Ten best countries to work abroad in 2026

For people considering a move abroad for work in 2026, the choice of country often depends on career opportunities, visa routes, cost of living and the chance to build a life outside work.

From working holiday options in New Zealand and Australia to skilled migration routes in Germany and Canada, several countries offer pathways for international workers.

Read also: 15 countries with the highest birth rates in the world

Here are 10 countries to consider for working abroad in 2026.

1. New Zealand

New Zealand is suited to people seeking seasonal work while travelling. Its key industries include agriculture, technology, healthcare, education, winter sports and ecotourism.

The country offers a Working Holiday Visa for eligible young adults aged 18–35 from participating countries. Auckland is a major employment centre, while Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton also offer opportunities.

New Zealand’s work culture supports time outside work, although housing costs have increased. Smaller towns may also feel isolated.

One worker, Johanna of JENZA Work New Zealand, said: “I had an amazing experience working and traveling in New Zealand. You need to be diligent to get work, but it is well worth it and the country is so easy to get around to see it all while you are there.”

2. The Netherlands

The Netherlands offers opportunities in technology, software, finance, research, international affairs, logistics and sustainable energy.

Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague are key employment centres. The country also hosts European operations for companies including Philips, ASML and Unilever.

English is widely spoken, which can make the transition easier for international workers. However, housing and other living costs can be high, while building local friendships may take time.

3. South Korea

South Korea is an option for people interested in teaching, technology, manufacturing, tourism and entertainment.

Seoul, Busan and Daegu have established international communities. The country is also known for opportunities to teach English as a foreign language.

The English Program in Korea (EPIK), operated by the Korean Ministry of Education and National Institute for International Education, provides opportunities for English teachers.

Teaching contracts can include accommodation, although some workers may experience pressure to work longer hours.

Emily, who taught in South Korea through CIEE, said: “Teaching abroad in South Korea has been such a great experience! The culture is amazing, the students are eager to learn. There’s always something new to experience.”

4. Australia

Australia remains an option for skilled workers and people seeking temporary work while travelling.

Its major employment sectors include healthcare, engineering, IT, education, agriculture, hospitality and marketing. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are among the main employment centres.

Eligible people aged 18–35 can use the Working Holiday Visa route, while skilled workers can use Australia’s points-based immigration system.

The country offers high wages, but living costs have been rising, particularly in major cities.

5. Germany

Germany is recruiting international workers in engineering, healthcare, IT, finance and skilled trades.

The Skilled Immigration Act and updated EU Blue Card rules have expanded routes for non-EU professionals. Berlin, Munich and Hamburg are among the cities with established international communities.

Germany also offers opportunities for international students, with many public university programmes offering low or no tuition fees.

However, German remains useful for everyday life, even when a workplace operates in English. Taxes can also reduce take-home pay.

Andrew, who completed an internship in Berlin, said: “My internship in Berlin was a highly enriching experience that allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.”

6. Canada

Canada is suited to workers seeking career development and a possible long-term route to residency.

Its major sectors include IT, healthcare, research, energy and finance. Express Entry provides a route for eligible skilled workers seeking permanent residence.

Canada also provides employment benefits, including parental leave and paid vacation.

The main challenge is the cost of housing, transport and other expenses, especially in cities such as Toronto and Vancouver.

7. UAE

The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offers opportunities in technology, real estate, tourism, finance, manufacturing and other sectors.

The country has no personal income tax and has a large expatriate workforce. It also offers visa options for professionals, investors, skilled workers and freelancers.

The UAE provides a one-year renewable virtual work visa and longer-term options such as the Golden Visa and Green Visa.

Workers should also consider the country’s social norms and the high temperatures experienced during the summer months.

8. Denmark

Denmark is an option for people who place work-life balance among their priorities.

Its employment sectors include green energy, biotechnology, agriculture, research, childcare and teaching.

The country has a standard 37-hour working week and provides social benefits, including subsidised childcare and universal healthcare.

However, living costs are high, while cold weather and limited sunlight during parts of the year may affect people moving from warmer countries.

9. Portugal

Portugal has attracted remote workers, freelancers and digital nomads through visa routes that allow people to live in the country while working for foreign employers or clients.

The technology, tourism, customer service and creative sectors also provide employment opportunities.

The D8 Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers and requires proof of income. Portugal also offers the D7 visa and a Job Seeker Visa for people seeking other routes to live and work there.

Lisbon and Porto have large international communities, while the Algarve and Silver Coast offer alternatives outside the main cities.

Applicants should note that immigration processing has faced delays.

10. Cambodia

Cambodia offers a lower-cost option for people working abroad, particularly remote workers and digital nomads.

Its major sectors include tourism, agriculture, textiles and English teaching. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have established expatriate communities.

Locally employed foreigners often work in education, development and tourism, while remote workers can use Cambodia as a base if they already have an income source.