by It’s easy to think of Europe as a well-lit map of interconnected hubs of technological excellence. After all, the continent is home to the renowned technology hubs of Berlin, Barcelona and Paris, and in the UK, London is a global hub of long-term excellence in financial services.
But these are big cities. Full of opportunity, culture and ambition, they can also be exhausting, not to mention expensive, places to live and work.
That’s why so many tech professionals are now looking to leave the big metropolitan tech hubs for smaller, more up-and-coming tech cities that offer the perfect combination of progress and personal balance. Below, we take a look at three places to explore.
Nicosia Cyprus
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The heart of technology comes to the heart of the Mediterranean
You will know Cyprus for many different things: sun and sea, of course, but have you thought about silicon? It turns out that, since 2015, the Municipality of Nicosia aims to transform the city center into a district of cutting-edge knowledge, research and innovation.
As a result, various projects such as the Creative Industry Quarter and CYENS – an ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Center of Excellence in Research and Innovation have thrived. Now companies like Amdocs, Wargaming, 3XC, Bolt, Thomson Reuters, Etoro and Melsoft Games all have a presence there.
It’s no surprise that tech workers are flocking to Nicosia and Cyprus in droves. According to reports, Cyprus received 119% more migrants from January-April 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. The island has one of the warmest climates (and the warmest winters in the EU), with an annual average daily temperature of coasts to be around 24 degrees. In addition, the hot season lasts about eight months.
Mobile internet quality is high and the island has also introduced a digital nomad visa system, allowing non-EU and non-EEA nationals to live and work temporarily in Cyprus.
Tallinn, Estonia
Home to one of the highest per capita startup rates in the world, Tallinn has quickly established itself as a tech hub to watch and is home to powerhouses like Skype as well as newer innovations like Pipedrive, Transferwise and Bolt. The Estonian capital has benefited from attractive tax breaks and education initiatives, and is now home to over 1,000 start-ups with many more eyeing the Eastern European city for its relaxed approach to work-life balance.
Hybrid and flexible working is standard for all workers here, while Tallinn’s small size reduces commuting time. Its low cost of living offers a high level of enjoyment. The city is also well connected to global tech hubs, making it a viable option for major tech companies.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Dutch capital was recently ranked the fourth best European “tech city of the future” and continues to be attractive to tech start-ups hoping to capitalize on its proximity to London, global infrastructure and high talent pool.
It is home to cutting-edge AI platforms thanks to its “living lab” status, as well as exclusive hubs such as the Amsterdam Science Park and the Startup Village. The fact that 90% of the population speaks English and the city is easily accessible from London, Paris, the US and Eastern Europe makes it even more attractive.
However, it is Amsterdam’s small population, thriving nightlife and cultural scene that mark it as a city to watch.
If you want to embrace a higher level of work/life balance without compromising on opportunity, check out The House of Talent Job Board to find companies hiring in these cities. We’ve selected three tech giants below that are hiring for many remote and semi-remote opportunities.
Siemens
With benefits such as a generous 6% pension contribution, health insurance, paid tuition for continuous development and a fully remote policy for certain roles, Siemens is an employer of choice for those looking to become digital nomads. Currently recruiting for roles in software engineers, payroll specialists and business development, the company is based in Amsterdam and employs over 300,000 people worldwide. Explore all remote roles here.
Booking.com
Travel Diruptor Booking.com continues to expand its workforce. Remote and office based roles are available in software engineering, customer relationship management and engineering management in all European cities including Berlin, Amsterdam and Manchester. Benefits include a generous health and retirement plan as well as a flexible approach to work. Browse all available roles on Booking.com.
Monzo
Online bank Monzo was one of the first app-based banks in the UK and continues to challenge the Fintech space. Currently recruiting for a number of roles, with remote options available, there are opportunities for fraud investigation, AML investigation and client management. Monzo offers staff health insurance and retirement benefits, as well as ongoing career development and an opportunity to make a difference by contributing to open software. Explore all the opportunities on Monzo.
Browse all companies currently hiring across Europe on The House of Talent Job Board
