Moving to another country can be a fun and exciting new adventure or it can be one of the most stressful events in your life. It’s all dependant on your circumstances. One of the more important factors that determines whether you are stressed or excited about the move abroad is your job status.
Landing a job before you relocate makes a world of difference. A job provides a safety net. You’ll have a steady income throughout your move (and while you get settled). And you’ll most likely have a work visa organised before you land in the country.
So how do you get a job in a foreign country? That depends on your skillset and experience. For example, if you’re an office/digial professional with several years experience, good news, you’ve got the advantage. And you’ve got even more of an advantage if you’re an IT professional given the talent shortage most developed countries are facing. For someone starting out, or with a lack of “professional” experience, it’s going to be harder, and while there are pathways, you’ll have to get creative and take more risks.
In this article, we will explore all the ways you can find and secure a job in a foreign country.
First up, if you’re an IT professional, you can save yourself some time by heading directly to Relocate.me. On here, you’ll find job opportunities from companies specifically looking to hire and relocate international tech professionals.
If you’re not an IT professional or don’t meet the requirements, keep reading, as we outline a few steps you can take to get your CV in front of companies and recruiters in your desired destination.
Start with a personal inventory of your skills, experience, qualifications and career goals. Reflect on your reasons for wanting to work abroad. Your interviewers will ask you about this, so don’t skip it.
This preliminary step will not only help you filter your country and job options, but will also help you write a better cover letter and CV. Knowing your “why” also enables you to stay motivated, and will help you figure out your unique selling points. Competition is tough, but you can always come up with a narrative that can get you ahead of the pack. Companies are looking for long-term hires and for candidates that won’t have trouble making the transition.
Data-Driven Developer Resume to Get Interviews →
There are multiple factors to consider when evaluating your country options. If you don’t already have a country in mind, here are some aspects that need to consider:
While the US, Australia and Germany might be popular choices, don’t fail to consider other alternatives which may be equally or more convenient for what you want to achieve.
You can also think about long-term paths to what you want. For example, if you aim to move to Germany, the first step is actually getting into Europe. You might not have luck in Germany at first, so try the Netherlands or Austria as alternatives. It’s much easier to land a job in Europe if you are already in Europe. A lot of software engineers start out in Düsseldorf or Karlsruhe, working for a year or so, before transitioning to Munich or Berlin. It’s not ideal, but it’s a smart alternative if you are struggling to get what you originally wanted. There are also some pathways that fly under the radar, including:
Now that you've chosen your ideal country to start a new life, it's time to find yourself a job. Here's how to get a job in a foreign country:
Explore IT jobs with relocation packages →
Securing your job abroad is just the beginning. Finding your way through the visa and work permit process can feel like trudging through a maze. But there’s a way out of it.
Start by researching the different visa options specific to your situation and target country. Carefully review eligibility requirements and gather all necessary documentation — passports, job contracts, and more. Remember, an on-time submission is crucial, as processing can take weeks or even months, and relocating usually happens in just 30 days. So it’s a long wait for a quick transition, and you should be ready for that.
You might need an additional work permit alongside your visa for some positions. Collaborate with your employer to understand your respective responsibilities. Both government websites and embassies offer valuable information and guidance. In complex cases, consulting a visa specialist can streamline the process.
Remember, thorough research, meticulous documentation and a proactive approach are your keys to unlocking your international career journey. With patience and persistence, you'll be ready to move abroad and toward your professional goals abroad.
Moving to Estonia for an IT Job: Artem’s Relocation Story →
It’s important to understand that there are many pathways to landing a job overseas. While securing a job before you leave is the best-case scenario, it’s not always possible. Here are some other tips to keep in mind if you are struggling to follow the traditional route.
Another option is to keep some savings apart and start by doing an internship or volunteer work. Of course, there are better options for seniors. But if you are a junior just starting your career and have some financial backup, internships are a potential pathway.
Remote jobs also offer a pathway to moving abroad. It’s not direct, but many people do it. First, try and land a remote job with a company headquartered in your desired destination. The company probably won’t want to consider relocation at first, but if you climb the ranks or become valuable to the company, there might be some room for negotiation.
Keep in mind that plenty of US remote positions make applicants answer “Will you ever request a visa from us?”, and you need to answer “No” to stay in the hiring process. So better try your luck with other countries or bide your time.
Check Where Software Engineers Get Paid the Most →
Here are some additional things to consider when searching for a job in another country.
Before diving in, research double taxation treaties and understand tax rates in your host country. Germany, for example, has double taxation agreements with around 100 countries, including one with India that has been standing for more than 30 years. But even if your new country has sorted out taxes for you, pay attention to your home country's tax regulations, too! “De-registering” yourself from your tax duties is still very difficult in many nations (because they would rather not be left without your financial contributions, obviously).
When you’re in front of a hiring manager or payroll expert, sound extra confident when talking about your taxes and your VAT. Always tell your employers that you’ll be held responsible for your VAT and that you’ll contribute your necessary taxes in your home country. Even if companies state this is on you on the contracts they make you sign, not being 100% self-confident about how well you understand your tax responsibilities could make the hiring manager freak out. If you got to learn about them, just don’t say it out loud and sort it out on your own!
The best tools to keep track of your taxes are those that your employee can roll out, like Rippling and Remote. Those platforms will let you invoice if you’re a contractor or receive your pay stub if you’re a hired worker, and you can then use those documents to agree or deduct taxes with your (old) country’s authorities. If your company doesn’t have a payroll system, using invoicing and accounting tools such as Wave.
Work culture also plays a role. For example, Scandinavians prioritise holiday time and flexible work arrangements, while the US might have a “hustle culture” with fewer mandatory holiday days. Familiarity with local norms helps you plan personal time effectively and integrate well into your new work environment.
Be mindful of cultural differences in work styles, communication norms, and expectations. For instance, Europeans generally prioritise personal time, while Americans might be more willing to work overtime. In Germany, expect directness and formality in communication, with punctuality being held in the highest esteem. In contrast, Australians might be more casual and flexible, while preferring indirectness.
How to Find Unadvertised (Developer) Jobs →
The best way to get a job in another country is to find an employer that’s willing to hire internationally. Most of the steps of this guide will soon be of no use when your new employer explains to you, they’ll take it from there. And that’s relieving.
One of the sites to get an IT job in another country with relocation support is Relocate.me. Here, you’ll find IT jobs from companies that are hiring internationally and offering visa/relocation assistance.
Andrew is a serial entrepreneur with more than a decade of recruiting experience in the tech field. To date, he has founded four startups, including Relocate.me and GlossaryTech. In the off time, Andrew is a long-distance swimmer and coffee taster.
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