Countries Where It’s Easy to Get a Work Visa
Your career goals don’t have limits, so why should your job search? Take your career beyond borders by finding work abroad this year! Or, prior to finding jobs abroad, you can also travel on a tourist visa, since the stipulations typically aren’t as strict. There are travel and work visas available to Americans in over 50 countries around the world—and, for tourists, global visa application services like Byevisa can help simplify the process.
Getting a work visa doesn’t need to be a painful process; in fact, you’ll find yourself working your dream job abroad in no time! However, there is some preparation involved, so make sure to do your research (reading this article is a great first step!).
What’s the typical process like for obtaining a work visa?
The work visa application process varies depending on your nationality and destination, but usually you’ll need to first secure a job offer and sponsorship. Depending on your destination, you may also need to prove residency.
You can find out what exactly you’ll need by contacting the consulate or embassy of the country you plan to work in; usually this information can be found online though. If you already have a job offer, your employer may be able to submit paperwork on your behalf.
Online applications are one of the easiest ways to get a work visa. Many visa services offer step by step applications, eVisa expert support, and visas delivered right to your inbox. For non-Americans, these can be great resource for finding visa information for your nationality.
11 easiest countries to get a work visa
1. Australia and New Zealand
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- Why? When thinking about the easiest countries to get a work visa, the South Pacific immediately comes to mind. Australia and New Zealand offer working holiday visas to Americans aged 18-30 years old for a period up to 12 months. Usually these are available for a fee and a ticket home (or proof that you’ll be able to purchase one). Other visas are more skill-based for those with an engineering degree or who can pass a skills assessment.
- Popular types of work: You’ll find that Australia and New Zealand are full of Americans and others on work visas in the hospitality, tourism, and service industries. This is no surprise seeing as both countries have stunning landscapes and natural wonders to explore. You could spend your down time snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef or tramping (hiking) the South Island of New Zealand!
2. The Netherlands
- Why? If you have a great idea for a new business or product, this may be the easiest country to get a work visa. The Netherlands offers a one-year residency for foreigners to start a business. After 12 months, entrepreneurs apply for the self-employed work permit. All you need to get started is a dream!
- Popular types of work: This visa is specific to those who wish to start a business and be self-employed (scientists, innovators, inventors, and designers).
3. Cambodia
- Why? Cambodia is not only the easiest country to get a work visa, it’s also one of the best countries to get a work visa! The popular business visa is easily renewable and you’ll be surrounded by other expats, living and working in a paradise, surrounded by fascinating history and culture.
- Popular types of work: While the business visa is easy to get, technically you’ll also need to apply for a work permit to legally work in the country. Freelancing and remote work are popular in Cambodia, but it’s also easy to find other types of jobs in tourism or teaching.
4. Germany
Germany is a great place to launch your career.
- Why? Germany (and other European countries) offer work visas for graduate students. If you’re thinking about studying AND working abroad, this would be the perfect country of choice for you! There is also an “artist visa” available in Germany, which you could apply for if you would like to be self-employed and can show a thought-out business plan.
- Popular types of work: Skilled workers in the technology and health sectors are needed in Germany, but there are also many other types of work available in this economically strong country.
5. Ireland
- Why? There are no age restrictions for those applying for a visa to work in Ireland, and the working holiday visa is quite easy to get! However, you’ll need to be a student or recent graduate to be eligible. Otherwise, the normal work visa is also available but may be a bit more difficult to secure. If you have a specific skill set, that will aid you when applying.
- Popular types of work: You’ll most likely have the best chance of finding work in the cities of Dublin, Limerick, and Cork. There are a growing number of multinational corporations located in Ireland that may be able to sponsor you, but there are also plenty of opportunities in the education, hospitality, or service industries. The Irish are welcoming and friendly; the Emerald Isle is a great place to find work abroad!
6. China
- Why? China is one of the easiest countries to get a work visa as it constantly needs native English speakers to teach in classrooms throughout the country. If you are thinking about getting a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification, China would be the perfect destination for you.
- Popular types of work: Increasingly, teachers are not the only coveted international job-seekers in China. You could find yourself working in any number of industries, but you may need to know a bit of the Chinese language (the official dialect is Mandarin) for these.
7. Singapore
There’s no shortage of adventures waiting in this city.
- Why? Singapore is one of the world’s largest financial centers and offers work visas for up to six months. The country’s working holiday visa is offered to students and recent graduates, and is quite easy to obtain. Often, this visa leads to a sponsorship once graduated, and about one-third of Singapore residents are expats!
- Popular types of work: Finding work in Singapore is easy if you have a skill set that includes information technology, teaching, or hospitality. With a large international community, and high percentage of English-speakers, language is not a barrier to finding employment.
8. Ecuador
- Why? Ecuador is one of the easiest places to get a work visa in Latin America. As long as you have a Bachelor’s Degree and $400 to your name, you are eligible to work in Ecuador as a freelancer on a “professional visa”.
- Popular types of work: Many international workers find positions at international companies, in the tourism industry, or at an NGO (non-governmental organization). Ecuador is probably the easiest country to get work visa for American.
9. South Korea
- Why? Finding work abroad may be somewhat easy, but what about finding a high-paying job overseas? If you’re worried about financials, South Korea may be the destination for you. English teachers (on the E-2 visa) are paid very well, especially if you have a certification.
- Popular types of work: While teaching is the most popular occupation for foreigners, there is also a working holiday and “looking for work” visa available. For those types of visas, you could work for an international corporation or find work in the service industry.
10. Czech Republic
If teaching English abroad is your goal, Czechia is a great place to find work.
- Why? There are lots of jobs available to international travelers in the Czech Republic, especially in the multicultural city of Prague! The easiest way to get an “employment” visa is to secure work before entering the country, but it’s possible to enter on a tourist/travel visa and find work afterwards.
- Popular types of work: In the Czech Republic, many international workers find employment in the hospitality or food service industries, in information or communication technology, health and social work, and education.
11. Canada
- Why? A temporary work visa is quite easy to get in Canada, and there are few requirements. Visas are also comparatively quite affordable.
- Popular types of work: From nursing to the STEM fields, Canada is a great choice for you to pursue a work visa if you’re looking to further your current career or even start a new one!
Conclusion
You’ll expand your global network, boost your resume, and be living your life to the fullest. There’s a destination for every career, whether you’d like to start your own business, gain experience with an international, multicultural company, or try your hand at teaching.
