Let me share this with you: If you’re looking for real opportunities to work or study abroad, you’re in the right place.
Dreaming of working abroad without spending a fortune? In 2025, more countries are opening their doors to skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers through easy-to-access work visa routes — and the best part is, you don’t need to be rich to get started.
This post breaks down the most affordable countries to migrate to with a work visa, including the cost of application, typical salaries, and what you’ll likely need for proof of funds or living expenses.

What Makes a Country “Cheap” to Migrate To?
When we say “cheap,” we’re talking about:
- Low or waived visa application fees
- Simple requirements for relocation
- Affordable living costs
- Reasonable salary-to-expense ratios
- Employers offering housing, food, or visa support
1. Portugal
- Work Visa Fee: €90 – €180
- Monthly Salary: ~€886 (minimum wage)
- Living Cost: €600 – €1,000 (outside Lisbon)
Portugal is a popular choice due to its relaxed work visa rules, particularly for skilled trades, tech roles, and hospitality. Cities like Braga, Porto, and Faro offer excellent quality of life at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe.
2. Poland
- Work Visa Fee: €80
- Monthly Salary: €1,000 – €1,300
- Living Cost: €500 – €800
Poland is ideal for entry-level workers, drivers, and factory employees. Many companies offer direct employment and sponsorship under the National Visa (Type D), and some include accommodation for free.
3. Hungary
- Work Visa Fee: €60 – €100
- Monthly Salary: ~€1,100
- Living Cost: €500 – €750
Hungary offers fast visa processing and solid job opportunities in logistics, production lines, and skilled trade. Budapest is more expensive, but smaller towns are budget-friendly and foreigner-welcoming.
4. Romania
- Work Visa Fee: €120
- Monthly Salary: €700 – €1,200
- Living Cost: €500 – €700
Romania has become a gateway for non-EU workers, especially in construction, caregiving, and delivery jobs. While salaries are modest, daily expenses are among the lowest in Europe.
5. Mexico
- Work Visa Fee: ~€200
- Monthly Salary: $700 – $1,000 USD
- Living Cost: $500 – $800 USD
Mexico’s growing tourism and manufacturing sectors provide multiple job opportunities. Foreign workers can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa for Employment with relatively few barriers.
6. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Work Visa Fee: AED 500 – 700 (often covered by the employer)
- Monthly Salary: AED 2,500 – AED 5,000
- Living Cost: AED 2,000 – AED 3,500
Most work visas in the UAE are employer-sponsored, meaning your visa, flight, and even housing may be included. Jobs in caregiving, hospitality, and logistics are in high demand.
7. Thailand
- Work Visa Fee: ~€50
- Monthly Salary: €500 – €1,200
- Living Cost: €400 – €800
Known for its affordability and lifestyle, Thailand is a strong option for teachers, digital workers, and those in hospitality. The Non-Immigrant B visa is a common pathway to long-term work opportunities.
8. Turkey
- Work Visa Fee: €80 – €100
- Monthly Salary: €500 – €900
- Living Cost: €350 – €600
For those looking to relocate quickly and on a budget, Turkey offers a balance between low living expenses and decent income in sectors like food service, caregiving, textiles, and construction.
Work Visa Cost and Salary Comparison Table
Country | Visa Fee (€) | Avg Monthly Salary (€) | Monthly Living Cost (€) | Employer Sponsorship? |
---|---|---|---|---|
Portugal | 90 – 180 | 886 – 1,200 | 600 – 1,000 | Yes |
Poland | ~80 | 1,000 – 1,300 | 500 – 800 | Yes |
Hungary | 60 – 100 | ~1,100 | 500 – 750 | Yes |
Romania | 120 | 700 – 1,200 | 500 – 700 | Yes |
Mexico | ~200 | 700 – 1,000 | 500 – 800 | Yes |
UAE | 130 – 180 | 650 – 1,200 | 700 – 1,200 | Often Yes |
Thailand | ~50 | 500 – 1,200 | 400 – 800 | Yes |
Turkey | 80 – 100 | 500 – 900 | 350 – 600 | Yes |
Tips for Migrating Affordably in 2025
- Target smaller cities or towns where costs are lower
- Look for employers who provide housing or food
- Use job boards that allow filtering for visa sponsorships
- Always double-check visa requirements with official embassies
- Use online expat groups for real-time cost of living insights
🌍 Work Visa Migration Cost Calculator (2025)
Select your destination and estimate how much it will cost to migrate.
Total Estimated Migration Cost: €0
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be wealthy to chase your dream of working abroad. With the right plan, country, and employer, you can move to a new country with minimal upfront cost — and earn a decent income while enjoying a fresh start.
Whether it’s the cultural richness of Portugal, the industrial demand in Poland, or the employer-paid relocation options in the UAE, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best years for affordable work migration.
Useful Resources
- Make It in Germany
- EURES – Jobs in Europe
- Work Abroad Philippines
- Job Bank Canada
- UAE Job Portal – MoHRE
Things you can find here: Easiest Visa Sponsorship Programs for Families to Migrate in 2025, U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery (Green Card Lottery): Requirements and Application Process, High-Paying Jobs in the USA for Skilled Immigrants: Application Steps and Requirements, 10 UK Companies Providing Jobs and Visa Sponsorship for Both Skilled and Unskilled Immigrants, Top 10 Companies in the USA Offering Multiple Recruitment Opportunities with Sponsorship Visas.
Pro Tip: For the best visa sponsorship jobs and insurance options for immigrants, explore our Visa Sponsorship section and Insurance category.
Written by our team of international travel and visa experts based in Canada. Read more helpful guides like this here.
See ALSO:
Best Travel Insurance for Canadian Work Visas
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