Workforce Mobility in the EU: Which Cities Are Winning the Talent War?
Europe has long been a magnet for global talent, but the balance of power is shifting. Cities that once automatically drew international professionals — London, Paris, Berlin — now face intense competition from rising hubs like Amsterdam and Zurich. For companies navigating workforce mobility, understanding which cities are “winning” in 2025 requires looking beyond lifestyle appeal and considering immigration policy, business climate, infrastructure, and international connectivity.
London: Still a heavyweight, but with new barriers
London remains one of the most attractive destinations for global professionals, thanks to its deep financial markets, international schools, and English-language advantage. But Brexit reshaped its talent pipeline. EU nationals now face the UK's points-based immigration system, and companies must sponsor most non-British hires. This adds time, cost, and complexity, which has nudged some firms to diversify their European presence.
Still, London retains a gravitational pull in finance, tech, and creative industries. Its appeal lies not in ease of entry — which has diminished — but in the scale of opportunity once workers are in. For companies with the infrastructure to manage sponsorship, London remains worth the investment.
Amsterdam: The gateway city
Amsterdam has carved out a reputation as one of Europe's most agile hubs for international talent. The Netherlands combines a liberal immigration framework (including the Highly Skilled Migrant visa and the 30% ruling tax benefit) with a cosmopolitan, English-friendly work environment. For mobile professionals, the city offers a soft landing — paperwork is streamlined, English is widely spoken, and housing policies are increasingly designed with expats in mind.
The challenge? Capacity. High demand has driven up housing costs and strained infrastructure. Still, for companies seeking a continental base with relatively smooth immigration pathways, Amsterdam is often the first choice.
Zurich: High quality, high barriers
Zurich's draw is obvious: a stable economy, high salaries, and unmatched quality of life. For many global professionals, Switzerland represents the pinnacle of European living standards. But its immigration policies are more restrictive than its EU neighbors, with strict quotas and a preference for EU/EFTA nationals.
For companies, this means Zurich is ideal for attracting top-tier specialists who meet narrow criteria — but less suitable for scaling large international teams quickly. The city wins on prestige and retention but loses on accessibility.
Berlin: Europe's creative magnet
Berlin has become a magnet for young, mobile professionals in tech, startups, and creative industries. Its relatively low cost of living (compared to Paris or Amsterdam) and vibrant cultural scene make it attractive to early-career talent. Germany's recent reforms, including updates to the Skilled Immigration Act and expansion of the EU Blue Card, have further enhanced Berlin's accessibility to non-EU workers.
The city's weakness lies in bureaucracy. Even with reforms, local immigration offices can be slow and inconsistent, creating friction for both employers and employees. Still, Berlin's talent pool is expanding, and its reputation as Europe's creative and digital capital makes it a top contender in the talent war.
Paris: Prestige and policy in flux
Paris remains Europe's powerhouse for luxury, fashion, and international business. The French government has invested heavily in making the country more attractive to global talent, including “Tech Visa” initiatives and streamlined processes for skilled professionals. For companies, this signals a more open posture than in the past.
Yet Paris is not without challenges. Language remains a barrier for some international workers, and navigating French bureaucracy can test even the most patient HR teams. Nevertheless, for industries tied to prestige, design, and international markets, Paris continues to command global influence.
The bigger picture: No single winner
The truth is that no single city has a monopoly on global talent. London offers scale, Amsterdam agility, Zurich stability, Berlin creativity, and Paris prestige. For companies, the real opportunity lies in matching their industry needs and talent strategies with the unique advantages of each city:
Finance & law: London and Zurich remain top destinations.
Tech & startups: Berlin and Amsterdam are rising fastest.
Luxury & creative sectors: Paris retains unrivaled influence.
Workforce mobility in 2025 is not about choosing the city, but about building flexible strategies across several hubs. Companies that can adapt to different regulatory environments and support employees in navigating immigration, tax, and housing challenges will be the ones that win the real war: not for a city, but for the people who power their business.