The allure of working abroad pulls many people away from home and into the unknown. The most common driving factors are financial gain and career growth. If you feel this is something you’d like to do, there are a few things to consider before making any decisions. Best Countries To Work In The World And Make Money
The most important is picking a country suited to you. We’ve put together a guide for the 16 best countries to work in the world and make money.
You’ve probably got many reasons for wanting to work abroad, a change of scene, a desire for adventure or a better climate to name a few. One reason that won’t be on your list is wanting to be poorer.
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Working abroad can be a profound experience to grow both personally and in your career. Find the perfect destination for you to work abroad and learn the legal requirements to get employed in each country.
So here’s a list of the Best Countries to Work and Make Money Abroad.
16 Best Countries To Work In The World And Make Money
1. United States of America
The USA has always been a magnet for entrepreneurs, innovators and talented people.
The States are rightly proud of being one of the best countries in the world for ambitious and talented professionals to work in.
However, even the State couldn’t avoid the skill shortage problem. The USA companies have recently redoubled their efforts at poaching talent from all over the world.
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The opportunities and financial rewards will be well worth all your efforts to get hired by a US company.
For professional expats living in the USA can result in a benefits package of about $252,903 a year. So if you can get a high-ranking professional posting in the USA, you will be paid well.
No expat package available?
No worries: as a service professional in the US you will be taking home an average of $60,717 (£44,903). Management-level staff are on an average of over six times this at $382,189 (£282,647).
2. Switzerland: Best Countries to Work in the World and Make Money
Everyone knows that the Swiss are happy and have an extremely high quality of life. It’s great for outdoor adventures with beautiful scenery and hiking trails. Taxes are low, and salaries are generous.
A college education is very affordable, even for foreigners.
The financial services industry is a big employer in Switzerland and it’s well known as a high wealth Centre.
If you have a sweet tooth, then you’ll be in your element because Switzerland is the home of chocolate, and it’s everywhere.
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There is a challenge with accommodation as the housing market is very tight with very few vacancies.
The country has a strange quirk, and for two hours at lunchtime every day, all the shops close. It can be confusing for tourists that haven’t heard of such a practice.
Switzerland is one of the highest paying countries in the world.
Yes, the cost of living is also high which is one of the cons of living in Switzerland, however solid career opportunities and high living standards are worth it.
An average expat benefits package in the country is about $246,971 a year.
Service professionals in Switzerland earn an average of $92,625 (£68,500) a year. Meanwhile, its management workers take home a huge $431,603 (£319,192) a year.
3. United Kingdom
It’s unclear where the country will stand after Brexit, but currently, the UK is in the top 10 highest-paying countries and is one of the best to work in.
So if material gains are your primary reason to look for a career abroad, the UK should definitely be high on your priority list.
The UK is one of the most powerful world centers in terms of finance, IT, digital and science innovations, and AI.
That’s why it’s a global magnet for those who have knowledge in these spheres and ambitions to use their knowledge to the best advantage.
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The unemployment in the UK is incredibly low, while skill shortage is pretty drastic.
Industries in need of highly skilled professionals are seeking them from all over the world offering good financial incentives to come and work in the UK.
On average expat professionals in the UK get paid over $390,000 per year including all benefits if they are relocated by their company.
Those who find work independently still get a great deal: service professionals earn an average of $45,691 (£33,957). Management earn an average $230,721 (£171,469).
4. Singapore
If you’re a stickler for cleanliness, then Singapore is the place for you. It’s one of the cleanest places on earth, with strict fines for littering.
The city also boasts one of the lowest crime rates on the planet.
According to the World Bank, its ranked number one globally for ease of doing business. Best of all is that English is one of the official languages so you won’t have a communication problem.
However, rentals in the city are costly, meaning you’d need to have a high-paying job or commute from a more affordable area.
5. China: One Of The Best Countries to Work in the World and Make Money
This bustling nation makes it easy for ex-pats to get jobs. If you have a bit of experience, you can teach English with great pay and benefits.
China like many other countries all over the world is desperate for a skilled workforce especially in IT, AI and science. People with expertise in these areas are in huge demand.
The domestic job market is unable to fill the huge amount of advertised positions.
Specialists with five years of experience available for employment are a rare commodity, so Chinese companies are looking for such people all over the world.
Many foreigners earn a decent income working for multinational corporations tapping into the Chinese market. The cost of living is low, making it easy to pay off debt and save for the future.
Unfortunately, the bigger cities in China have some of the highest air pollution levels globally, making it a poor choice for raising children.
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To help Chinese businesses hire professionals from abroad, the government recently updated China’s green card policy thus easing the way in for professional immigrants.
The demand has reflected on expat salaries. China has overtaken Hong Kong in terms of expat benefit packages.
An average value of a package for an expatriate middle manager in mainland China is around $276,400 now. The change happened mainly due to the increase in benefit costs such as medical insurance, for example.
In secondary cities, expatriate packages are not as high as in main destinations, but if you are ambitious enough, second-tier cities can give you a perfect start from where to grow your career and experience.
You’ll also need to be patient in finding the perfect position and expect to get started from scratch often.
6. New Zealand
We start in the South Pacific Ocean. New Zealand is a vibrant nation where the locals are friendly and welcoming. Businesses focus on building a healthy office culture and support a work-life balance.
The citizens have a solid ethic when it comes to labor but believe that you need to make time to rest and reconnect with loved ones. It’s often ranked one of the best places in the world to raise a family.
The quality of life in New Zealand is excellent compared to many other countries, and the pace is very relaxed. On the negative side, the internet speeds are a bit slower than most other developed countries.
7. France
France is not an exception when it comes to the skills shortage in IT, AI, science and innovations.
Just like many other European nations. France’s technology industry dreams of being able to freely employ a digitally skilled and qualified workforce from India, China and the Middle East.
To help the situation, last year President Macron declared a launch of a technology visa, which aims to attract international talent and make France the best country to work in for skilled workforce.
The visa makes it easier for skilled professionals to come to the country and for French employers to hire from outside the EEA. It also gives brilliant opportunities for international startups.
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Interested in working in France? Read our detailed article on How to find a job in France with the French Tech Visa programme.
If you are being relocated to France by your company, you can expect an average value of an expat package for middle managers about $255,288 per year.
If it proves difficult to negotiate a full expat package, don’t despair.
Even without additional benefits, you won’t be disappointed: service professionals in France have an average gross annual income of $38,787 (£28,826).
Management-level workers earn an average $247,183 (£183,703).
8. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is always ranking well in terms of expat packages and expat earnings. An average value of a typical package there is about $271,400.
If there is no company involved in your relocation then the numbers will differ. Working as a service professional you can expect an average gross annual income of $45,050 (£33,316). Management earn an average $265,336 (£196,229).
One of the largest employment sectors for expats in Hong Kong is finance – and most expats feel the economic situation locally is strong.
If you are prepared to work hard, Hong Kong is the place to go.
Hong Kong expats mention that they work longer hours, however, the financial reward is worth it. They also say that Hong Kong is the best place to advance your professional career.
9. Australia: Best Countries to Work in the World and Make Money
If you are moving down under for work through your company, you can potentially earn as much as $264,963 a year.
It’s the second-largest expat package in the Asia Pacific. Benefit costs in Australia are not among the highest, the taxes, however, will eat a lot of your package.
If you are not employed by an international company that has an office in Australia, and yet really want to work there, there are ways to immigrate as a professional person.
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Australia is constantly looking for skilled people of certain professions, and the immigration procedures are quite clear.
This is How to Find a Great Job in Australia and Get an Employer-Sponsored Visa. Just follow the plan, and you will succeed.
It might take some time and a lot of determination, however, the reward will be worth it.
Service professionals in Australia have an average gross annual income of $51,497 (£38,272). Management earn an average of $165,581 (£51,497).
Add high living standards and a wonderful lifestyle – and you’ll get one of the best countries to work and live in the world.
10. Ecuador
Ecuador is another vibrant and colorful nation with many festivals annually.
The weather is fine and mild, with a spring feeling all year round. A big plus is that quality healthcare is inexpensive, and in general, the cost of living is relatively low.
As a couple, you can live a comfortable life for a mere $1600 a month. However, if being an entrepreneur in Latin America is your goal, then this isn’t the country for you.
It’s challenging to open a business in Ecuador as there is no shortage of startups, and competition is fierce.
11. Japan
It might come as a surprise for some expats that Japan is on the list of the best countries to work in.
Japan isn’t usually in the top favorite places for expats to relocate to for work – the general perception is that it’s quite an insulate country.
However, things are changing. The number of foreigners coming to work in Japan has been rising recently.
Japan is desperate to lure in more foreign professionals to make up for its ageing population.
The country wants more skilled immigration:
- Engineers,
- Researchers,
- Entrepreneurs,
- Managers and
- Professionals.
Working in Japan is an adventure by itself.
- Stunning nature of Japanese islands.
- Add to it a cutting edge infrastructure.
- High quality of life and a brilliant expat benefits package.
- New immigration rules that make it comparatively easy for skilled people to come to the country – and the country becomes quite appealing.
Experienced expats still feel lukewarm about Japan. Although the country has changed its approach to foreigners, the perceptions take much longer to change.
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So while Japan lags behind other Asian countries in terms of attractiveness for foreigners. For ambitious budding expats with a great set of professional skills. It’s a great chance to start an international career and wealth building.
Financial gains are also significant. The cost of an average expatriate pay package for middle managers in Japan is about $375,289 per year.
If you hunt for a job independently, you might expect an average income of $48,177 (£35,629) as a service professional which will grow to an average of $238,248 (£176,196) at the management level.
12. Canada
Canada has always been one of the best countries to work in as an expat.
Today Canada still proves to be a cherished destination for professionals seeking both lifestyle and career advancement.
If you are a highly skilled professional considering moving to Canada in search of employment you can count on C$90,000 – 150,000 a year.
As an example, an average salary for a project manager is C$72,470, and a software developer can count on C$63,905 on average.
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Senior managers of Goods Production, Utilities, Transportation, and Construction– $75,159 – $141,569. Senior managers in Finance and Communications – $77,805 – $129,62. Engineering managers – $68,100-$172,000
Depending on your experience and field of expertise you can earn much more than the average.
And although Canada is not really a big destination for a work assignment, we have put it on the list because it’s desperate for skilled immigrants.
Thus immigrating to Canada can be easier if you are a skilled professional. If you are interested, check out our guide on How to Get a Canada Work Visa.
13. Turkey: One Of The Best Countries to Work in the World and Make Money
Turkey might not be one of those countries that actively seek and attract foreign workforce from abroad.
However, it’s possible to get an assignment to Turkey working for international companies that are always on the lookout for skilled employees.
Those heading to work in Turkey may be pleasantly surprised by the size of an average expat salary for middle managers offered in this country.
The pleasure of the Mediterranean lifestyle is considerably enhanced by a hefty $266,298 a year.
14. United Arab Emirates
The UAE is well-known for its taxation system – or more accurately, its lack of.
There is no income tax payable which, coupled with high salaries, means that expatriates usually enjoy the higher disposable income, even taking into account the high cost of living.
However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get a large benefits package alongside the salary.
The HSBC Expat Explorer Survey shows that it is third for income overall. But ECA My Expatriate Market Pay Survey, which takes into account overall packages for expats ranks it much lower.
15. Denmark
With just 39.7 hours per week (vs. 44.3 h globally), expats working full time in Denmark have the shortest working week out of the top 10 countries with a great work-life balance.
Maybe it’s that benefit which attracts highly educated expats: close to half the respondents in Denmark (47%) have a master’s degree or similar.
Additionally, twelve percent hold a PhD (vs. 6% globally). Which is — together with Sweden — the highest share out of the featured top 10.
“I like the work-life balance, which I do not get anywhere else”, an expat from Indonesia states. While one from Portugal points out the “balance between work and private life” as a positive aspect of life in Denmark.
In fact, more than three-quarters of expats working in Denmark rate their work-life balance positively (76%), compared to three in five globally (60%).
Despite that, their overall job satisfaction (62%) is just below the global average (64%).
16. Norway
Expats in Norway are highly satisfied with their work-life balance (72%) and their working hours (77%).
In fact, they only spend an average of 42.9 hours per week at work, which is 1.4 hours less than expats in full-time jobs worldwide (44.3 h).
“Work-life balance is very important here and jobs are generally very family-friendly”, says a British expat.
In addition to that, 12% of expats in Norway have a gross yearly household income of more than 150,000 USD. Among the featured top 10 countries only the share of those in New Zealand is higher (14%).
Therefore, it is not very surprising that 72 percent of expats believe that they make more in Norway than they would in a similar job back home.
This isn’t only far above the global average (51%). But also the highest share out of the top 10 countries with a great work-life balance.
However, it seems like it’s still not enough: with 71 percent of expats rating the cost of living in Norway negatively (vs. 35% globally).
It’s clear to see why 21 percent state that their disposable household income doesn’t cover everything they need in daily life.
Summary – Best Countries To Work And Make Money
We hope that the above list of the 10 Best Countries To Work In Abroad where you can earn more on average than at home.
Shows you that there are opportunities out there if you want to advance your economic and career prospects.
You don’t have to sit idly by and watch your work life going nowhere whilst your savings earn less than inflation-proofing interest rates. There are strong, exciting, well-paid and positive opportunities for you, your wealth and your future out there.
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There are hundreds of countries worldwide that are unique places to work and live in. If you don’t have a family yet, consider countries such as Ecuador or China that are perfect for those just starting.
New Zealand and Switzerland are great places for families with high salaries and a focus on work-life balance.
If you’re single and looking for a little adventure, then Singapore is the perfect country to settle down in with very little crime and many opportunities. These are The Best Countries to Work in the World and Make Money. Apply visa Now