Do you have that one uncle or aunt living abroad and having the time of their life? We all do, and the good news is, you can be one of them too! As the world has become a global village, many have considered moving abroad for a better life and opportunity. As per Statista, there were around 3.5 billion people employed worldwide in 2024. We’ve compiled a list of the best countries for job opportunities in 2024 with details to lessen your research stress. What makes a nation the best country for employment includes a diverse number of factors, such as, but not limited to, the number of big companies working there, connectivity, quality of life, average salary, work visa duration, rate of employment, and the cost of living. Now let’s look at some of the best countries to work abroad.
Many students today are looking to work abroad, and for good reason. Countries with good job opportunities help you broaden your perspectives, learn about different cultures, and boost your personal growth. Which country has more job opportunities? Well, how about we figure that out together? We have a list of the 10 best countries to work abroad based on what suits your interests, skills, background, and future goals that can accelerate your career growth and goals.
1. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Major Employers: Chalhoub Group, Atkins, Nestle, Azadea Group, & Gulf Marketing Group
Major Cities for Job Opportunities: Abu-Dhabi, Dubai, & Sharjah
Average Salary: AED 11,500 per month
Employment Rate: 93.5%
Cost of Living: AED 3,583.4 per month
Happiness Index Ranking: 26
Population: 90.4 million
GDP: $507 trillion
Consider relocating to the UAE, which stands out as one of the best countries for job opportunities, especially in the Middle East. This Gulf powerhouse continually expands, resulting in numerous job opportunities. If you’re thinking of moving to the UAE, the best country to live and work in, you will find several good opportunities in the hospitality, digital marketing, real estate, healthcare, petroleum engineering, and education sectors. The UAE work visa duration is three years, and you require a licence from the hiring company, a medical certificate, and a passport.
Pros:
1. Absence of income tax
2. A large expatriate community, creating a diverse and inclusive environment
Cons:
1. A desert climate characterised by extremely high temperatures
2. Only a few countries that offer a work visa easily
How to find work abroad in UAE: A few popular websites to find jobs in the UAE, one of the best countries for job opportunities, are gulftalent.com and LinkedIn.
Internship Program: P&G internship program & Emirates internship program
2. South Korea
Major Employers: Samsung, Hyundai, LG Electronics, Coupang, Posco, & KIA
Major Cities for Job Opportunities: Seoul, Busan, Incheon, & Daegu
Average Salary: KRW 3,078,640 per month
Employment Rate: 62.2%
Cost of Living: KRW 5,017,212.9 per month
Happiness Index Ranking: 59
Population: 5.16 million
GDP: 167 million
South Korea has transformed itself from a global entertainment hub to one of the biggest markets for the best job markets worldwide, making it a top contender for those seeking the best country to live and work. Many people find English teaching roles lucrative due to its high demand and excellent compensation. Other than that, students also look for IT, PR, and data scientist roles. The country’s work visa duration is 12 months, and to apply, you need a visa application form, passport, & employment contract.
Pros:
1. Collaborative work environments
2. Affordable housing
Cons:
1. Difficult to find household items in supermarkets
2. Employees work more hours than they are contracted
How to find work in South Korea: If you are in the creative field or are proficient in English, South Korea is the best country for teaching the language across all educational levels. The Korean Ministry of Education and the National Institute for International Education run an English Program in Korea (EPIK). Check out the Go Overseas Job Board to find jobs.
Internship Programs: Seoul internship program & Meiji internships
3. Germany
Major Employers: Volkswagen, Bosch, Allianz, Daimler, & Deutsche Telekom
Major Cities for Job Opportunities: Berlin, Munich, Bonn, Dusseldorf, & Hamburg
Average Salary: €3,975 per month
Employment Rate: 77.30%
Cost of Living: €2,507 per month
Happiness Index Ranking: 15
Population: 84.1 million
GDP: $4.07 trillion
Renowned for its educational and career opportunities, Germany is considered to be one of the best places to work abroad in 2024. There's an increased demand for computer science, engineering, healthcare, and business management professionals. Affordable healthcare, education, and high living standards make it one of the best places to work abroad. Another reason why Germany is one of the best countries for job opportunities is its excellent work-life balance, with only four working days a week. To apply for a German work visa (which has a four-year duration) here, you need student health insurance, an employment contract, and a cover letter.
Pros:
1. A fantastic social assistant
2. Private and supplemental health insurance
Cons:
1. Difficult to form acquaintances
2. Taxation at a high rate
How to find work abroad in Germany: As one of the best countries for job opportunities, finding jobs in Germany is relatively easy. Having an active LinkedIn profile with the right preferences and settings can get you a long way.Internship Programs: IES internships and iAgora
4. France
Major Employers: Hermes, L'Oreal, Murex, Thales, Orange, & Microsoft
Major Cities for Job Opportunities: Paris, Nantes, Lyon, Marseille, & Toulouse
Average Salary: €2,340 per month
Employment Rate: 67.3%
Cost of Living: €3,277.6
Happiness Index Ranking: 20
Population: 68 million
GDP: $2.7 trillion
Adorned with mediaeval cities, alpine countryside, and beautiful beaches, France is one of the best countries to work abroad. In a highly competitive job market, it boasts in-demand positions in data analysis, web development, fashion, healthcare, and education. France offers a good work-life balance, making it a top choice. The visa duration for France is 12 months, and to apply, you require a visa application, a work permit from the employer, & travel documents. It is definitely one of the best countries for job opportunities in the current market landscape.
Pros:
1. Robust labour laws & a 35-hour workweek
2. High quality of life, rich cultural heritage, & excellent healthcare system
Cons:
1. High-income tax rates
2. The dominant language, French, leads to a language barrier
How to find work abroad in France: France’s national employment agency, Polȇ Emploi, makes finding work in this country for employment easier than ever, where you can find all kinds of jobs from manual labour to corporate gigs. Internship Programs: CIEE summer global internship & CEA CAPA internships
5. Canada
Major Employers: Google, Scotiabank, KPMG, & P&H Farming
Major Cities for Job Opportunities: Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, & Montreal
Average Salary: CA $39,000 per year
Employment Rate: 62.40%
Cost of Living: 1,343.6 C$ per month
Happiness Index Ranking: 13
Population: 38.9 million
GDP: $2.14 trillion
Canada, the land of Maple Leaf, is undoubtedly the best country to work abroad, and it's no surprise why. Factors like a reasonable cost of living, higher salaries, and good work-life balance contribute to its appeal for job-seekers worldwide. Here, you will find excellent opportunities in web development, trade, healthcare, engineering, and business management. The Canadian student visa duration is 1-2 years, and to apply, you need enough balance in your account, a medical exam, & English proficiency test.
Pros:
1. A stable and resilient economy
2. The diversity welcomes immigrants worldwide
Cons:
1. Long and harsh winters in many regions
2. High cost of living
How to find work abroad in Canada: One can visit Indeed Canada to find recent job listings in Canada, the best country for job opportunities. You can even join social media groups made by expats to find connections.
Internship Programs: Toronto internship program & summer internship program
6. The Netherlands
Major Employers: Philips, ASML, Bunq, Mollie, & Unilever
Major Cities for Job Opportunities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, & Hague
Average Salary: €3,333 per month
Employment Rate: 82.20%
Cost of Living: €800-1000 per month
Happiness Index Ranking: 5
Population: 17.7 million
GDP: $991 billion
The Netherlands is not just known for its artistic masterpieces, mesmerising tulip fields, and cosy cafes, but it is also one of the best countries for job opportunities. Often called Europe's startup capital, The Netherlands offers excellent job security, working conditions, and diverse career opportunities. Furthermore, it excels in various sectors like IT, fashion, media, sustainability, and AI, shaping the job market and attracting talent worldwide. The country’s visa duration is 3 years, and to apply, you must have a work permit, passport, and health insurance. To get into this best country to work abroad, you need to start working on your interview skills by following a few job interview tips.
Pros:
1. The Netherlands is known for its philosophy of working hard and playing hard. Therefore, students must know how to balance work, study, and upskilling with certificate courses so they can play as hard as they work.
2. Progressive and inclusive work culture
Cons:
1. Highly competitive job market
2. High cost of living
How to find work abroad in the Netherlands: The Netherlands is the best country to work in the world because of its reputation as a tech-forward country. You can find listings available online and create an active profile on LinkedIn to gauge the best opportunities.
Internship Programs: Travelling for-credit summer internships & Amsterdam internships program
7. Singapore
Major Employers: SingTel, DBS Bank, Wilmar International, & Amazon
Major Cities for Job Opportunities: Jurong, Sengkang, Punggol, & Yishun
Average Salary: $5,700 per month
Employment Rate: 76.3%
Cost of Living: €973.6 per month
Happiness Index Ranking: 9
Population: 5.92 million
GDP: $525 billion
With a culture filled with diversity, Singapore is one of the best countries for job opportunities abroad. Singapore has a strong job market, with excellent employment scope in IT, healthcare, and financial services sectors. High salary packages are another reason that makes Singapore one of the best countries to get job easily. Here, the work visa duration is 2 years, for which you need an employment pass, visa application form, and passport.
Pros:
1. Low personal income tax rates
2. Easy permanent residency process
Cons:
1. High cost of living
2. Strict laws and rules
How to find work abroad in Luxembourg: There are several job sites you can look up for jobs in Singapore. These include Beam, CareerBuilder, and Indeed Singapore.
Internship Programs: INSPIRES internship program & Asia internship program
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8. Australia
Major Employers: Google, Amazon, Accenture, IBM, Oracle, & Atlassian
Major Cities for Job Opportunities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, & Perth
Average Salary: AU $90,000 per year
Employment Rate: 66.8%
Cost of Living: AU $4,291 per month
Happiness Index Ranking: 12
Population: 26.0 million
GDP: $1.68 trillion
Australia, often called the 'land down under,' boasts one of the world's fastest-growing economies and one of the best countries for job opportunities. It is an excellent choice for those seeking to find the best country for employment. The nation consistently sets new records for issuing work visas, offering a wealth of secure career prospects for individuals. Fields like IT, cybersecurity, project management, and machine learning engineers are in constant demand in the country. The Australia visa duration is 5 years, and to apply, you need a visa application form, job offer letter, and passport.
Pros:
1. A robust and stable economy
2. Good work-life balance and a relaxed lifestyle\
Cons:
1. Geographically isolated
2. High cost of living
How to find work abroad in Australia: Well-known platforms such as WWOOF are a great avenue to get work opportunities. The work-exchange workers also provide you with free meals and accommodation for up to 36 work hours a week. Another platform includes Workaway.Internship Programs: TEAN Pacific internship program & CEA CAPA internship program
9. Hong Kong
Major Employers: HSBC, Citi Bank, PwC, & Standard Chartered Bank
Major Cities for Job Opportunities: Hong Kong Island
Average Salary: HK$36,583.33 per month
Employment Rate: 92.2%
Cost of Living: HK$31,267.3 per month
Happiness Index Ranking: 80
Population: 7.4 million
GDP: $395 billion
Hong Kong, often dubbed the 'Pearl of the Orient,' is a hotspot for international job seekers. The best country for job opportunities, it offers a hassle-free job market, attracting professionals from various fields, such as digital advertising, HR, finance, IT, and management. Here, the 'work hard, play hard' philosophy prevails, transforming careers and lifestyles positively. Hong Kong should certainly be on your radar if you're looking for the best country for job. Also, the visa duration here is 36 months, and to apply, you need a job offer letter, no criminal record proof, and a good educational background.
Pros:
1. A robust financial sector
2. Top-class education facility
Cons:
1. High cost of living
2. Competitive job market
How to find work abroad in Hong Kong: Check out websites such as SVA Recruitment, Monster Hong Kong, and Recruit Hong Kong to find work in this country for job opportunities.
Internship Programs: AECOM summer internship program and absolute internship program
10. Denmark
Major Employers: Novo Nordisk, Moller Maersk, EY, Microsoft, & Accenture
Major Cities for Job Opportunities: Copenhagen, Odense, & Aarhus
Average Salary: 45,481 DKK per month
Employment Rate: 68.4 %
Cost of Living: 28,005.2kr per month
Happiness Index Ranking: 7.64
Population: 5.90 million
GDP: $395 billion
Denmark, our top pick for the best country to work abroad, boasts a thriving job market with low unemployment rates and substantial global investments. Its unique 'flexicurity' labour market blends flexibility and job security, making it a magnet for job seekers. If you're in fields like IT, finance, engineering, hospitality, and life sciences, you're in high demand here. The visa duration here is 4 years, for which you need a passport, health insurance, and a contract of employment. It’s definitely one of the best countries for job opportunities!
Pros:
1. Quality of life
2. Cheap education and a living stipend for students
Cons:
1. High cost of living
2. Competitive job market
How to find work abroad in Denmark: Denmark has a large number of English speakers, making it one of the best countries for job opportunities. Check out the Go Overseas Job Board to find recent listings!
So this is our list of the best countries for job opportunities abroad in 2024. When choosing the best country for employment, it's crucial to align your choice with your long-term goals. Often overlooked, weighing the pros and cons of the best countries to work abroad is essential. With globalisation connecting the world’s economies, many companies are prioritising new hires with international exposure from cross-cultural experiences. The Top MBA programs for Indian students provide opportunities to build networks abroad in thriving metropolises like Singapore, Australia, and Germany.
Now that you know the best countries for job opportunities that suit your goals and wants, we hope this list has helped you shortlist your future career destination. From South Korea to Denmark, these top 10 best countries to work abroad are the leading places when it comes to a healthy work-life balance and pay.
