When people talk about moving abroad, names like the US, UK, Canada, or Australia dominate the conversation. But a quiet shift is happening. Many Indians are now thriving in countries that rarely make headlines places that offer easier entry, growing economies, and a better quality of life without the intense competition.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone looking to start fresh, these lesser-known destinations are opening doors. From Europe to Africa to Southeast Asia, Indians are building successful careers, launching businesses, and settling down in places that might surprise you.
Here are 10 such countries where Indians are quietly succeeding in 2025 without the crowds, visa struggles, or sky-high living costs.
1. Georgia: A Visa-Free Tech Haven for Indian Startups and Remote Workers
Nestled between Europe and Asia, Georgia offers a rare mix of easy entry, affordable living, and fast internet—ideal for Indian freelancers, tech entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Tbilisi has become a quiet hotspot for remote work setups, and the country allows Indians to stay up to a year visa-free.
What’s working for Indians here:
- Remote IT professionals are using Georgia as a Europe-friendly base.
- Many Indians have opened restaurants and cloud kitchens, tapping into Georgia’s growing tourism.
- Residency is straightforward if you invest or register a business.
2. Serbia: Europe’s Entry Point for Indian Freelancers and Digital Nomads
Serbia is emerging as a soft landing pad for Indians wanting access to Europe without strict visa rules. Indians can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, with simple extensions, making it an attractive base for digital nomads, ecommerce entrepreneurs, and freelance professionals.
Why Indians are moving here quietly:
- Indians are launching dropshipping businesses and managing back-end tech work from Belgrade.
- English is commonly spoken in urban areas.
- Cost of living is lower than in Western Europe, yet infrastructure is strong.
3. Vietnam: A Rising Hub for Indian Teachers, Tech Professionals, and Exporters
Vietnam is seeing a steady rise in Indian professionals entering the education, IT, and trading sectors. With a dynamic economy and growing need for English language teachers and tech support, many Indians are quietly settling in cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.
Opportunities Indians are tapping into:
- English teaching roles offer steady income with flexible hours.
- Small exporters are leveraging Vietnam’s proximity to East Asia for trade.
- Vietnam’s manufacturing growth is creating back-end tech jobs for Indian developers.
4. Romania: A Gateway to the EU for Indian Engineers and Healthcare Workers
Romania is offering skilled Indians a direct path to the European job market. With increasing demand for healthcare professionals, engineers, and IT experts, Indian migrants are finding jobs here faster than in Western Europe.
Why it’s growing in appeal:
- Indians are entering under EU Blue Card or work permit routes in tech and health sectors.
- Students find it a cheaper alternative to Western Europe with access to the same market.
- Romanian cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca now have growing Indian student and professional communities.
5. Mauritius: Where Cultural Roots Meet Modern Indian Business Ventures
With nearly 70% of its population of Indian origin, Mauritius is both culturally familiar and economically promising. Beyond heritage, Indian professionals in IT, finance, and hospitality are making quiet gains.
Why Indians thrive here today:
- Indians are opening hotels, cafes, and fintech startups.
- The government offers tax incentives for foreign investors.
- Schools follow an English-based system, appealing to Indian families.
6. Chile: A Latin American Gem for Indian Engineers and Researchers
Chile is quietly building ties with India through science, space tech, and engineering collaborations. Indian engineers and researchers are finding opportunities with multinational companies and research institutions.
Unique opportunities Indians are exploring:
- High-paying engineering roles, especially in mining and infrastructure.
- Indian STEM graduates are joining research centers in Santiago and Valparaíso.
- Spanish is a barrier initially, but many tech companies operate in English.
7. Poland: Eastern Europe’s Education and IT Hub for Indian Youth
Poland is gaining popularity among Indian students and young professionals. Indian graduates from Polish universities are being absorbed into the country’s growing tech sector, especially in cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw.
Why Indians are choosing Poland:
- Tuition fees are lower compared to Western Europe.
- Many courses are taught in English.
- Post-study work options are clearer, with a pathway to permanent residency.
8. Japan: High Demand for Indian Engineers, Nurses, and AI Specialists
Japan is overcoming its cultural barriers by actively hiring Indian talent in robotics, AI, software, and healthcare. Government-supported language and job-matching programs are helping Indians integrate faster.
How Indians are succeeding here:
- Tech professionals are entering through Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) route.
- Many Indian nurses are receiving training under bilateral programs.
- Indians are also working with Japanese firms to bridge business with South Asia.
9. South Korea: From Study Visas to Startup Opportunities for Indians
South Korea is gradually becoming a destination for Indian students and tech workers. Korean universities offer scholarships, and several Indian graduates are staying back to start careers in electronics, gaming, and digital design.
Opportunities Indians are grabbing here:
- Top Korean universities offer English-medium STEM courses.
- Korean firms are recruiting Indian developers and testers.
- Some Indians are even setting up fusion food businesses in Seoul and Busan.
10. Botswana: A Stable African Nation Welcoming Indian Professionals for Decades
Botswana offers an English-speaking, safe, and politically stable environment. Indians have long been part of the medical, education, and small business sectors here—especially in Gaborone and Francistown.
Why Indians have a solid base here:
- Doctors and teachers are in high demand.
- Indian-run stores, schools, and clinics form a tight-knit community.
- Business registration is simple and expat-friendly.
Summary: Where Indians Are Quietly Thriving in 2025
| Country | Common Indian Roles | What Makes It Appealing for Indians |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | Remote workers, tech freelancers, café owners | 1-year visa-free stay, startup-friendly, low cost of living |
| Serbia | Freelancers, ecommerce sellers, consultants | Visa-free access, growing digital nomad scene |
| Vietnam | Teachers, exporters, backend developers | High demand for educators, affordable lifestyle |
| Romania | Engineers, healthcare workers, students | EU access, skilled job openings, low saturation |
| Mauritius | Business owners, IT professionals, families | Cultural familiarity, business-friendly policies |
| Chile | Engineers, researchers, STEM professionals | Stable economy, demand for Indian tech talent |
| Poland | Students, software developers, fresh graduates | Affordable education, EU job pathway |
| Japan | Engineers, nurses, AI professionals | Structured visa system, high-tech sector growth |
| South Korea | Designers, developers, English teachers | Scholarships, startup support, rising tech demand |
| Botswana | Doctors, teachers, small business owners | Longstanding Indian presence, safe and English-speaking |
You don’t always need to follow the crowd to find success abroad. These under-the-radar countries offer real value less competition, lower costs, and strong professional demand. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a fresh path, keep these destinations in mind as you explore global opportunities
