In recent years, millions of software developers have packed their laptops—and their dreams—and moved to other countries.
Some are chasing higher salaries, others simply want a calmer life.
And sometimes it’s not even about money… it’s about that feeling of “I’ll be valued more there.”
Technology knows no borders anymore, but opportunities are still very much tied to geography.
In this article, we’ll look at the countries developers move to the most, their living conditions, salaries, and why they are so attractive.
We’ll also explore which countries are losing the most tech talent.
Why Do Developers Move Abroad?
Developer migration isn’t just about the salary gap. Here are the most common reasons:
- Higher salaries: In Turkey, a developer might earn $15K–$20K annually, while in Germany it’s $70K and in United States it can exceed $120K.
- Career opportunities: More complex systems, cutting-edge tech stacks, and large-scale projects.
- Social benefits: Public healthcare, public transport, safety, structured work-life balance. Some countries have 32–35 hour workweeks.
- Remote work culture: Flexible work supported by law and company policies.
- Freedom & creativity: Countries with less political pressure allow developers to grow faster and innovate more.
The Most Preferred Countries for Software Developers
Germany
- Salary: €65K–€100K per year.
- Life: Tech hubs in Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. Rich cultural life, but rent can be expensive.
- Work culture: Minimal overtime, 28–30 vacation days per year.
- Immigration policy: Fast Blue Card visa for skilled tech workers.
United States
- Salary: Senior devs easily make $150K+, plus bonuses and stock options at Google, Microsoft, Apple, Meta.
- Life: High cost of living but also massive opportunities in Silicon Valley, New York, Seattle.
- Work culture: Competitive and fast-paced, but highly innovative.
- Visa: Challenging (H1-B), but Green Card lottery offers a chance.
Canada
- Salary: CAD 80K–100K.
- Life: Calm, safe, family-friendly, except for the cold winters.
- Work culture: Flexible hours, remote-friendly companies.
- Visa: Tech Talent Strategy allows processing within 2 weeks.
Netherlands
- Salary: €60K–€75K.
- Life: High quality of life, bike-friendly cities, great public transport.
- Work culture: Flexible hours, even 4-day weeks at some companies.
- Visa: Highly Skilled Migrant visa makes it easy.
Sweden
- Salary: €60K–€80K.
- Life: Strong welfare state, free healthcare and education, peaceful lifestyle.
- Work culture: Flat hierarchies, flexible schedules, creative environment.
- Note: Long, dark winters can be challenging for some.
Australia
- Salary: AUD 90K–110K.
- Life: Wide houses, beaches, nature… a balanced and active life.
- Work culture: Friendly, relaxed, low-stress.
- Visa: Developers are on the priority occupation list.
Countries Losing the Most Developers
India
- Produces hundreds of thousands of CS graduates every year.
- Salaries are low ($8K–$12K), so most move to United States, Canada, Australia.
- Widespread English fluency makes global adaptation easy.
Russia
- Political pressure, war, and sanctions shrank the tech ecosystem.
- Many moved to Germany, Poland, Turkey.
- Remote work also became a survival strategy.
Turkey
- Massive rise in developer migration after 2020.
- Low purchasing power, economic instability, and political polarization push young devs abroad.
- Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and Canada are the top destinations.
The Future: Digital Nomadism
Countries like Portugal and Estonia now offer digital nomad visas.
This means that in the near future, developers won’t just relocate—they might simply live anywhere in the world.
Offices are becoming less relevant for tech workers every year.
Conclusion: Code Travels the World
Developers aren’t just changing jobs anymore—they’re changing their lives.
Higher salaries, better living standards, more freedom…
One year you might bike to work in Berlin, the next year you could be coding by a lake in Toronto.
Yes, the suitcase is small… but the dreams inside are huge.
