A-to-Z Guide of the Best Countries to Work In

Best Countries to Work In
Shutterstock

Deciding to relocate for work purposes is a huge step which requires careful planning. Working abroad can do wonders for your career; a few years (or more) abroad can boost your résumé, you gain knowledge that you would have probably not gained back home and you also increase the chances of advancing your career.

But, the problem professionals often face is the process of choosing a destination and preparing all the paperwork that’s usually required is overwhelming, and it’s often unclear where you should start. To help you out we’ve put together a list of the best countries to work in, so take your pick!

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

 

A

Australia

Australia is an incredibly popular destination for travelling workers, probably because of the sunny weather, as well as the similarities in language, culture and customs which make getting a job there so much easier. What’s more, Aussies enjoy a very high standard of living, with bigger salaries and a better quality of life.

B

Bahrain

It’s becoming increasingly difficult for expats to find lucrative positions in Bahrain as the country has invested a lot of money in education and is now starting to focus on giving its own young people opportunities. But, that does not mean that there isn’t still room for highly qualified professionals.  

Brazil

What’s there not to love about Brazil? The beaches are stunning and there’s always so much going on that one could never get bored of living there. Average wages are not that high, but as it is one of the largest economies in the world with a low cost of living if you find a good job, you can live very comfortably. There’s always room for well-educated people who speak English and can help the country get ahead. If you are still unsure of what to do professionally, you can always start by teaching English.

Brunei

Although Brunei is a very small country, it has a well-developed economy which means that there’s plenty of room for qualified professionals who are looking for an international career. There are many international organisations in the country so finding a job is not very difficult.

C

Canada

Canada is a very popular destination for Americans, although not many British people choose to relocate to Canada, mainly because of the fact that it has an even wetter climate than Britain. But, Canadians enjoy an exceptionally high quality of life. The crime rate is extremely low, professionals are very well paid and the health care is excellent. Bear in mind, that being well-educated can increase your opportunities of getting a great job.

China

China has long been one of the top destinations to work in. Over the centuries, hundreds and thousands of British people have been attracted by the Orient. If you are planning to move there, you should expect an entirely different lifestyle as there’s no correlation between Britain and China. There are always opportunities for educated native English-speakers in China and as the Chinese economy is one of the fastest growing in the world you’d do well to jump on that ship as soon as possible.

D

Denmark

Denmark is always listed as one of the best countries to live, despite the cold Scandinavian weather. The best work life balance in the world, high standard of education, huge salaries and the open-mindedness that characterises Danish society could give you the best life you could hope to have.

Dubai

Dubai is on top of the world right now as the country is facing a rapid expansion of its economy. There are many opportunities for professionals who are looking to expand their careers across all sectors, whether you are looking for an engineering position, teach English or to start a business, Dubai could be the ideal place.

F

Finland

Due to the Finland’s ageing population, it’s expected that over the next few years there will be a huge gap in the workforce. Much like the rest of Scandinavia, Finland enjoys a high standard of living and great salaries.

France

France used to be one of the most popular destinations for Brits, especially because of its proximity, and it still holds great appeal for wantaway Americans. But, things have begun shifting as the country’s economy is still suffering the consequences of the recession. However, there are many global companies in the country which mean that there are plenty of opportunities for qualified professionals. The country is also well-known for rewarding talented individuals.

G

Germany

Germany remains one of the few countries in Europe that is prosperous. It has some of the best banks and financial institutions in the world and as such employment opportunities in these sectors are plentiful.

H

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the most popular expat destinations as English remains the country’s official language. But, as the country’s economy is expanding, it has become increasingly difficult to get a job. Nevertheless, since many corporations have their headquarters here, there are still plenty of opportunities for professionals in the IT sector, as well as in advertising.

I

Iceland

Although the country’s economy was hit hard by the recession, it has since recovered and is now booming. Tourism is an exceptionally profitable sector here, and if you are hoping to get started in this industry, you might want to check out employment opportunities in this tiny island state.

Ireland

It’s expected that due to the Brexit, Ireland will become a popular destination for both organisations that wish to remain within the EU, as well as for professionals who are looking to avoid being hit by the anticipated recession’s impact. With its fast growing economy and its English speaking jobs, Ireland can be a great way to move abroad for professional reasons while being close enough to pop back home whenever you feel like it.

Italy

Imagine working at a job surrounded by beautiful architecture, delicious culinary delights, the sounds of Monteverdi and lovely weather? Well, you don’t have to imagine anymore, because you can witness this by moving to Italy and finding employment in the land of Leonardo da Vinci, Dante Alighieri and Chef Boyardee.

J

Japan

Japan’s popularity is increasing because, despite the financial leaps the country has made over the last decades, it has maintained its unique identity. Unlike Hong Kong which follows Western standards in the workplace, the Japanese workplace is an entirely different story so brace yourself for a huge culture shock when you first arrive.

M

Malaysia

Malaysia is quickly becoming a popular destination for professionals who want to relocate work. The country offers some of the best health care facilities across the world, while there are also many international schools in the area, which could mean that you don’t have to leave your family behind.

Mexico

Mexico’s lifestyle and sunny weather are always attractive to travelling workers, which is why you’ll find a rather large community of expats there. There are many employment opportunities for educated people, but as safety is always an issue, make sure that you’ve arranged for accommodation in a safe neighbourhood ahead of your arrival.

N

The Netherlands

Because the Netherlands enjoys advantageous taxation for global companies, many organisations call it their home. For the professional hoping to relocate it could mean that getting a lucrative job is relatively easy. But, it’s important to note that there are very high expectations and getting a job in the Netherlands could prove to be tricky.

New Zealand

One of the most beautiful countries in the world, New Zealand has some of the happiest people, and if you are interested in joining a culture that values nature greatly, then you should make New Zealand your home. What’s more, employment rates are slowly but steadily growing so relocating there could easily be the best career choice you’ll ever make.

P

Portugal

Because of the popularity of its neighbouring Spain, Portugal is often completely forgotten about.  But, this small European country enjoys much the same weather and it’s also one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Of course, it’s also important to note that as the rest of Europe, Portugal’s economy has suffered from the recession, but new reports are hopeful, as they claim that the country’s economy is slowly recovering.

Q

Qatar

Over the past few years, Qatar has flourished into one of the most developed countries in the world. As it will be hosting the World Cup in 2022, the country plans to continue its rapid development, which could be great news for professionals planning to relocate there for career purposes. Salaries are high, taxation is low so it’s definitely a great move for anyone who’s looking to jumpstart their career.

R

Russia

Russia is one of the most powerful countries in the world today, and if you are interested in an international career, you should definitely consider it as an option. But. bear in mind that you’ll need to learn the language and network with powerful people to get a job that pays well.

S

Saudi Arabia

If you are thinking of relocating to Saudi Arabia, you should note that you might be in for quite a cultural shock. But, much like everywhere in the middle east, jobs can be extremely lucrative, and it’s a great way to gain work experience while making lots of money. Job opportunities are usually available for people with specific qualifications (eg. construction).

South Africa

Like many other countries in this list, you can’t get into Africa without having secured a job, so if you are interested in relocating to this extremely diverse country, you need to start looking for a job as soon as possible. There are always positions available for qualified professionals, especially in the agriculture, architecture and engineering sectors.

Spain

Spain is the third most popular destination for British workers. More than half of UK professionals list the weather as the main reason for relocating abroad, and as Spain enjoys one of the warmest climates in Europe, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular destination. Of course, be warned that because of the country’s economy problems you might end up getting a lower salary than in the US or UK, but it’s all about your priorities. Will you trade work life balance for a lower wage? 

Sweden

Much like its neighbouring Denmark, people living and working in Sweden enjoy a high standard of living. Employee rights are some of the best in the world, while innovation is extremely valued and if you are hoping to do something new you might want to consider calling Sweden your home.

Switzerland

Switzerland is a great place to relocate to; employees enjoy high standard of life, high salaries and excellent working conditions. Some of the best banks in the world are located here so if you are interested in a career in the finance sector, Switzerland might be the best country in the world to move to. However, you should note that competition is extremely fierce and it’s recommended that you secure a job before you move as the cost of living is quite high.

T

Taiwan

Much like Thailand below, Taiwan is a popular destination for people in the early stages of their career. Teaching English here is possible with very few qualifications, and it’s a great way to experience a completely different culture. 

Thailand

Thailand is becoming an increasingly popular destination for British people, especially the younger generation as it’s one of the most exotic destinations on the planet. Teaching English is a popular career option, but there’s always room for an educated, native-English professional.

U

UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a collection of islands in the Arab Gulf, situated in the south-eastern region of the Asian continent and the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. While the country is predominantly Muslim and features Arabic as its official language, the country allows the practice of other religions and as a global commercial hub, English is widely spoken. These are just some of the reasons why the country has become such a popular place for workers to flock to.

United Kingdom

Despite the recent political uncertainty of Brexit, the prospect of living and working in the United Kingdom remains highly desirable for foreign workers who are looking to relocate. With the sixth largest economy in the world and a relatively low unemployment rate, even the notoriously miserable weather isn’t enough to put people off

United States

The USA is still the promise land for many workers around the world who are looking to relocate for professional reasons. The States have always been considered as a country where innovation and creativity is valued, and this is just one of the reasons why so many professionals choose to move there. If you are hoping to relocate, you should note that getting a green card can be quite difficult, but the more qualified you are the less likely it will be that you’ll have trouble in that area.

Relocating for professional purposes is more common than you think, and even though there’s usually a lot of stress involved in the process of getting a job abroad, working abroad is an experience that’s definitely worth the trouble.

Choosing a destination can be quite hard but it’s all about your priorities so start by identifying your professional goals and choosing will become much easier.

Which of the best countries to work in would you choose? Tell us why in the comment section below.