The best countries for working abroad – and how to get a job there

Telegraph Money outlines the basics of how to find a lucrative job overseas

Whether you’re looking to escape the unpredictable British summer, or you’re in search of a more favourable tax regime, lots of British workers up sticks each year to go and work abroad, either temporarily or for good.
While the weather and tax are popular reasons for a move, better salaries, a lower cost of living and a better work-life balance are also things to consider when you start thinking about emigrating – and that’s before you think about the benefits of exposure to another culture, and the adventure of exploring a new country.
Here, Telegraph Money outlines the basics of how to find a job overseas, and some of the best places for Britons to move abroad.
It can be difficult to know where to start when you’re thinking about making a move overseas – your decisions will largely depend on the lifestyle you’d like to have, where you’d like to go and, of course, what jobs are available. 
First, you need to decide where you want to live. You might already have an idea – perhaps you’d like to join family members that live overseas, or you already speak another language, both of which will help with the transition.
Your choice of location might hinge on your employer. One of the easiest ways to get a job overseas is getting an internal transfer at your current company. If you work for an international firm, then maybe you could move to one of its global offices. If you aren’t bothered about location, then this could make the decision for you. 
James Barrett, managing director of recruitment agency Michael Page Technology, said: “If you work for a multinational company, they might be open to transferring you to an international branch. They may even help you with things like applying for a visa, finding a place to live, and learning the language.”
It’s also worth considering whether your profession is sought after by certain countries, which would increase your chances of securing a job there. For example, in Canada there’s demand for those in the healthcare and Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) professions, according to its immigration department.
Otherwise, a sensible idea would be to make a list of all the countries you might want to live in, and then run through the pros and cons.
Once you have decided on a location, or a shortlist of countries, then you need to start looking for a job.
You could use a recruiter specialising in international placements. They will be able to take your CV and connect you with any openings which could suit your experience.
You could also target UK companies with offices around the world. Go through their job listings and see whether any open positions suit you. Alternatively, reach out to the recruitment team, who may keep you in mind should suitable vacancies open up in future.
There are also online job boards, such as Go Overseas, which post global opportunities.
Of course, there is a chance you might be able to keep your current job – or work for a British company while living overseas.
Thanks to the rise of hybrid and fully remote working, some companies have a “work from anywhere” policy, with contracts that place no restrictions on the amount of time employees spend working from abroad.
Perhaps not an option for the faint-hearted, but you could of course head overseas and then look for a job once you’re there. While you may need to prepare for a period of not being in work (and may need to build up a pot of money to cover this period), you might find it easier to build your network or find postings when you are in-country. 
You could also consider going overseas with a programme or volunteering. Organisations like Volunteer Service Overseas connect people in Britain with work opportunities abroad. This is particularly common in globally important professions, such as teaching or medicine.
It’s vital to make sure you’re fully aware of visa requirements and restrictions, whether you’re planning to work for a company in the country you want to live in, or if you’re working remotely for a UK company. 
Many countries will not allow you to work on a regular tourist visa, so there may be some extra hoops to jump through to secure the required permission. You might need to get a residence permit, or a working visa, for example. 
If you are under 30, the Government has agreements with some countries – including Australia and New Zealand – allowing you to move there for up to two years.
The Telegraph asked Mr Barrett for his three top tips for those considering moving overseas:
There are so many great reasons to consider working overseas. 
It can help you experience new cultures and approaches, which in turn could help your professional development. You can learn new skills, such as speaking a second language, or handling international deals or situations. 
Some countries tend to have higher salaries than Britain, any may have more generous tax systems, meaning you could be better off financially too. 
You could also find you have a better work-life balance than back home. According to the Global Work-Life Index 2024, New Zealand, Ireland and Belgium scored top, with statutory annual leave between 30-32 days, and average weekly hours worked measuring between 33 and 35, leaving plenty of room for leisure and relaxation.
However, there are also downsides and potential risks to be aware of. For example, your new country could have a fluctuating job market, which could make it harder to find a new job if needed, or leave you at risk of redundancy. You should also be aware of labour laws and working regulations, as they could differ from the UK.
International health insurer William Russell has rounded up some of the most popular destinations for British expats.
Retiring to Spain is a dream for many, but you might also consider moving there for work. The weather is excellent (although can get scorchingly hot over the summer) and it boasts great culture and food.
Nearly 750,000 Britons already live in Spain, so the path to working there is well-trodden. While you might not earn more than you do back home, property is generally cheaper and so you could find yourself with more disposable income.
America is a common destination for British professionals looking to boost their earning potential – and the lack of language barrier can make the transition much easier. 
Salaries in the big cities such New York or Los Angeles are usually more than for comparable jobs in Britain, but be aware that it can be near impossible to get a visa unless you already have a job offer in place.
Another thing to factor in is that, while the salaries might be higher, the cost of living is often eye-watering in comparison. But if you’re looking to be as tax-efficient as possible – and aren’t necessarily bothered about moving to a US metropolis, then you might be interested in the locations picked out in our guide on where to move in America to pay the least tax.
France is also a popular location for British retirees and workers. Its proximity to home makes it an easy choice for those who want to travel back to the UK often.
While it currently finds itself in a period of political turmoil, the country has proved one of the world’s strongest economies and so there are plenty of work opportunities for those with the right skills. Of course, since Brexit, securing a visa may be a little harder than it was previously.
Many Britons flock to the Emirati kingdom of Dubai for the high salaries and zero income tax, but also the holiday-esque lifestyle it offers. 
Something like four-fifths of the total population is made up of expats, and so you definitely wouldn’t feel out of place as a foreign worker. The lack of income tax means that every penny you earn is yours to keep – as long as you are a tax resident and don’t retain links to the UK – making it very favourable financially.
The romance of Italy is certainly a pull for many British workers, alongside its laidback lifestyle and excellent food. The economy is not in great shape for a European country and unemployment is relatively high – nearer 8pc compared to the UK’s 4.4pc – but on the plus side, its workers benefit from strict labour laws that limit the working week.