Lisbon and Porto.
• Expanding expats communities: many expats live in Portugal, making it easy to integrate. They often share their experiences, providing valuable information for those considering the move!

Cons of living in Portugal

• Heat in summer: summers can be extremely hot, especially in the southern regions. 🥵🪭
• Lower salaries: Portugal is among the cheapest countries in Europe, which also means the salaries will probably lower than you’re just to – but the costs of living are also lower!

Bulgaria

It may not be the first country you think of; however, Bulgaria could be just what you’re looking for! With picturesque mountains, beautiful beaches, and charming towns like Plovdiv and Sofia, Bulgaria has something for everyone. Plus, it has a welcoming community, perfect for families wanting to connect with others. With a lower cost of living compared to other European countries, a growing economy and a diverse job market, Bulgaria offers plenty of opportunities for both locals and expats. 

Pros of living in Bulgaria

• Nature lovers' paradise: Bulgaria offers breathtaking landscapes, from the Rila Mountains to the Black Sea coast, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and beach days! 🏂
• Perfect climate: Bulgaria enjoys a diverse climate, with warm summers and mild winters.

Cons of living in Bulgaria

• Limited public transport: while major cities have decent public transport, options may be limited in rural areas, making a car essential for convenient travel.
• Language barrier: Bulgarians use the Cyrillic alphabet, which can be hard to learn.

Greece

Greece is an amazing choice for families to live and work abroad. Fun fact, it is the 12th most friendly country in the world! The communities are tight-knit and the locals are known for their warm, welcoming attitude. Cities like Athens and Thessaloniki have plenty of job opportunities, and with an affordable cost of living compared to other European countries, your family can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Fun fact: Greece has over 6,000 islands but only 200 are inhabited. This means you’ll never run out of beautiful places to explore while living here! 🏖️

Pros of living in Greece

• Food heaven: fresh feta, olive oil, and souvlaki…Greek food is so good, you’ll never want anything else!
• Live large for less: Greece offers a great quality of life without breaking the bank, with affordable housing and delicious, budget-friendly meals at local tavernas

Cons of living in Greece

• Public transport isn’t everywhere: while cities have decent public transport, in rural areas, you might need a car to get around. But hey, road trips are fun!
• Lower salaries: wages might not be as high as you’re used to – but the overall costs of living balances it out!

Your family’s next adventure awaits

Finding the perfect country for your family's next adventure can be both exciting and challenging! With Spain's vibrant lifestyle, Germany's strong education, Portugal's stunning scenery, Bulgaria's growing opportunities, and Greece's welcoming communities, you have amazing options. Just remember, Yobbers will be there to guide you every step of the way. Happy exploring! 🌍