Working in a foreign country can be an incredible opportunity for professional and personal development. Learn the employment laws of the countries you’re considering working in so you can pick the best one for you.
Experiential learning about the world, oneself, and what it means to be a global citizen can be greatly facilitated by working and living in a foreign country. With globalization, more and more people are looking for employment in other countries, but it can be tough to settle on a destination.
Here is a list of the Best Countries to Work Abroad in 2023 in to help you land that dream job overseas. There is no particular order to this list, but all of these nations are excellent options for temporary job or long-term career development.
The work-life balance and happiness indices, the cost of living, the simplicity of obtaining a work visa, and the availability of employment prospects were all taken into account while compiling this ranking. Therefore, we intend to supply a range of possibilities beyond the most common expat locations.
The Global Economies Happiness Index, most recent edition (2021), is being used for this study of joy. This scale ranks 150 nations on a happiness scale from 0 (very unhappy) to 10 (very happy). When calculating work-life balance, we referred to the OECD Better Life Index, which tracks a wide range of metrics such as the percentage of workers putting in more than 50 hours per week on average, the amount of time people spend on leisure and self-care, and the prevalence of gender inequality. Numbeo compiles all salary and cost-of-living information, which is expressed in either the local currency or U.S. dollars.
Please be aware that there is no particular sequence to the countries listed below. This list was developed after taking into account the feedback of our community, expert opinion, and extensive research.
Fantastic for seasonal employment in New Zealand
Cost of living: 1,563 NZD ($927) a month + rent
Average Salary: 5,603 NZD ($3,323) a month
Work visa duration: 12 – 23 months based on residency
Happiness index ranking: 10
Pros:
- Comfortable equilibrium between work and personal life
- Government and people who are progressive and hospitable
Cons:
- Low population density restricts occupational mobility.
- Sometimes life seems really calm and lonely.
If you’re a young adult who wants to broaden your horizons by embarking on a major journey and needs to earn money along the way, New Zealand could be the ideal place for you to do both. There is a wide variety of short-term and seasonal jobs available around the country, from adventure sports companies to tour operators to farmers.
The tourism business in New Zealand is booming, and those who understand English will have no trouble getting about. relatively addition, Kiwis are warm and welcoming, making it simple for most visitors to settle relatively quickly. The country is renowned for its scenic landscapes and active outdoor culture, making it an ideal destination for travelers in search of excitement.
On multiple global happiness rankings, including The Global Economy 2021’s, New Zealand has consistently placed near the top. There is a special vibe here because of the relaxed attitude and priority placed on balancing work and personal life. Finding stable employment as an expat in New Zealand can be difficult; consequently, many travelers work for a season to save up for a season of full-time travel, and vice versa.
The cost of living is expensive in New Zealand because it is a relatively small, island country, so saving money while working there requires careful planning. Outside of farming, most non-agricultural jobs can be found in and around Auckland and Wellington, or in smaller tourist destinations like Queenstown. These are also the regions with the highest rental costs, though rent across the country can be pricey. People looking for temporary work opportunities to supplement their travels can find relief from this problem through work exchange programs.
What you need to know about New Zealand work visas
Residents of certain countries can take advantage of New Zealand’s working holiday program. Work and travel around New Zealand for up to 12 months (or 23 months if you’re from the UK or Canada) with the working holiday visa.
Specialists in sectors such as engineering and communications might also qualify for work permits. These are usually highly skilled positions based on actual needs, with much more stringent requirements than the working holiday program.
Visit the New Zealand Immigration website for additional information on working visas in New Zealand.
Finding Employment in New Zealand
Don’t wait until the holiday season to start looking for work. NZSki is the place to look for seasonal work in New Zealand’s ski industry. Seasonal Jobs New Zealand features a number of agricultural positions each year. For more opportunities, search the Vagvadini Internationals Job Board by location or industry.
The Netherlands is an excellent place to find a job in the academic field.
Cost of living: €972 ($975) a month + rent
Average Salary: €3,017 ($3,025) a month
Work visa duration: Indefinent with a company sponsor
Happiness index ranking
Pros
Most Dutch people are fluent in English.
Safe and secure communities
Cons
Because of their tight-knit social groups, locals can be difficult to get to know.
Both salaries and living costs are rather high.
The Netherlands is a popular choice among expats looking to work overseas due to its high standard of living and reasonable work-life balance. The Dutch government aggressively seeks out and supports foreign business owners who want to set up shop in the country, whether they’re looking to invest in existing enterprises or launch something completely new.
Topping the 2021 Happiness Index at #5 is the Netherlands, a country renowned for its high level of personal security, progressive social policies, and robust economy. The Netherlands is also a great place for expats looking for a career change because it is at the forefront of research and academia. Sustainable energy and environmental protection are highly prioritized in the Netherlands, making it an attractive area to work in the fields of technology and energy.
Due to the country’s stringent work visa requirements for non-European residents and the high cost of living, the Netherlands is best suited for long-term international employees rather than those seeking temporary work. However, in the Netherlands, full-time workers are assured of a wide range of benefits, including at least 20 days of paid vacation per year, a holiday allowance, and 16 weeks of paid maternity leave. That’s why it’s so important to strike a good work-life balance, and it’s the law as well as culture. A good initial step if you want to work in the Netherlands but don’t know how to get there is to obtain an internship there.
The Nederlands Work Visa Application Process
The official language in the Netherlands is Dutch, although most young adults will be able to communicate effectively in English, and many employment opportunities are available to those who speak English. You might be amazed at how many English-speaking job openings there are once you begin using a tool like UnDutchables.nl to narrow your search. Keep in mind that most foreigners working in the Netherlands have Master’s degrees or above, which will give you a leg up when applying for jobs.
Since you’ll need a sponsor for your work visa before you can relocate to the Netherlands, you’ll probably conduct the entire hiring process digitally. One should study the Dutch language before attending job interviews in the Netherlands. Proof of your commitment to the local culture and community can be found in your efforts to learn the language. Take a Dutch language course in Amsterdam for a few weeks and visit the Netherlands on a tourist visa!
Obtaining a Work Visa for the Netherlands
Getting a work visa in the Netherlands can be difficult, but it’s worth it if you want to work there. Traditional work visas require a sponsoring employer and typically expire once the employee leaves the sponsoring organization.
Other programs exist in the Netherlands to facilitate the immigration of foreign workers. Investors who obtain a start-up visa can stay in the Netherlands for a year to work on a novel business concept. If you need help expanding your firm, the government will hook you up with a mentor in your area. The Netherlands welcomes entrepreneurs of all stripes with its flexible work visa for independent contractors.
Australia is a great place for international job exchanges.
Cost of living: 1,537 AUD ($996) a month + rent
Average Salary: 5,685 AUD ($3,684) a month
Work visa duration: 12 months
Happiness index ranking: 11
Pros:
Large pay checks
Positive and welcoming atmosphere at work
Cons:
Public transportation delays in major cities
Cost of living is high, especially for essentials like food and transportation.
Australia has frequently ranked as one of the world’s happiest and most prosperous nations. A high Human Development Index (HDI) ranking places it among the world’s top 10 countries. Work-life balance is high, and it’s easy to see why: this is a stunning country to spend time exploring when you’re not at the workplace. Australia has a high cost of living, yet the minimum income is high enough that foreigners can make ends meet.
For those looking for a suitable work exchange destination, Australia is a great option. Australia is one of the easiest places to find a work exchange program to because of its liberal immigration policies. Groups like WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) help connect hungry volunteers with farms that can provide free food and lodging in exchange for their labor. More than 40,000 volunteers have taken advantage of WWOOF Australia’s safe and rewarding work exchange programs over the past four decades.
Australia is a country with a diverse landscape, including both rural and urban settings. Sydney and Melbourne are two of the most diverse cities in the world, making it simple for an outsider to integrate into Australian society. Furthermore, the lack of a language barrier for English speakers combined with the widespread need for agricultural labor across Australia makes Australia an extremely competitive migration destination.
How to Apply for an Australian Work Visa
Visa requirements for working in Australia are very similar to those of New Zealand. Additionally, certain foreign nationals may enter Australia on a 12-month “working holiday” visa. In a similar vein, foreign nationals who score highly on a test of their occupational competence can apply for work visas in Australia.
The Australian Government’s Visa Finder can help you discover more about getting a work visa for Australia.
Finding Employment in Australia
Germany is a fantastic location for those seeking engineering careers.
Cost of living: €883 ($886) a month + rent
Average Salary: €2,900 ($2,908) a month
Work visa duration: 12 months
Happiness index ranking:
Pros:
Superior public assistance programs
- Rapid and reliable public transit
Cons:
Friendships may take longer to develop when meeting Germans for the first time because of their introversion.
Strong taxation
Germany’s position as one of the world’s leading economies and one of the major exporters of goods creates a wealth of options for skilled workers seeking employment overseas, particularly engineers. There are prospects for English-speaking employment because many multinational firms have branches in Germany, but finding work will be more difficult. Thankfully, most Germans have excellent English skills, making communication much easier.
Germany is a terrific place to advance your career abroad thanks to its leading economy, rich culture, and unparalleled work-life balance. Germans work fewer hours (approximately 27 per week) than the average person yet report a higher level of happiness, placing the country near the top of The Global Economy 2021’s happiness rating. In Germany, you’ll have access to world-class medical care, abundant paid time off, and incomparable adventures. Young adults who are serious about advancing their careers might also benefit from an internship in Germany.
The cost of living may be higher than in your own country, but it may be lower in Germany than in other European countries. Different cities provide unique opportunities for expats. Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt continue to attract the most international workers due to their big populations and high standard of living. You will experience the inventive spirit and unique appeal of this European country wherever you go.
How to Apply for a German Work Visa
It can be difficult to apply for a working visa, but there are options for obtaining a residence and work permit in Germany.
A job seeker visa (sometimes known as a “looking for work” visa) is available to citizens of most Western countries, allowing them to enter the country to look for work before applying for a working visa.
Visit the Employment in Germany website for details on how to obtain a work visa for Germany.
Finding Employment in Germany
If you can’t communicate in German, it will be harder to find a job in your field in Germany. You may narrow down the jobs you see on LinkedIn by the sector they are in, the tasks they require, and the languages you speak. There is a lot of competition for jobs in Germany, so making connections is crucial. LinkedIn is also a great way to reconnect with old friends and colleagues who may now be living and working in Germany. It’s a good idea to start by asking for help from these people. You can also visit foreign job fairs in your area and join Facebook communities for expats. When everything else fails, a trip to Germany to look for work might be in order.
Denmark is a great place for students to learn
Cost of living: 7,745 DKK ($1,044) a month + rent
Average Salary: 26,380 DKK ($3,556) a month
Work visa duration: 3 – 48 months
Happiness index ranking: 2
Pros:
Taxes are so high that everyone has access to free, top-notch medical care and schooling.
Reduced wealth disparity leads to contented populations.
Cons:
Expensive living expenses
Temperatures are low and daylight hours are short for the most of the year.
Denmark is one of the safest and happiest countries on Earth thanks to its emphasis on a healthy work-life balance and its extensive network of social welfare services, which includes high-quality, publicly-funded child care and medical care. When you add in the country’s high standard of living and thriving economy, it’s clear to see why Denmark is a top destination for expat workers.
Denmark has the highest cost of living on this list, but its average incomes are also above-average, and its relatively short workweeks make it an attractive place to live and work. Because of its convenient location between Germany and Sweden, Denmark has served as a vital commerce corridor for centuries, and this role persists to this day.
Although Danish is the official language, English is widely spoken, many employment are open to those who speak English, and several degrees can be completed exclusively in that language. In addition, most foreigners aren’t used to the flat management structure and emphasis on teamwork that characterizes Danish workplace culture. The result is a more confident and happy workforce. According to the European Investment Bank’s Investment Report, Denmark is still one of Europe’s leading economic powers.
Among the several work visa options available in Denmark, the trainee visa is particularly well-liked by those seeking overseas job experience. For young adults looking to gain work experience, network, and possibly land a permanent position, this is a fantastic opportunity. Working in a different country demonstrates to potential employers that you can adjust to new situations quickly, communicate effectively across cultural boundaries, and take charge. Denmark is an excellent location for temporary employment, such as an internship.
How to Apply for a Danish Work Visa
You need to apply for residency and have a work permit before you may start working in Denmark. A fast-track scheme is available for those with a current job offer from a SIRI-certified company, an Employed Ph.D. scheme is available for those offered a job as a Ph.D. in a Danish educational institution, and a trainee scheme is available for those looking for short-term training experience.
Visit the website of the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration to locate all of the work visa routes, learn the requirements, and apply.
Any Help Contact Us 8585982300
Where to look for a job in Denmark
Working as an Au Pair or as a language instructor are just two of the many opportunities available to native English speakers in Denmark .Vagvadini Internationals is the place to keep up with recent job listings abroad. There are currently over a thousand available positions that may be viewed in English on the recruitment website Jobs in Copenhagen.
Canada is an excellent place to find a healthcare job.
Cost of living: 1,200 CAD ($889) a month + rent
Average Salary: 3,757 CAD ($2,784) a month
Work visa duration: 24 – 48 months
Happiness index ranking: 14
Pros:
- All citizens and legal permanent residents are entitled to free and equal healthcare.
- The job economy is robust and foreign workers are welcome.
Cons:
- Weather can be very severe.
- Constantly rising prices and tax rates
As a progressive nation, Canada provides its workers with a generous set of guaranteed benefits, including parental leave, 25 paid days off a year, and the highest minimum wage in North America. Since the average pay is high and the cost of living is low, Canada is an excellent place to find gainful employment and start or add to a nest egg. Canada has an expanding economy that places it at number fourteen on the list of the world’s largest economies.
Canada has achieved significant medical advancements, such as the discovery of insulin, the development and world’s first pacemaker, and the discovery of HAART therapy treatment as HIV prophylaxis, and the healthcare sector is the country’s largest employer.
In Canada, corporations go above and above the minimum requirements to ensure their workers are healthy and satisfied with their jobs. In Canada, many companies provide their employees benefits other than monetary pay, such as discounted gym memberships, child care, flexible work hours, and increased health coverage.
Canada is an excellent area to find temporary work, establish a career, or participate in an international internship because of the wide variety of available positions in a variety of industries, especially in information technology, scientific research, medical care, and the energy sector. Since English is the most widely used language across the country, foreign interns and workers will have no trouble communicating in their chosen field.
How to Apply for a Canadian Work Visa
It all comes down to citizenship and other factors if you need a work visa to work in Canada, and how long that permission will remain if you do. It is possible to work in Canada for up to six months without a work visa if you hold a passport from the United States or Mexico.
In Canada, temporary work permits can be split into two categories. The first is a work permit that is offered to any and all Canadian employers. If you have a contract with a specific employer, you can apply for a “permit specific to employer.”
Visit the Government of Canada’s Work-in Canada page to learn more about whether or not you require a work permit, which type of permit you are eligible for, and how to apply.
Finding Employment in Canada
Review the official government website of Canada for information on searching for jobs in Canada before you start your search. You’ll have access to excellent tools that can help you find a job and guarantee that the position meets all requirements for a work visa.
If you’re on the market for a new job and want to start with the most current listings, head over to Vagvadini Internationals. Another wonderful method to network, learn from others who have already found success in Canada, and locate possibilities is to join groups of Canadian expats on social media.
Get moving on that international job application today.
There are a lot of other great places to work and live overseas, and the one that’s best for you and your needs might not be on our list. Don’t let it stop you from taking the plunge and looking for a job in a foreign country. The time and effort you put in will be well worth the knowledge, perspective, and memories you obtain.
I can attest to the fact that applying for a visa is a daunting and stressful procedure, having gone through it numerous times myself. Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are great places for young adults searching for short-term work to support travel because of their simple working holiday visa processes. It will take far more effort to obtain residency and legal employment in many of the other nations on this list, but doing so will provide yet another valuable life lesson.
Permission to live and work in a foreign nation is always easier to obtain for individuals with specialized skills or a higher level of education. Make sure your resume is up-to-date to highlight your special abilities, and always modify your CV to meet the requirements of the country you’re applying in.
Working and living in a foreign nation can teach you a lot about yourself and the world. Work abroad, whether in one of these nations or elsewhere, to broaden your perspective and create lifelong memories.
