How To Get a Job in Another Country

How Can I Get a Job Abroad?

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.  

Step 1: Get ahead of recruiters and write down your pitch

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 →

Step 2: Narrow down your target countries

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:

• Language: Bilingual employees are highly regarded on the international market (and usually get first preference for the role). Does the country have a high English literacy? If not, your job opportunities are a lot slimmer and the need for local language skills will be a lot higher (especially for unskilled work). If you're an English-speaking professional, it’s best to consider those hubs where international business is taking place (capital cities).
• Visas: Look into the different visa options like work permits, student visas or freelance gigs. Check the requirements beforehand, you might find some interesting pathways you hadn’t known of before. For example, digital nomad visas offer a super easy pathway for those who have online work. Talking with an immigration expert is a smart move if you’ve got family or a partner who you support.
• Cost of living (and of relocating): Compare living expenses (housing, food, transportation) in different countries to align with your budget and desired lifestyle. You can use a site like Numbeo to compare living prices. Remember that if you don’t have an employer helping you relocate, you’ll be covering the moving expenses yourself. Companies that accept candidates from other parts of the globe don’t always offer relocation packages (especially if it’s entry-level work). Let’s quickly look at some of the moving costs. If you’re moving from the US to the UK on a work visa, you’re up for almost $600. Factor in your plane ticket, and you’ll be on $1300 (one-way). Rent for a single person in the UK, on average, is almost $1,500 per month. Housing costs typically include the first month's rent plus a bond, usually equivalent to another month’s rent — like paying two months' rent upfront. With all these costs mentioned, you’re going to be out of pocket around $4,300. And that’s just if you’re a single person, it gets a lot more pricey when you factor in family. 

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:

• Emerging markets: In Europe, the Nordics are up and coming, as well as some countries in Eastern Europe. In the US, consider jobs outside of New York and San Francisco.
• Niche industries: Research specific industries that face talent gaps in different countries. For example, tech in Singapore or Berlin, renewable energy in Denmark, or tourism in Scandinavia usually need people to lend a hand.
• Regional variations: Don't limit yourself to major cities. Consider regional centres with lower living expenses and potentially higher skill demand. Research regional job boards and networking opportunities.

Step 3: Find a job abroad

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:

• Find the sites listing jobs for international workers: Before you do anything, including getting a visa or speaking with expats, try to land a job that will hire you internationally. Some companies can help you relocate, and that’s the ideal pathway. To find these jobs, check the best sites for finding a job abroad and see what’s going.
• Explore the market: Research in-demand jobs in your target country. Use local job boards (think specialised platforms like SEEK in Australia or StepStone in Germany) to check how your current career experience matches with what employers are looking for. Some countries, including Australia, have a list of roles that the government offers fast-tracked visas. This due to talent shortages.
• Network like a pro: Turn to online platforms like LinkedIn and industry-specific forums to connect with professionals in your chosen field. Attending virtual or in-person industry events (conferences, meetups) can also give you LinkedIn connections that could then help you nudge your way into a job opening. Check r/Expats on Reddit and try out expat platforms like InterNations for everything non-work related.
• Adapt your CV: Your CV or resume, like always, should be adapted to the role that you are applying for. There are additional things you might want to highlight in your application for jobs overseas. This might include previous international work, remote work, and if you speak more than one language.
• Prepare your cover letter: Don't send generic cover letters! And please avoid AI. Research the company culture and try to capitalise on a pain point the company feels uncomfortable about. For example, if you are already in the process of moving, let the company know, as this is beneficial to the company.
• Apply for a job: Use established job boards and networking connections to find jobs abroad. Platforms like Relocate.me are ideal for IT professionals. 

Explore IT jobs with relocation packages →

Step 4: Get your work permit

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.

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Non-traditional pathways

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. 

1. Consider internship or volunteering

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.

2. Consider remote roles and climb your way to a relocation 

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 →

Additional tips to consider

Here are some additional things to consider when searching for a job in another country. 

Understand taxation

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.

Get familiar with local holidays and work culture

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. 

Keep in mind cultural nuances

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.

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Get a Job in Another Country and Relocate

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.