August 14, 2025 
7 mins to read The best countries to work abroad in Europe during your gap year need to be an upgrade from your home country. You want to become a better person when you return from your gap year in Europe, and we know just the perfect places to develop yourself. We provide you with the 5 best countries with gap year jobs in Europe. Make the most of your gap year by enjoying life and boosting your CV at the same time.
But which European country is best for work? The ones where you find that sweet spot of great work opportunities and living the dream life. We will tell you the best things about living and working there. After reading this article, you will hopefully know more about each country and which one fits you the best for your gap year abroad.
Greece
We begin this list with best countries to work abroad in Europe with Greece. This country offers the most beautiful beaches, high mountains and a combination of ancient history and modern life. There are more than 2,000 islands to explore. Go island hopping and see for yourself which island is your favourite. If history was your favorite course in high school, living in Greece is also perfect for you. There is lots left from Ancient Greece, like the Acropolis in Athens or Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. What else makes Greece one of the best countries to work abroad in Europe?
Greek cuisine is one of the best in the world
Dishes like moussaka and souvlaki are world-famous. Who makes better Greek products than the Greek chefs themselves? The Greek people love long, relaxed meals. Lunch breaks can last for an hour, with a lot of socializing. And the most perfect thing about Greek cuisine is that it’s quite healthy as well. They love using fresh, seasonal ingredients like olive oil, tomatoes and herbs.
The work culture gives of family vibes
Greek people are welcoming and friendly, which filters through to the work culture as well. Don’t be surprised if your colleagues become your best friends. Personal relationships are important within Greek workplaces. Making friends at work helps you acclimatise to your new surroundings.
Cyprus
During your gap year abroad, this is a good destination to travel to a lot of countries. Cyprus is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. With just a short flight, you can get to Greece, Turkey or Egypt. But Cyprus itself is also a great place for working abroad in sunny countries.
Cyprus feels like living in Greece, but calmer
If you like the idea of Greek life but want to live in a calmer and less stressful place, Cyprus is perfect. Crime rates in Cyprus are lower and the island averages more sun hours a year than Greece. If you get overstimulated after visiting big cities or countries, your home in Cyprus is the perfect place to unwind and relax.
Cyprus offers great financial benefits for working abroad
The average income in Cyprus is lower than the other countries on this list, but there is also a way lower taxation rate. This makes it possible to obtain a higher net income in Cyprus. The country itself is also affordable, which leaves you with a lot of budget to do really fun stuff while you work there.
If you are excited about the idea of spending your gap year abroad in Cyprus, you can read more about the top 5 industries that are hiring foreign workers in Cyprus.
Spain
A big country with lots of amazing nature, which you can discover during road trips that start in your new hometown. Enjoy and adapt to the Spanish lifestyle, while also boosting your CV. Living and working in Spain can be perfect, if your personality fits the lifestyle.
Experience life at its fullest with the passionate Spanish culture
If you are a sports lover, and even if you’re not, visit a football match of the team in your city. You will experience the passionate singing, and rollercoaster of emotions, which will make you feel like a local. But you can also experience the culture in art or music. Go dancing at a local music festival, or enjoy the mesmerizing art made by legendary artists like Picasso.
Enjoy siestas during your working days
You have to adapt to the rhythm of the local people. You will still work 40 hours a week, but lunch breaks are not a quick bite in 30 minutes. Spaniards love having a siesta of 2-3 hours during the day. Therefore, your working days could last until 20.00 or even later. Use the time of this siesta to enjoy Spanish food or to discover your new hometown.
Portugal
From charming little villages to modern cities, Portugal has it all. The Portuguese love a relaxed pace of life but can be extremely passionate, especially about sports. The country has some amazing coastlines and offers the most amazing foods and drinks you definitely have to try during your gap year abroad. No wonder that Portugal has become one of the more popular expat destinations in Europe.
Job opportunities in a lot of industries
Portugal could be the best country for work in this list. Especially in Lisbon, there are jobs in a lot of industries, and focussed on expats. You can find jobs in customer service, IT support or tourism there. The work culture in Portugal is a bit formal, with a focus on hierarchy. Most people speak English.
Enjoy the amazing seafood along the coastline
Portugal has a really long coastline along the Atlantic ocean. Over time, the country has developed a long history of creating the most delicious seafood. It has become a way of life for the Portuguese. Most seafood dishes taste even better if you combine it with a good Portuguese wine.
Differences between Spain and Portugal
At Job Squad we have experienced people, who have lived in both Spain and Portugal. Our colleague Eva tells you about her experiences:
“For me, the people in Portugal are more open and friendly, and they speak better English than the Spanish. However, if you stay in Spain for a longer period of time, you will become part of the ‘family’.”
Malta
Living and working in Malta means being in one of the most sunny destinations in Europe. The island is the smallest country in the EU, and is becoming one of the most popular expat destinations in Europe.
Malta has 300 days of sunshine a year
Do you dream of spending all your free time in your beachwear? Almost every day in Malta you will enjoy the sun, which makes every day a possible beach day. The island is small, so no matter where you live, you will always be close to the amazing coastline and the beaches. Cool down in the sea, get that tanline you always dreamed of and experience the most beautiful sunsets every day.
Malta offers great career opportunities for starters
If you want to boost your CV while working in Malta, you could choose one of the jobs we at Job Squad offer in Malta. These jobs are a great start for your working career, and maybe even boost your future career. For example, you could start working in an online casino. This could kickstart your dream career in ways you would never expect it to.
The 5 Best Countries for a Gap Year in 2025: Conclusion
So, which European country is best for work? Everyone of these countries deserve their place on the list of best countries to work abroad in Europe. Whether you want to go surfing in Portugal, or tanning in Malta. Do your research and find out which country suits you as a person. These destinations all offer the chance to work abroad in sunny countries and boost your CV with a valuable job. Which one is for work during your gap year is up to you. You eventually want to feel at home in your new place. In order to achieve this, you want to go to the place where the circumstances are perfect for you to do this.
