Portugal top country for working in finance

• 30 November, 25

As the financial sector continues to gain popularity, new data shows that over one-third (37%) of people now consider finance the most promising career path — up from 30% in 2024 and 24% in 2023, marking a strong upward trend.

Competition for finance roles is also intensifying. In 2025, each entry-level finance position received an average of 188 applications, significantly higher than the 120 applications recorded in 2024. This makes finance the second most competitive industry in Europe, right after IT.

Where in Europe Is the Best Place to Build a Finance Career? Which Roles Pay the Most?

Search interest for “finance jobs near me” surged 130% in the past month. To evaluate the most attractive European destinations for finance professionals, forex brokerage research firm BrokerChooser analyzed finance job listings on Indeed — focusing on salary levels, remote-work availability, and cost of living.

Netherlands Ranks No. 1 – Score: 7.80/10

The Netherlands is the top European country for finance careers:

• 32 finance job openings per 100,000 people
  • Europe’s second-highest salary transparency, with nearly 30% of listings showing pay ranges
  • Median salary: €53,797, the fourth highest in Europe
  • Wealth Managers can earn up to £282,918, the second-highest finance salary in Europe
  • Remote opportunities are limited (13.71%), but the overall job market is strong

Portugal Ranks Second – Score: 7.79/10, Strong Advantage in Remote Work

Thanks to flexible work models and a lower cost of living, Portugal has become a favorite destination for finance talent:

• 32.34% of finance roles offer remote work — among the highest in Europe
  • Remote finance jobs pay double the salary of on-site roles (+100% premium, the highest in Europe)
  • Although the median salary is lower (€27,762), Portugal’s affordable lifestyle significantly boosts purchasing power

Luxembourg Ranks Third – Score: 7.77/10, Highest Salaries in Europe

As one of Europe’s leading financial hubs, Luxembourg offers:

• Europe’s highest job density – 253 finance openings per 100,000 people
  • Europe’s highest median salary: €79,896
  • A strong financial ecosystem with 120+ banks from more than 25 countries

High living costs and a low remote-work share (8.84%) slightly reduce its score, but strong demand and exceptional pay make Luxembourg a highly attractive destination for finance professionals.

Top-Paying Finance Jobs in Europe

Finance is known for its high earning potential — 58% of graduates list salary as their top priority when choosing a career.

1. Investment Associate — €65,669 (Average Salary)

• Highest-paid finance role in Europe
  • Responsibilities include market analysis, company valuation, and supporting major investment decisions
  • Highly specialized and competitive

2. Financial Controller — €54,745

• Oversees company-wide accounting and financial reporting
  • Ensures compliance and accuracy in financial operations

3. Strategy Analyst — €54,434

• Develops long-term business growth strategies
  • Evaluates business needs and profitability pathways

Expert Insights: Finance Is Competitive but Full of Opportunity

Brandon Bovey, Senior Analyst at BrokerChooser, explains:

“Finance and investment have long been seen as attractive career paths due to high earning potential and strong upward mobility. Competition will continue to rise, but now is still an excellent time to break into the industry.”

He notes that the skill set for modern finance careers is rapidly evolving:

• Technical skills are no longer a unique advantage as tools become more intelligent
  • Data analysis, programming, and AI integration are now core competencies
  • Understanding macroeconomics, geopolitics, and market behavior remains essential

“For those fascinated by global capital flows, who enjoy working with data and thrive under pressure, finance remains a highly rewarding career choice.”

Cre: The Portugal News