Germany, Switzerland, or Austria: Which Is the Best Country to Migrate to from Latin America?

Migrating from Latin America to Europe is an important decision that opens many opportunities, but also raises key questions: Which country should I go to? What options do I have if I want to work or study? Although destinations like Spain and Italy are usually popular due to language, countries like Germany, Switzerland and Austria —the DACH region (from its German acronym: Germany – Deutschland, Austria – Austria, and Switzerland – Confoederatio Helvetica). — have become increasingly attractive alternatives for those seeking stability, professional growth and quality of life.

In this article we help you compare these three destinations so you can choose the one that best fits your profile, goals and expectations.

1. Why consider the DACH region instead of Spain or another European country?

Although Spain shares language and culture with Latin American countries, its job and academic opportunities tend to be less competitive. The same disadvantages are common in other similar European countries like Portugal or Italy. Not only are salaries lower, but unemployment is higher, making integration into the labor market more difficult.

In contrast, DACH countries offer economic stability, high demand for professionals and quality educational options —although they require greater preparation, especially with language. Some reasons to consider 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇨🇭 Switzerland and 🇦🇹 Austria:

• • Greater demand for qualified talent in sectors like health, engineering, IT and manufacturing.
  • Better average salaries and robust social security.
  • More migration programs for non-EU workers.
  • Political stability and low unemployment.

*Source: own calculations based on official estimates and job portals.

💡MIGROPA Tip: Germany and Austria have more open systems for qualified migrants from outside the EU. Switzerland, although very attractive in salaries, has stricter immigration rules

1. Job and academic opportunities

🇩🇪 Germany: Europe's economic engine

Germany is one of the European countries with the greatest shortage of qualified labor. From engineers to healthcare workers, technicians and IT professionals, there are many opportunities. If you already have a professional degree and work experience, you can apply for the Blue Card, a residence permit that allows you to work with competitive salaries and facilitates permanent residence.

If your experience is not as extensive, Germany recently launched the Opportunity Visa (Chancenkarte), a new immigration pathway based on a points system that allows non-European professionals to seek employment in the country for a specific period, even without a prior job offer. It is designed to facilitate the arrival of qualified talent from outside the EU.

Additionally, Germany has a wide range of master's and doctoral programs, many of them free even for foreigners, especially at public universities. Areas of engineering, social sciences and technology are in high demand. An excellent starting point is the official portal Make it in Germany (which is also available in Spanish) or the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) portal.

🇨🇭 Switzerland: High demand, high level of requirements

Switzerland has one of the highest salaries in the world and a low unemployment rate. However, access to the labor market can be more demanding for citizens from outside the EU. Areas with highest demand include health, pharmaceuticals, finance, engineering and hospitality.

Regarding studies, Switzerland has internationally prestigious universities and research-oriented academic programs. Tuition fees are usually higher than in Germany or Austria, however, they are very competitive compared to tuition costs at many private universities in Latin America. In many cases, programs are available in English. You can start your search on the official site Study in Switzerland.

Not being part of the EU, Switzerland is stricter with immigration of third-country citizens (such as Latin Americans). You need a concrete job offer or an academic acceptance letter to apply for a visa.

🇦🇹 Austria: Good balance between life and work

Austria combines good job opportunities with excellent quality of life. The country needs professionals in technical areas, health, arts, tourism and education. Vienna, its capital, has been awarded several times as one of the most livable cities in the world.

Austria also offers multiple academic options, especially in social sciences, music and arts. There are free or low-cost programs for international students, although mastery of German is more important compared to other destinations. More information at Study in Austria.

Austria also offers a residence permit known as the "Red-White-Red Card", which is granted based on a points-based system that evaluates your academic and professional profile. For students, there are specific requirements depending on the university and language.

💡 At Migropa we advise you on the most appropriate visa according to your profile and destination country, in addition to helping you organize your documents strategically.

1. Language: Do I need to speak German?

Language is one of the biggest barriers —and opportunities— for Latin American migrants. Although all three countries speak German as the official language, its use and requirements vary.

• 🇩🇪 Germany: Although many Germans speak English, for long-term work or study you are expected to learn German. In sectors like health, administration and education, German is essential. Many employers require at least a B1/B2 level of the language. In the case of studies, there is a wide range of options in English at the master's level.
• 🇨🇭 Switzerland: Here several official languages are spoken (German, French, Italian), depending on the region. In the German part, many companies work in English and there is a large "Expat" community where only English or even Spanish is spoken. However, to have more opportunities and improve your integration, it is recommended to learn Swiss German, which is a different dialect from standard German. In regions like Geneva, French is more useful.
• 🇦🇹 Austria: German is very important, both for working and for integrating into daily life. Even if you study in English, you will need the language for paperwork or professional internships. The pronunciation may vary slightly from standard German, but it is understandable.

👉 In all cases, at Migropa we help you plan your language learning and understand what level you need according to your profession or visa type.

1. Quality of life and environment

🇩🇪 Germany

Offers an excellent balance between personal and professional life, efficient public services, and many cultural and recreational options. The transportation system is extensive and reliable. Although bureaucratic procedures can be slow, there are good opportunities to build a long-term life.

🇨🇭 Switzerland

It is the country with the highest cost of living of the three, but also offers a very high quality of life. Cities are very safe, the transportation system is impeccable, and the natural environment (lakes, mountains) is ideal for those who value tranquility and well-being. However, society can be more reserved and difficult to penetrate at first.

🇦🇹 Austria

It stands out for its safety, cleanliness, and the beauty of its landscapes. The health system is one of the best in the world, and there is strong social protection. Vienna, in particular, has a great range of cultural events, parks, and renowned universities.

Conclusion

Each of the DACH countries has unique advantages. Germany stands out for its solid labor market and free study programs. Switzerland for its quality of life and high salaries, although with more demanding immigration processes. Austria offers a good balance between job opportunities, access to education and lifestyle.

The most important thing is to choose the country that best aligns with your profile, your goals and your resources. Whether you want to work, study, or reorient your career in Europe, at Migropa we accompany you every step of the way, from planning to your arrival.

If you are ready to begin your migration journey or are still deciding, here are some concrete ideas for today:

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