10 Best Countries to Work Abroad in 2026

More people than ever are working abroad — but picking the wrong country can tank your savings, your visa timeline, and your sanity! To help you find your dream job abroad, we’ve compiled a list of the best countries to work abroad. 

We considered various factors, including work-life balance and happiness ranking, cost of living, visa requirements, and the job opportunities in each country. 

So whether you're a recent grad looking for adventure, a skilled professional ready for a career pivot, or a remote worker who's finally making the "work from anywhere" dream a reality — there's a country on this list for you. Let's dive in!

Not sure where to start? Use this quick guide:

• If you want to teach English abroad → Consider South Korea, Japan, the Netherlands
• If you're looking for a Working holiday (ages 18–35) → Consider New Zealand, Australia, Japan
• If you're an aspiring digital nomad / remote worker → Consider Portugal, Cambodia, Germany
• If you're a skilled professional (tech, healthcare, engineering) → Consider Germany, the Netherlands, UAE
• If you're a budget traveler or looking for an affordable working adventure → Consider Cambodia, Vietnam, Colombia
• If you're looking for best overall work-life balance → Consider Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand

💡Need job inspo? Start by exploring our international job board to see the latest opportunities, or read our guide, 10 Entry-Level Jobs Abroad for Americans, to determine the best fit for you!

Cost of living estimates are for a single person and vary significantly by city. Always check current visa requirements through official government sources.

• Top industries: winter sports, ecotourism, agriculture, tech, healthcare, education
• Activities: hiking, surfing, rafting, biking
• Visa info: New Zealand Immigration portal 

If you're a young adult looking to fund an adventure while you travel, New Zealand might be your perfect match. The country offers one of the most accessible Working Holiday Visas for US citizens aged 18–35, processed almost entirely online with most applications approved within 2 weeks.

One-third of New Zealand's population lives in Auckland, which is a strong hub for job seekers — but don't overlook Wellington, Christchurch, and Hamilton. The country's laid-back culture, breathtaking landscapes (Milford Sound on a long weekend, anyone?), and straightforward English-speaking environment make the transition feel manageable even if it's your first time living abroad.

✅ Pros: 

• A healthy work-life balance creates a truly unique atmosphere.
• NZ's government and people are progressive and welcoming.

❌ Cons: 

• The cost of housing has climbed significantly in recent years. It's worth researching flatmate situations before you go, and budgeting a little extra for your first month of setup costs.
• Depending on the town, life can feel fairly quiet and isolated.

• Top industries: tech and software, international affairs, research, finance, sustainable energy, logistics
• Activities: canal cruises, arts and culture, biking
• Visa info: The Netherlands immigration portal 

The Netherlands punches well above its weight as a work abroad destination. It's home to the European headquarters of countless multinationals (think Philips, ASML, Unilever, and more), has the 5th-highest happiness index in the world, and is one of the most English-friendly countries in Europe — roughly 95% of the Dutch population speaks English.

Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague are major hubs, and the country is considered a leader in sustainability, tech, and academic research. If you're a professional looking for strong career growth and a life outside the office, the Netherlands delivers. Most jobs come with generous benefits, solid salaries, and a work culture that respects personal time.

LinkedIn is a great place to network and search for jobs in The Netherlands. As a tech-forward country, most openings will be advertised online and accessible through top international job search sites. If you dream of finding a career in the Netherlands but aren't sure where to start, consider getting an internship there first.

✅ Pros:

• The vast majority of Dutch people speak English.
• There are low crime rates even in the cities.

❌ Cons:

• It can be hard to make friends with local people due to close-knit social circles.
• Salaries are high but expenses are also high.

• Top industries: education & ESL teaching, tech and gaming, manufacturing, tourism, Korean entertainment and pop culture
• Activities: street markets, heritage tourism, cooking classes
• Visa info: South Korea immigration portal, working holiday agreement 

From the bustling metropolis of Seoul to the stunning natural beauty of Korea's interior, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Seoul, Busan, and Daegu have sizable expat communities, fun nightlife, and, most importantly, delicious food. Living and working in Korea is sure to be an experience of a lifetime for any international worker.

While all types of jobs are available to international workers, especially those fluent in English, South Korea stands out as one of the best destinations to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL). As an English teacher, you'll be paid a competitive wage and housing is usually included in your contract. The Korean Ministry of Education and National Institute for International Education operate English Program in Korea (EPIK), with the goal of developing the English skills of Korean students. Check out the Go Overseas Job Board for the latest listings.

✅ Pros:

• Work environments are collaborative and friendly.
• Jobs often come with a high salary and great benefits like accommodation.

❌ Cons:

• If homesick, finding grocery products from home can be challenging
• Employees often work longer hours than they are contracted for due to pressure to perform

• Top industries: agriculture, hospitality and tourism, marketing, healthcare
• Activities: water sports, rock climbing, hiking, wildlife and ecotours
• Visa info: Australia immigration portal

Australia has long been a bucket-list work abroad destination, and its appeal hasn't faded. Strong wages, a diverse society, beautiful cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, and one of the most straightforward points-based immigration systems in the world make it a top choice for skilled professionals looking to move abroad.

For younger travelers (18–35), Australia's Working Holiday Visa is one of the most popular routes — you can work temporary jobs while exploring the country for up to a year, with options to extend. For skilled workers, Australia's points-based system favors professionals in healthcare, engineering, IT, education, and the trades.

✅ Pros:

• Workers enjoy high salaries.
• In many major cities, you can find fun and inclusive work cultures.

❌ Cons:

• The cost of living is rising. Don't forget to clarify whether your stated salary is "inclusive" or "plus super" (superannuation, Australia's mandatory pension contribution, currently 11.5%).

• Top industries: engineering, finance, healthcare, IT and software development
• Activities: castle tours, hiking, museums, sports
• Visa info: Germany immigration portal 

Germany is one of the most active recruiters of international talent in Europe right now — and it's actively making it easier for you to come. The country's Skilled Immigration Act and updated EU Blue Card rules have expanded eligibility for non-EU professionals, particularly in IT, healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades. US citizens can even enter visa-free and apply for a residence permit after arrival. People work less (about 27 hours per week) and live better as a result! 

The quality of life here is tough to beat: collaborative work environments, generous vacation time, and a culture that genuinely values switching off after work. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg all have thriving expat communities.

You may also want to consider doing a graduate degree in Germany (most are tuition-free!) to take advantage of their graduate job search scheme after graduation. If you're already recent grad looking to take your career to the next level, think about doing an internship in Germany.

✅ Pros:

• Germany has an excellent social welfare system.
• There is quick and efficient public transportation across the country.

❌ Cons:

• Germany isn't the most English-friendly country day-to-day — while many workplaces operate in English, learning even basic German will go a long way.
• High tax rates mean slightly smaller salaries.

• Top industries: IT and software, healthcare, research and academica, energy, finance
• Activities: adventure tourism, hiking, canoeing, camping
• Visa info: Canada immigration portal

Canada is a progressive, English-speaking country with a massive economy and a deliberate strategy to attract international talent. Programs like Express Entry offer an expedited path to work permits and permanent residency for skilled professionals in IT, healthcare, research, and energy. The country has the highest minimum wage in North America and strong mandatory employee benefits including parental leave and 25 vacation days annually.

The challenge? Canada has become expensive, largely due to high housing, transportation, and general living costs, especially in Toronto and Vancouver. That said, the career opportunities, safety rankings, and overall quality of life keep it on our list for people with the right skills and long-term plans.

✅ Pros:

• All citizens and permanent residents receive universal healthcare.
• A strong employment market welcomes foreign workers.

❌ Cons:

• Canada is best for people with in-demand skills and a longer-term plan. If you're just looking for a short adventure, working in New Zealand or Australia may offer more bang for your buck. But if you want a stable career with a clear path to residency, Canada is hard to beat.

• Top industries: technology, real estate, tourism, finance, manufacturing
• Activities: cultural & modern sites, desert safaris and dune bashing, shopping
• Visa info: Residence Visa

Please note: As of March 2, 2026 the U.S. Department of State issued a level 3 (reconsider travel) advisory for Americans planning to visit the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are unlike anywhere else on this list. The UAE has zero income tax, a workforce that's over 88% expats, and opportunities spanning hospitality, ESL teaching, construction, finance, tech, and beyond. If you're looking to maximize your savings while living somewhere modern, cosmopolitan, and endlessly energetic, the UAE is hard to ignore.

The country has significantly expanded its long-term visa options in recent years, including a 10-Year Golden Visa for professionals, investors, and specialists, and a 5-Year Green Visa for skilled workers and freelancers. Work permits are processed quickly — typically within 2–4 weeks.

✅ Pros:

• 0% personal income tax
• UAE offers its own specialized one-year renewable virtual work visa

❌ Cons:

• Be aware that social norms differ significantly from Western countries, and the heat from June through September is genuinely extreme.

• Top industries: cleantech and green energy, biotech, agriculture, research and academia, au pair and childcare, teaching English
• Activities: biking, amusement parks, museums
• Visa info: Denmark immigration portal 

If the whole point of working abroad is to actually live — and not just grind — Denmark might be the answer. It's consistently ranked among the happiest countries in the world, and the culture reflects that: a standard 37-hour workweek, strong social welfare benefits (including subsidized childcare and universal healthcare), and a deep respect for personal time.

There are plenty of options for finding work as an English speaker in Denmark, from working as an au pair to teaching English. You can follow the latest job postings here on the Go Overseas Job Board. Recent grads can also consider interning in Denmark.

✅ Pros:

• Because taxes are high, healthcare and education are free for everyone.
• Low rates of income inequality mean happy citizens.

❌ Cons:

• The cost of living is quite high.
• The weather is cold and there is limited sunlight for much of the year.

• Top industries: tech and startups, language services and customer support, tourism, creative industries, remote work (any sector)
• Activities: wine tasting tours, boat cruises, surf and coastal towns
• Visa info: Portugal Immigration Portal

Portugal has become one of the most searched work abroad destinations in Europe — and for good reason. It's warm, affordable (relative to the rest of Western Europe), deeply welcoming to expats, and it has built out a visa system specifically designed for remote workers and freelancers.

Portugal's D8 Digital Nomad Visa is one of the best of its kind in the world: it allows you to live in Portugal while working for foreign clients or employers, requires proof of income of approximately $3,500/month, and is renewable. If you have lower passive income or pension income, the D7 visa has an even lower threshold. For those seeking traditional employment, there's also a Job Seeker Visa.

Lisbon and Porto are buzzing with expats, coworking spaces, and world-class food. Outside the cities, the Algarve and Silver Coast offer coastal living at a fraction of what you'd pay in France or Italy.

✅ Pros:

• It's a hotspot for digital nomads and expats, allowing plenty of opportunity to grow community and network!

❌ Cons:

• Portugal's immigration agency, AIMA, has experienced processing delays in recent years. Applications have been taking longer than expected — budget extra time if you're planning a move soon!

• Top industries: tourism, agriculture, textiles, English teaching
• Activities: cultural sites, historical tourism, biking, ecotourism
• Visa info: Cambodia immigration portal 

Cambodia doesn't get enough credit as a work abroad destination. It's affordable, warm, rich in culture, and increasingly popular with remote workers and digital nomads looking for a lower cost of living without sacrificing quality of life. Rent in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap can run as low as $300/month for a room, and coworking spaces can be found for as little as $5/day.

The expat community here is warm and well-established, and while the job market for locally-employed foreigners is mostly in English teaching, development work, and tourism, digital nomads with their own income source will find Cambodia an incredibly accessible base.

✅ Pros:

• Low cost of living means you can enjoy quality accommodation and services.
• You'll find loads of natural beauty and cultural sites in Cambodia.

❌ Cons:

• Developing infrastructure makes access to quality education and medical care difficult.
• Wifi can be spotty and unreliable across the country.

Everything you need to know about finding the best country for you to live and work abroad as a foreigner!

Which country is easiest for foreigners to get a work visa? 

New Zealand, Australia, and Cambodia all offer relatively straightforward visa processes for foreigners. New Zealand and Australia's working holiday visas are among the simplest to apply for online. 

Which country pays the most for foreigners working abroad? 

The UAE (Dubai) is often cited for high salaries and zero income tax — meaning your gross pay is your take-home. Switzerland, Norway, Singapore, and Australia also offer strong wage levels, though their cost of living is higher.

What's the best country to work abroad if I don't speak a second language? 

New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and the UAE are all highly English-friendly. You'll have no trouble navigating daily life, finding work, and building a social life in English.

Can I work abroad as a digital nomad without a visa? 

Not really. In most countries, working remotely — even for a foreign employer — without the correct visa is technically illegal, even if the enforcement is lax. But don't worry, more than 60 countries now offer dedicated digital nomad visas! It also protects you if anything goes wrong.

How do I find work abroad programs? 

Start with Go Overseas' global job board for current listings, or look at country-specific job boards like LinkedIn (global), Indeed Canada, or Healthcarejobs.ca for healthcare roles.

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to the best country to work overseas, but there is a best country for you. Whether it's the working holiday magic of New Zealand, the career-building opportunities of Germany, or the budget-friendly adventure of Cambodia, your next chapter is out there.

Read more about working abroad: 

• How to Work Abroad as a Couple: 10 Exciting Travel & Remote Jobs for Couples
• How to Move Abroad: Live Overseas as an Expat
• 10 Popular Types of Jobs Abroad for Recent College Grads