Brief Description:
Working overseas can be a life-changing experience that helps you develop professionally and personally. Find the ideal location for your employment overseas and become familiar with the conditions needed in each nation.
A great approach to learn about the world, yourself, and what it means to be a global citizen is to live and work overseas.
People look for jobs outside of their native countries as the world gets more interconnected, but choosing where to move overseas can be challenging.
We've put up a list of the top nations to work abroad to assist you in finding your dream position there.
These nations, which are listed in no particular order, all stand in as extremely ideal locations to either get temporary employment or to start a career.
We took into account a number of variables when compiling this list, including:
- work-life balance and happiness indices
- cost of living
- ease of obtaining a work visa
- employment prospects in the nation.
We use the most recent edition of The Global Economies Happiness Index, which was released in 2020, to study happiness.
This assigns a happiness rating of 0 to 10 to 150 nations (happy). We used the OECD Better Life Index to measure work-life balance. This index tracks a number of factors, such as the proportion of workers who work an average of more than 50 hours per week, the amount of time spent on leisure and personal care, and gender inequality.
Numbeo provides all salary and cost of living information, and all currency values are in US dollars.
The nations on this list are not listed in any particular order. The list was put together using information from our travel research, industry expertise, and community member interests.
Discover the top 10 nations to work in overseas in 2022 by reading on.
Outstanding for seasonal work:
New Zealand
Cost of living: $927/month + rent
Average Salary: $3,323/month
Happiness index ranking: 9
Happiness index ranking: 9
Work visa duration: 12 - 23 months based on residency
New Zealand might be the ideal location for you if you're a young adult looking to broaden your viewpoint through a big trip and intend to pay for it with side jobs along the way! There are several short-term and seasonal job options across the nation, from farmers to adventure sports businesses to tour operators.
There is no language barrier for English speakers in New Zealand, in addition to the country's growing tourism sector. Additionally, Kiwis are incredibly hospitable, which makes it very simple for most visitors to settle into New Zealand life.
The nation is renowned for its scenic landscapes and active outdoor lifestyle, making it the ideal destination for thrill-seekers.
With a ninth-place finish on The Global Economy 2020 Happiness rating, New Zealand consistently ranks among the world's happiest nations.
A really distinctive atmosphere is produced by the laid-back culture and emphasis on a healthy work-life balance. For this reason, many travelers work for a season to pay for a season of full-time travel, then repeat because it might be difficult to find long-term employment opportunities in New Zealand as an expert.
Because New Zealand is a far-flung island nation with high living expenses, budgeting wisely is essential if you wish to accumulate savings while working there.
The majority of employment options outside of agriculture can be found in or near Auckland, Wellington, or smaller tourist destinations like Queenstown.
Rent in New Zealand can be fairly pricey, and these places also have the highest costs. For those searching for part-time jobs to complement their trip, work exchange programs are a common solution.
What to do to obtain a work visa in New Zealand?
There is a working holiday program available in New Zealand for citizens of particular nations worldwide.
If you are a citizen of the UK or Canada, your working holiday visa allows you to stay in New Zealand for 23 months and work and travel there for up to 12 months.
In addition, visas can be obtained for people with particular capabilities, including those in engineering and telecommunications. In contrast to the working holiday program, these are often need-based skilled occupations with more tougher qualifications.
Visit the New Zealand Immigration website to find out more about obtaining a visa to work in New Zealand.
Finding a Job in New Zealand
Long before the season you intend to work, begin your employment hunt. Check out NZSki if you wish to work during the ski season. Work in agriculture is frequently advertised on Seasonal Jobs New Zealand. You can also search for recent job ads on the Cytravels Visa.
Excellent for academic and research jobs: The Netherlands
- Living expenses: $975 per month plus rent
- monthly average salary of $3,025
- Indefinitely with a firm sponsor, work visa
- Ranking 5 on the happiness scale
The Netherlands is another fantastic choice for working abroad and is a preferred location among expats due to its high quality of life and emphasis on work-life balance.
The Netherlands aggressively recruits foreign businesspeople and offers a wide range of excellent initiatives to support their ventures into domestic firms or the establishment of new, small- or large-scale enterprises.
The Netherlands is ranked fifth on the 2020 Happiness index because it is a secure nation with excellent social programs and a robust economy.
Additionally, the Netherlands is a leader in academics and research, therefore there are many opportunities for foreigners to work in these sectors.
The Netherlands is a wonderful place to work in technology or energy because of its emphasis on clean energy and a sustainable environment.
The Netherlands is a destination for career-minded overseas employees and is not as appropriate for short-term or temporary work because working there requires a firm sponsor for non-Europeans and the cost of living is rather high.
However, the Netherlands guarantees full-time employers a minimum of 20 vacation days annually, a holiday allowance, 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, and many more benefits.
This indicates that a healthy work-life balance is valued both culturally and legally. If you want to work in the Netherlands but aren't sure where to begin, think about doing an internship first.
Where to apply for a work visa in the Netherlands
The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, although English is also widely spoken among young adults, and there are employment opportunities for English speakers.
You might be amazed at how many chances you'll uncover in English if you utilize tools like UnDutchables.nl to filter job posts by preferred language.
The majority of foreigners living in the Netherlands have at least a Master's degree, which greatly improves your employment prospects.
You'll probably conduct the full recruiting procedure online because you'll require a sponsor for your work visa before going to the Netherlands for a job.
Learning some Dutch before attending interviews is a smart idea if you have your heart set on working in the Netherlands.
Employers will see that you are committed to working and living there if you have learned the language.
The Netherlands Work Visa Process
If you're up for it, getting a working visa in the Netherlands can be difficult, but the benefits far exceed the difficulties.
A conventional work visa must be sponsored by an employer and is only valid while you are employed there.
Other initiatives are in place in the Netherlands to facilitate the entry of foreign laborers.
Investors with the start-up visa are able to live in the Netherlands for a year while they create a fresh business concept.
Additionally, the government offers you a local mentor to help your firm flourish. The Netherlands likewise fosters small enterprises through its freelancing and self-employment visa.
Excellent for TEFL (teaching English abroad): South Korea
Cost of living: $962/month + rent
Average Salary: $2,210/month
Work visa duration: 12 months
Happiness index ranking: 62
Recently, and rightfully so, South Korea has become more well-known as a location for international employment.
Korea is among the greatest places to work abroad due to its highly competitive economy, world-class cuisine, and highly regarded pop culture.
While foreign employees can find work in any field, particularly if they speak English well, South Korea stands out as one of the greatest places to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL).
English teachers will be paid a highly competitive rate, whether they work for the Korean Ministry of Education (EPIK) program or a private institution, and they will find pupils who are ready to learn.
Teachers also have a high level of living in Korea thanks to work benefits and the affordable cost of living.
However, if you are not ready to make certain cultural adjustments, especially in terms of working culture, Korea can be a challenging place to live.
Although rank and hierarchy are extremely important, most businesses recognize the cultural differences and treat foreigners fairly.
The longest working hours of any developed country are in Korea, so be prepared to put in longer hours than you're used to! You won't find the same work-life balance in Korea as you would in many of the other places on our list, which contributes to its poor score on the happiness index.
Korea has a lot to offer despite having a lengthy work week. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Korea, from the thriving metropolis of Seoul to the breathtaking natural beauty of the country's interior.
Significant expat populations, vibrant nightlife, and, most importantly, delectable cuisine can be be found in Seoul, Busan, and Daegu.
Any overseas worker who chooses to live and work in Korea is guaranteed to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The best way to obtain a work visa in South Korea
It's not too difficult to get a working visa in Korea. Being an English teacher qualifies you for Korea's "E-2" visa, which is the quickest and simplest option to obtain a working visa.
If teaching is not your profession, South Korea has arrangements with a few Western nations that permit workers to enter on a "working holiday" visa for up to a year.
Travelers can stay in Korea for up to six months while looking for work with a "looking for work" visa.
Visit VisaHQ to find out more about getting a visa to work in South Korea.
Get a job in South Korea
In order to improve the English proficiency of Korean students, the English Program in Korea (EPIK) is run by the National Institute for International Education and the Korean Ministry of Education.
Directly apply through the EPIK web portal. Also accessible are positions in private education.
Australia: Great for work exchanges
Australia routinely receives good marks for having exceptional standards of living, a high quality of life, and general contentment.
Additionally, it is ranked in the top 10 Human Development Index (HDI) countries worldwide. People here have a healthy work-life balance, and living in such a stunning country makes it easy to enjoy your free time.
Despite Australia's high cost of living, expats can still live comfortably because of the country's high minimum income.
For tourists interested in taking part in a work exchange program, Australia is a fantastic option.
Australia is one of the easiest countries to find a work exchange program in because of its simple visa system.
Volunteers are matched with farms by organizations like World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) in exchange for food.
Australia has it all, including wide-open wilderness, immaculate beaches, and modern cities.
Due to their well-known ethnic populations, Sydney and Melbourne make it quite simple for foreigners to integrate into Australian society.
Australia is a tough place to beat because of the necessity for labor in the country's agriculture sector and the absence of a language barrier for English speakers.
How to Apply for an Australian work VISA
The procedure for acquiring a work visa in Australia is essentially the same as in New Zealand.
Additionally, Australia provides a "working holiday" visa program that enables visitors from specific countries to stay in the nation for a year.
Similar to New Zealand, there are working visas available for foreign workers who pass a skills evaluation.
Visit the Department of Home Affairs visa finder to learn more about getting a visa to work in Australia.
Finding a Job in Australia
There are reputable organizations, such as WWOOF, that may put you in touch with a host who is willing to host you for up to 36 hours a week in exchange for meals and lodging.
Another well-known tool for connecting tourists with homestays, work exchanges, and volunteer opportunities is Workaway.
Germany: Excellent for Engineering Job's.
Germany offers excellent prospects for career-minded individuals wishing to work overseas, especially engineers, as one of the top economies in the world (per GDP) and one of the biggest exporters of commodities.
There are prospects for English-speaking roles in Germany because many international firms have offices there, albeit the job search will be more difficult.
Fortunately, English is a language that the majority of Germans are fluent in, making communication easier.
Germany is a fantastic country to pursue a career abroad because of its outstanding economy, rich culture, and unrivaled work-life balance.
Germany is ranked in The Global Economy 2020 Happiness index because people work fewer hours (about 27 per week) and enjoy better lives as a result! Germany will provide you with top-notch medical care, abundant paid time off, and amazing adventures.
Depending on where you get a job, living in Germany may be less expensive than in many other European cities even though the cost of living may be more than what you are used to.
Every city offers something unique, making it ideal for any expat. The major cities continue to be the most favored among foreign employees, with the greatest expat populations located in Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.
No matter where you find yourself, you'll experience the varied appeal that defines this forward-thinking European nation.
How to obtain a work Visa In Germany
It can be difficult to apply for a working visa, but there are ways to get a permission to live and work in Germany.
Most Western nationals are eligible to apply for a job seeker (also known as searching for work) visa, which enables you to find employment while abroad and apply for a working visa after you have a job offer.
Visit the web page for Employment in Germany to find out more about getting a visa to work in Germany.
Finding Employment in Germany
If you don't speak German, it will be harder for you to find employment in your field in Germany.
You may use LinkedIn to search for jobs and filter them by industry, job type, and language support. The job market in Germany is extremely competitive, thus networking is crucial to finding employment. Linkedin is a great resource for locating current acquaintances or other graduates who are working in Germany.
Brazil: Great for tourism industry jobs
Cost of living: $479/month + rent
Average Salary: $396/month
Work visa duration: 24 months
Happiness index ranking: 33
Due to its size, Brazil offers the most chances for foreigners in South America. The tourism business in this stunning nation is flourishing.
Despite the fact that English speakers have many chances in big cities like Rio de Janeiro even though Portuguese is the country's primary language.
Brazilian law has been strengthened since 1988 to support a better work-life balance and adequate pay for extended workweeks. Weekend and holiday work are paid twice, and any time performed in excess of 44 hours per week requires payment at time and a half.
But what really jumps out is the 41 days of vacation that Brazilians enjoy, which contributes to their high levels of job satisfaction and top rankings on happiness indexes.
Even while there are untrue perceptions about how secure it is to live in Brazil, most of them are exaggerated. There are places to avoid, just like anywhere else, and simple safety measures you may take to stay safe.
Overall, there are safe cities in Brazil that are wonderful places to visit for visitors, volunteers, and expats, but be cautious because frauds are rampant there.
How to obtain a work Visa In Brazil
Depending on your situation, Brazil offers a variety of work visa types. The most popular type of visa for foreigners working in Brazil is the VITEM V (temporary visa).
Professionals typically obtain the Visto Permanente (permanent work visa) after working on a temporary work visa for two years.
You most likely require either professional experience or a post-graduate degree in order to obtain a temporary work visa. On the website of the Brazilian Consulate General, you can apply and find out the particular requirements.
Denmark: Great for trainees
Cost of living: $1,044/month + rent
Average Salary: $3,556/month
Work visa duration: 3 - 48 months
Happiness index ranking: 2
One of the safest and happiest nations on Earth, Denmark encourages a great work-life balance and has substantial social welfare resources, including professional child care and public healthcare.
This, along with the country's high standard of living and robust economy, make Denmark one of the greatest places to work abroad.
Denmark has the highest cost of living on this list, but typical incomes are also high, and working there means you'll probably work fewer hours than in most other nations as well.
Denmark has historically served as a key trading route because of its location wedged between Germany and Sweden, and those connections continue today.
Even though Danish is the most common language, English is also widely used.
Many jobs are available for English speakers, and some degrees can even be completed entirely in English.
Danish workplace culture is also very different from that of most expats' home countries because it emphasizes teamwork and has a flat management structure. Employee empowerment and good job satisfaction are a result of this.
Nevertheless, the European Investment Bank Investment Report places Denmark among Europe's most productive nations.
Although Denmark offers a variety of work visa options, trainee visas are a well-liked way to get experience working abroad.
This is a fantastic opportunity for young individuals to develop their resumes, network with professionals, and even obtain full-time employment.
Working overseas is a fantastic method to demonstrate to potential employers that you are very versatile, perform well in a setting with a variety of cultures, and have a lot of initiative.
Denmark is a great area to complete temporary work or an internship.
Denmark work visa application process
You must first apply for residency and obtain a work permit in order to be able to work in Denmark.
Depending on your unique situation, there are various work permit options available, such as a fast-track program for those with a recent job offer from a SIRI-certified company, an employed Ph.D. program for those who have been offered a job as a Ph.D. in a Danish educational institution, and a trainee program for those seeking short-term training experience.
Visit the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration website to view all available work visa pathways, understand the requirements, and submit an application.
Finding Employment in Denmark
In Denmark, there are several opportunities for English speakers to obtain employment, including teaching English and working as an Au Pair.
On the employment website Jobs in Copenhagen, you can also filter for English-speaking jobs and find well over 1,000 current posts.
Botswana: Great for finance jobs
Cost of living: $544/month + rent
Average Salary: $975/month
Work visa duration: Determined case by case
Happiness index ranking: 147
While it might not be a typical place for expats seeking for places to work overseas, Botswana is a great nation in Southern Africa with a robust economy and democratically stable government.
In addition to being one of the safest nations in Africa, Botswana's proximity to South Africa offers a wealth of advantages for the nation's flourishing export business.
The World Bank reports that Botswana has one of the world's fastest-growing economies, making it a perfect area to start a career.
Despite this, the government of Botswana has devised an economic recovery and transformation strategy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on export demand.
We can only hope that this will result in a variety of employment opportunities across various industries in Botswana and a demand for competent personnel.
Since Tswana and English are both recognized as official languages in Botswana, few English speakers who work there would experience any linguistic difficulties.
Opportunities abound in Bostwana because to the presence of numerous multinational companies like Microsoft, Deloitte, the World Bank Group, Heineken, Coca-Cola, Visa, and PWC.
According to the BTI Transformation Index, Botswana is not only a safe country but also a fervent supporter of the anti-corruption and conflict-resolution initiatives spearheaded by the African Union and the United Nations.
Botswana is the longest-running multiparty democracy in Africa and is a prominent player on the global scene.
Botswana offers expats the chance to assist the nation's initiatives to maintain economic expansion and raise the standard of living for the Twana people.
How to obtain a work visa in Botswana
For foreigners who want to work in Botswana, there is just one sort of work visa (permit).
An employer must assist the application process and demonstrate that they have already made an effort to find a competent Botswana citizen for the employment.
The application procedure is notoriously vague overall, and the decision-making body considers the duration of the visa while deciding whether or not to grant one.
Unfortunately, this increases unpredictability. However, once receiving a visa, foreign nationals can use the same procedure to request renewals indefinitely.
Finding Work in Bostwana
Finding a job in Botswana can be more difficult than in the other nations on this list because the country has rules mandating employers to try hiring a citizen of the country before searching abroad for competent individuals.
Despite this, several international firms have operations in Botswana, and the majority of foreign nationals who work there are transferred within their own organizations.
The JobNet Africa job board, where you can locate the most recent listings in Botswana and all of Africa, is another resource that expats can use to find possibilities in Botswana in addition to intra-company transfers.
Volunteering in Botswana is another way to spend time and become immersed in the community.
Canada: Great for jobs in healthcare
Cost of living: $889/month + rent
Average Salary: $2,784/month
Work visa duration: 24 - 48 months
Happiness index ranking: 14
Parental leave, 25 annual vacation days, and the highest minimum pay in North America are just a few of the benefits that are required for employees in Canada, a progressive nation.
Canada is an excellent place to work and accumulate money because the average wage there is high and the cost of living is relatively reasonable.
With a booming economy that is ranked 14th in the world, Canada is also among the safest nations on the planet.
Canada has made enormous contributions to medical progress, including the invention of the world's first pacemaker, the discovery of insulin, and the development of HAART therapy treatment for HIV prevention.
The healthcare sector is the country's largest employment-producing industry.
In Canada, employers place a strong emphasis on work-life balance and content workers.
In addition to providing the minimum set of benefits, many businesses also offer extra benefits that support a healthy lifestyle.
Employers frequently give their employees non-cash incentives including discounted gym memberships, child care, flexible work hours, and extended health coverage in Canada.
Since there are many job opportunities in Canada in a wide range of industries, particularly in IT, research, healthcare, and energy, it's a great spot to start a career or for young adults to complete an international internship.
There won't be a language barrier for English-speaking expats or interns because English is the language that's spoken the most across most of Canada.
How to obtain a work visa in Canada
Depending on your citizenship and other factors, you may or may not need a work permit to work in Canada.
Its duration also depends on those factors. Passport holders from the US or Mexico may legally work in Canada for up to six months without a work visa, but they will require one if they intend to remain longer.
In Canada, there are two categories of temporary work permits. The first option is an open work permit, which enables you to work for the majority of Canadian firms. An employer-specific permit is the alternate choice, but it necessitates that you have a written agreement with that employer.
Visit the Government of Canada's Work-in-Canada website to find out whether you require a work visa, what kind you qualify for, and how to apply.
Finding work in Canada
Review the informational page on the official Canadian government website for searching for jobs in Canada before you start your job hunt.
This will give you excellent information to help you with your job search and make sure the position is appropriate for obtaining a work permit.
Cambodia: fantastic for digital nomads
Cost of living: $581/month + rent
Average Salary: $264/month
Work visa duration: 12 months with indefinate renewals
Happiness index ranking: 114
Some nations are trying to entice these employees with favorable visa policies and other incentives as a result of the growing trend of digital nomads that is spreading around the globe.
With a sizable expat population, Cambodia has recently attracted the interest of remote workers seeking a low cost of living, gorgeous culture, tropical climate, and top-notch cuisine.
International employees may rent a room for $300 per month anywhere in Cambodia, from the bustling capital of Phnom Penh to the laid-back city of Siem Reap, and can locate coworking space nearby for as little as $5 per day.
Finding a handy workspace is advised to keep you and your clients satisfied because electricity and internet are frequently unstable in houses and flats.
If a coworking space isn't for you, stop by one of the many Wi-Fi cafes scattered across Cambodia's streets.
Given that living in Cambodia is so reasonably priced and that you are likely to meet other expats who share your aims, you can maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Over the past few years, Cambodia has become a center for digital nomads due to its high quality of life and welcoming business visa program.
As a result, you will be able to connect with people from around the world and expand your global network.
Because of the low cost of living, expats in Cambodia have the chance to accumulate sizable savings while yet maintaining a high level of living.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that Cambodia's average wage is far lower than that of the other nations on the list if you intend to look for employment there.
Another wonderful place to teach overseas is Cambodia. In Cambodia, TEFL-certified English teachers can expect to make between $700 and $1,000 per month.
How to obtain a work visa in Cambodia
One of the nations for which a long-term working visa is the simplest to obtain is Cambodia. The initial fee for a business visa is $30.
However, it would cost you an extra $300 to extend the business visa from 30 days to a year. Better yet, this extended business visa is renewable indefinitely.
Visit VisaHQ to find out more about getting a visa to work in Cambodia.
Finding work in Cambodia
You don't need to work locally to be a digital nomad, but it can be difficult to find trustworthy jobs that don't require a certain location.
You can narrow your search to remote-only jobs on traditional job boards like Indeed. But it's crucial that you make it clear to the potential employer that you intend to work abroad.
Working Nomads offers job listings that include location-specific tags that indicate where the work can be done.
Look for local expat employment fairs and join industry Facebook groups to expand your professional network to increase your chances of landing a job that doesn't require you to be in one place.
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