Working Abroad as an Expat

Working abroad offers you a different perspective, a new culture, and the chance to develop your professional life in the international arena. However, working abroad as an immigrant brings with it some challenges as well as rich job opportunities. In this blog, we will discuss the difficulties, opportunities, and steps to take to achieve success that an expat who wants to work abroad may face.

Advantages and Challenges of Working Abroad as an Expat

Working abroad can be a charming option, especially for those who have gained experience in certain professional groups. However, working abroad as an expat may cause you to encounter some difficulties at the beginning. These difficulties include language barriers, the process of adapting to different cultures, work visa requirements, and cost of living.

Language barriers, cultural differences, and the adaptation process in the work environment play an important role among the difficulties encountered while working abroad. In addition, work permit and visa requirements can sometimes be complicated. In addition, social security rights and other rights may be limited for immigrants in some countries.

For those living and working abroad, language learning is a critical factor in being successful, especially in the business world. Expat career opportunities are usually directly proportional to language proficiency. In some companies, it is not mandatory to know the local language, but knowing English will be an advantage, especially in many countries in Europe and the Middle East. Even learning the language of the country you are going to, enough to be used in daily life will help you adapt more quickly in the workplace. Therefore, language learning for expats is an important step!

The cost of living for expats varies depending on the country they are going to and their lifestyle. The cost of living is high in cities like Dubai, but the salaries will be just as high. In countries like Spain and Cyprus, the cost of living can be more affordable. When getting a work visa, it is very important to consider these costs, make financial planning and create a suitable budget.

Working abroad requires a significant financial responsibility. Therefore, it is very important to follow financial tips for expats and plan accordingly. You need to make a financial plan by considering factors such as the currency of the country you are working in, the cost of living and tax liabilities. In addition, some countries may have additional expenses such as retirement and expat insurance for working abroad​. It is important to take the necessary steps to meet these financial obligations before moving abroad.

Countries with the Highest Job Opportunies

Although finding a job abroad varies by country and sector, some countries offer more opportunities for immigrants. Germany, Canada, the USA, Spain and Dubai stand out among these countries.

1. Germany

Germany has one of the strongest economies in Europe and accepts immigrants every year to meet the demand for labor. The country has a large labor shortage, especially in the engineering, information technology, health care, construction and manufacturing sectors. In addition, Germany offers various programs for the integration of immigrants, encouraging expats to join the workforce with language training and professional development opportunities. One of the most attractive aspects for immigrants is Germany's high standard of living and good social security system.

2. Canada

Canada is a very advantageous country in terms of job opportunities for expats. The country's economic policies draw attention with its demand for a highly educated workforce and various programs that support immigrants' participation in the workforce. Canada has serious workforce shortages in sectors such as health, technology, engineering and education. In addition, the number of immigrants accepted by Canada is quite high annually and there are many supportive policies that will facilitate integration in the labor market. With systems such as "Express Entry" that support labor migration, Canada is able to quickly accept qualified immigrants and integrate them into the workforce.

3. United States of America

The USA, as one of the world's largest economies, has a large workforce demand. There are constant labor shortages, especially in the technology, finance, healthcare and construction sectors. In addition, the USA is known for having the world's largest entrepreneurship market, which offers many opportunities for immigrants who want to start a business. The USA, which offers various visa and immigration programs for highly educated individuals, also has many work opportunities for labor immigrants. Immigrants can find a place for themselves in various sectors in the large and diverse labor market of the USA.

4. Australia

Australia is another attractive destination with a strong economy and high living standards. The country has various immigration programs to meet the need for labor. Australia has significant labor shortages in the technology, healthcare, engineering, construction and agriculture sectors, and there are great opportunities for immigrants in these areas. In addition, Australia has systems such as "SkillSelect" designed to attract skilled labor to the country. These systems ensure that applications are processed quickly and help integrate the talented workforce into the country.

5. Spain

Spain offers working abroad opportunities for expats, especially in the tourism, healthcare and technology sectors. Career opportunities for foreign citizens in the country are especially concentrated in the big cities, such as Barcelona and Madrid. Living and working in Malaga is also quite advantageous! Although a work visa is usually required to work in Spain, this country can be an attractive option for those who can overcome the language barrier and speak Spanish. Learn more about why Spain is a top sustainable destination to live and travel!

6. Dubai

Dubai has become a major business hub for expats working abroad in recent years. Dubai, which offers multilingual job opportunities, continues to grow, especially in the construction, finance, technology and tourism sectors. Here, knowing the language is usually not an obstacle for expats working in a foreign country. However, certain conditions must be met to obtain a work visa in Dubai. Although the cost of living in Dubai is high, salaries are generally high as well. If you want to know which other cities in the UAE offer a wealth of opportunities, you can check out our blog titled Top Expat-Friendly Cities in the UAE: Where to Live and Why!

7. Cyprus

In recent years, Cyprus has become an attractive option for expats looking for work abroad, especially in the education and health sectors. In addition, the fact that Cyprus is a country where English is widely spoken is a great advantage for foreign citizens. There are certain work visa requirements and legal regulations for working in Cyprus, but it is possible to find a job even if you are not proficient in the local language. You can check out our guide to living in Northern Cyprus to learn more!

8. Turkey

Expats have many reasons to choose Turkey for work. In particular, the digital nomad visa offered by Turkey has become increasingly popular worldwide. This visa allows foreigners to stay in Turkey for long periods and have the opportunity to work remotely. In addition, life by the sea in the quiet provinces of Turkey offers an attractive environment for digital nomads. The combination of high quality of life, affordable costs and natural beauty creates an ideal environment for both work and living. These elements make Turkey a popular destination for digital nomads.

How to Work Overseas?

The first step to working abroad as an expat is to analyze the job market of the country you are targeting. Researching which sectors are growing and which skills are in demand will increase your chances of finding a job abroad. Also, if you are aiming to work with international companies, it will be beneficial to be active on professional networks such as LinkedIn and create a network so that the company can contact you. Although it is not mandatory for most countries to know the local language, it will be an advantage for you and will put you ahead of your competitors. Another important issue is how you prepare your CV and statement of purpose. A meticulous and detailed CV and statement of purpose will put you ahead. Remember that you should prepare these documents in English! Depending on some countries or job postings, your CV may also be requested in the local language. Therefore, examine the job posting you are applying for in detail!

What are the Expat Work Visa Requirements?

If you are not a citizen of the European Union and you are applying for jobs in Europe, you will need a work visa. Work visa requirements vary from country to country. For example, while there are different requirements for going to a member state of the European Union, countries such as the United States, Canada or Australia have more comprehensive application processes. When applying for a work visa, you usually need to have your job offer and the necessary professional qualification documents ready.

If you need to get a work visa, you should make sure that the company you will apply to abroad provides you with some of the requirements for a work visa. Work visa requirements vary and generally include the following:

1. Work Visa Application Form: A completely and correctly filled out application form provided by the consulate or embassy of the country you will apply to.
2. Passport: Its validity should generally be valid for another 6 months from the date of application. Your passport may need to have at least two blank pages.
3. Photo: A biometric photo taken within the last 6 months, in the dimensions specified in the application form.
4. Work Offer: A job offer or work contract is usually required to obtain a work permit for the relevant country. This document is provided by the workplace where you will be working.
5. Education and Professional Certificates: Documents that include the education and professional certificates required to apply for the relevant position.
6. Language Proficiency: Some countries may request language proficiency from applicants (example exams are TOEFL, IELTS).
7. Health Insurance: Some countries require work visa applicants to provide a valid health insurance policy.
8. Financial Status: Most countries request financial documents such as bank statements or pay slips that show that the applicant can support himself/herself financially.
9. Work Permit Approval (In Some Countries): In some countries, you may need to apply for a work permit and receive approval for this permit before applying for a work visa. This permission is usually provided by the employer.
10. Extra Documents: Some countries may request additional documents depending on the applicant's situation. For example, a letter of support, reference letters or other documents prepared by the workplace.

It is important to access up-to-date and detailed information about the visa requirements of the country you are applying for on the official consulate website of the country you will be applying for.

Tax Obligations for Expats

When you work abroad as an immigrant, you will also have tax obligations. You may be required to pay income tax in the country you work in. In addition, in some countries, citizens living abroad may be required to pay taxes in their own country. Therefore, it is important to understand the tax obligations for immigrants and to consult a tax advisor when necessary.

Working abroad offers great opportunities for your career, provides you with new experiences, friendships and broadens your horizons. However, it is very important to consider the difficulties you will face while working abroad as an immigrant and to make appropriate preparations! Factors such as language learning, financial planning, applying for the right visa and adapting to the local culture are the keys to a successful career abroad.

If you are looking to move abroad, you can call us right now to get detailed information and get support from our expert team and lawyers! You can even start working in one of our offices in many countries and have the chance to have a career at TEKCE!

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