We’re all witnesses to global trends widely changing the way we work. Companies expand, remote work is more common, and professionals increasingly seek new places to live and work. As a result, the Balkans, once overlooked in favour of Western Europe, are now becoming a hot destination for talent relocation.
At Native Teams, we’ve been closely following this shift. Our latest 2024 mobility data, covering 27 countries (23 in Europe), reveals that 75% of our relocation cases are from people moving to just four countries – the UK, Croatia, Turkey, and Serbia. This is a significant growth compared to 2023, when the demand for our mobility services was limited to seven countries on a global level.
Wondering why this shift? It’s because companies seek cost-effective ways to work with top talent. At the same time, professionals search for places that offer the right balance of opportunities, affordability, and quality of life. So, each of these four countries is getting more attention for its own unique reasons.
A mobility shift to the Balkans
Relocation trends don’t happen randomly – there are always specific economic, legal, and lifestyle factors at play. Right now, Croatia, Serbia, Turkey, and the UK are among the top destinations for global mobility, but for very different reasons. Some have attractive visa programmes and growing expat communities, and others simply offer lower cost of living and business-friendly reforms.
For example, Croatia has experienced a surge in migration due to its liberalised labour market and growing expat communities, with over 54,000 third-country nationals residing in the country by 2023 (EU Commission).
From what trends show so far, companies are no longer just hiring where their headquarters are. They’re taping into the global talent pool and looking for more expertise and flexibility. These four countries stand out because they offer exactly that – competitive wages, simple visa processes, and strong industry demand.
The UK – a global leader in talent migration
The UK has long been a go-to destination for talent migration and for a good reason. Its economic power and diverse job market make it a prime spot for professionals from all over the world. Despite the many challenges and future projections of Brexit, the UK remains one of the top places for global workers, especially those in finance, technology, healthcare, and the creative sector.
In recent years, we’ve seen an influx of professionals taking advantage of the new visa options, such as the skilled worker visa, the global talent visa, and other types designed to attract the best foreign talent in the country’s high-demand sectors. But what makes the UK stand out even more, though, is its ability to balance diversity with opportunity.
However, the whole employment setup and tax compliance in the country still remain challenging, and we often help companies navigate them.
Croatia – an unexpected relocation hotspot
About a decade ago, Croatia wasn’t on most professionals’ radar as a work destination, but that’s changing fast. With its digital nomad visa launch in 2021 and Schengen entry in 2023, Croatia has become a favourite for remote workers looking for affordability while working in the EU market. Since the introduction of the digital nomad visa, the country has seen a steady rise in remote workers, with 680 approved digital nomad visas as of early 2023.
Along with its visa options, Croatia offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many Western European countries, meaning expatriates can enjoy a high standard of living without breaking the bank. This trend is reflected in Croatia’s shifting migration patterns – after years of emigration, the country recorded a positive net migration number of 11,685 people in 2022 (Podaci DZS HR).
Add in its natural beauty, welcoming local culture, and accessible public services, and it’s no surprise that Croatia is among our most demanded mobility destinations.
Serbia – a cost-effective alternative for remote work
Serbia is a hidden gem for businesses that want to work with quality talent, and the biggest draw for relocation is its affordability. The cost of living is much lower than in Western Europe, which allows professionals to maintain a high quality of life on a smaller budget. This is particularly attractive for remote workers and digital nomads who need to balance work with lifestyle but don’t want to make financial sacrifices.
In 2024, Serbia introduced immigration reforms to offer more simplified visa and work permit processing, a new portal for submitting applications, and extended validity periods for certain permits. These changes have already made an impact, as Serbia has issued 50,397 work permits in 2023, with 2,071 permits granted to EU citizens (EU Commission).
With these reforms, the country is taking advantage of its growing appeal for relocation and making it easier for foreigners to relocate there.
Turkey – a bridge for talent relocation
Turkey’s unique location offers the ultimate value for businesses who want to access markets in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe that only a few other countries can match. But what draws many professionals to Turkey is its growing economy and development in industries like IT, construction, and tourism. The cost of living remains lower than in Western countries, translating into a high standard of living without the hefty price tag.
In 2024, Turkey introduced the digital nomad visa, which allows remote workers to live and work in the country for up to one year, with an option to renew. This has made it even more attractive to freelancers and business owners looking for a place to work remotely without complicated visa processes.
Reflecting this trend, Turkish work permits now account for 20% of all our mobility cases, highlighting the country’s growing appeal as a professional destination.
Why are these regions becoming talent hotspots?
What’s behind the appeal of countries like Croatia, Serbia, and Turkey as talent relocation hotspots? It’s more than just the growing infrastructure and beautiful natural landscapes.
First, let’s talk about cost-effectiveness. In countries like Serbia and Croatia, professionals can enjoy a high quality of life without the steep costs of living in more established markets. This means businesses can work with quality talent at a fraction of the price, giving them a competitive edge in a tight labour market.
But it’s not just about saving money. These regions offer the kind of local expertise and workforce demand that businesses need to stay competitive. In Serbia, for example, the tech sector is booming, with an expected growth of more than 20% annually. However, this growth is still challenged by a shortage of skilled professionals.
Meanwhile, digital nomad visa programmes in Turkey and Croatia have attracted remote workers worldwide, helping these countries fill in gaps in many industries. In Croatia, estimates suggest that around 10.000 digital nomads are staying in the country each month, which contributes to a growing influx of remote workers who are helping with the workforce shortage in many industries.
All of this points to one thing – these regions are not just on the rise, but they are growing fast. They offer businesses a real chance to expand globally, work with high-quality talent, and do the process compliantly without the steep costs.
What does this mean for businesses?
As businesses expand globally, mobility needs to shift. The focus is no longer on traditional office locations, especially as many companies embrace remote work and relocation as part of their strategy. Our 90% success rate of accepted relocation applications proves that businesses are investing in employee transition, and this trend is about to continue.
In short, businesses realise that investing in mobility solutions is key to scaling globally. By focusing on regions with the right mix of affordability and expertise, they can build stronger and more diverse teams while remaining cost-efficient.
The growing appeal of the Balkans isn’t just a trend, but a real shift in how businesses approach scaling and talent acquisition. In fact, net immigration in the U.S. is projected to be 2 million people in 2025, 1.5 million in 2026, and an average of 1.1 million per year from 2027 to 2055 (Congressional Budget Office). This proves that as companies continue to grow globally, the need for efficient mobility solutions will also increase.
However, the focus isn’t only on providing relocation for employees but on leveraging these regions’ unique advantages of cost-efficient talent and adaptable business environments. Companies that embrace these shifts will find themselves better positioned to scale faster in the competitive global economy while keeping costs in check.
