The number of skilled professionals seeking job opportunities abroad is on the rise – but which destinations are making it easiest for millions of workers to make the move?

Working visas allow people to relocate to another country temporarily for work, an experience that can provide valuable skills, increased earnings, further employment opportunities, and more. 

With over 2.6 million global searches for ‘work visa’ in the last 30 days, it’s clear the global job market is experiencing significant growth. 

The UK receives roughly 6,000 skilled worker visa applications each month – but how does this compare with other countries? 

Financial experts at Remitly, a leader in cross-border payments, analysed data from around 30 destinations across the globe to reveal the top ten most accessible working visa routes for skilled workers in 2025. 

From lengthy maximum stays in the United States to Italy’s affordable application fees, read on to discover which six country’s worker visa offers applicants the most straightforward entry route. 

The UK receives roughly 6,000 skilled worker visa applications each month - but how does this compare with other countries?

The UK receives roughly 6,000 skilled worker visa applications each month – but how does this compare with other countries?

Your browser does not support iframes.

1. Latvia 

Ease of entry score – 7.64/10 

Latvia's EU Blue Card visa costs just £83 and boasts the shortest processing time on the list - only ten working days

Latvia’s EU Blue Card visa costs just £83 and boasts the shortest processing time on the list – only ten working days

Latvia takes the top spot for ease of work visa access, thanks to a fast and affordable application process. 

The EU Blue Card visa costs just £83 and boasts the shortest processing time on the list – only ten working days. 

With a minimum salary threshold of £20,508 and a maximum stay of five years, Latvia offers a clear and efficient path for highly skilled workers, particularly in industries like transport, finance, textiles, and forestry. 

The average wage sits at £30,652, making it a viable destination for professionals across a range of sectors. 

2. Ireland

Ease of entry score – 7.32/10 

Ireland approved over 30,980 work permits in 2023, reflecting a high acceptance rate

Ireland approved over 30,980 work permits in 2023, reflecting a high acceptance rate

Ireland follows closely in second place, with its Employment Visa also priced at £83. 

While the average processing time is longer – about 1.8 months – the country approved over 30,980 work permits in 2023, reflecting a high acceptance rate. 

Applicants need to earn at least £28,205 to qualify, though the average wage in the Emerald Isle is a competitive £44,916, and visa holders can stay up to five years. 

Ireland’s economy is driven by strong sectors, including pharmaceuticals, education, tech, and brewing. 

3. Iceland 

Ease of entry score – 6.58/10 

Iceland's visa targets workers with specialist or technical skills and allows for a stay of up to four years

Iceland’s visa targets workers with specialist or technical skills and allows for a stay of up to four years

Despite a three-month processing time, Iceland ranks high due to its low income threshold of just £16,973 and relatively straightforward requirements. 

This visa targets workers with specialist or technical skills and allows for a stay of up to four years. 

The average salary in Iceland is an impressive £69,120, driven by robust industries such as energy, tourism, and fishing. 

The application fee is £91, making it one of the more affordable options for high earners.

4. Germany 

Ease of entry score – 6.10/10 

Germany's visa has a moderate processing time of three months and costs £83 - however, a higher salary requirement of £37,530 raises the entry barrier

Germany’s visa has a moderate processing time of three months and costs £83 – however, a higher salary requirement of £37,530 raises the entry barrier

Germany issued nearly 70,000 EU Blue Cards in 2023, reflecting strong demand for skilled foreign labour. 

The visa has a moderate processing time of three months and costs £83 – however, a higher salary requirement of £37,530 raises the entry barrier. 

With a maximum stay of four years and an average wage of £51,988, Germany comes in as a strong option for professionals in engineering, IT, and manufacturing.

5. The United States 

Ease of entry score – 5.95/10 

With a processing time of around 3.5 months, as well as a relatively high application fee of £162, the path to the U.S. - aka the 'Land of Opportunity' - is more competitive

With a processing time of around 3.5 months, as well as a relatively high application fee of £162, the path to the U.S. – aka the ‘Land of Opportunity’ – is more competitive 

America’s H-1B visa remains one of the most sought-after globally, granting entry to 85,000 skilled workers each year. 

With a processing time of around 3.5 months, as well as a relatively high application fee of £162, the path to the ‘Land of Opportunity’ is more competitive.

There is no official minimum salary, but positions typically require compensation that aligns with U.S. market rates. 

Visa holders can stay up to six years – the longest duration on the list – and the average salary is about £63,343.  

6. The United Kingdom 

Ease of entry score – 5.91/10 

In 2023, nearly 55,000 of work visas were granted in the UK, signalling strong demand for skilled migrants

In 2023, nearly 55,000 of work visas were granted in the UK, signalling strong demand for skilled migrants

Despite a short processing time of under a month and a clear demand for international talent, the UK ranks sixth – just behind the U.S. 

That placement may come as a surprise given the UK’s generous five-year stay and average wage of £45,555, making it particularly appealing for professionals in healthcare, engineering and IT. 

In 2023, nearly 55,000 of these visas were granted, signalling strong demand for skilled migrants. 

However, the UK’s Skilled Worker is the most expensive on the list, at a whopping £1,420, and applicants must meet a high salary threshold of £38,700. 

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk