Several EU countries stand out in 2026 as primary destinations for foreign workers due to sustained labour demand, competitive wages and active legal migration channels. Germany remains the leading recruiter with shortages across healthcare, construction, logistics and engineering and widespread use of skilled migration pathways.
he Netherlands and Ireland attract both skilled and semiskilled workers through dynamic logistics, tech and manufacturing sectors and relatively employer friendly procedures. Nordic countries such as Sweden and Denmark offer high wages and strong social protection, appealing for construction and eldercare roles despite higher living costs.
Southern European states (Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece) provide many seasonal bluecollar opportunities in agriculture and tourism via formal seasonal programs, while Central and Eastern Europe (Poland, Czechia) host targeted foreign recruitment in manufacturing and logistics despite lower nominal wages.
Selecting a destination requires weighing gross wages against cost of living, language requirements and sectoral demand; labour market fit and administrative ease are often decisive factors for both employers and workers.