An expat lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular. More people are ready for this adventure each year. The number of people living outside their birth country exceeds 300 million in 2025, and this number continues to rise. The benefits of being an expat are obvious – you can explore new cultures, meet new people, and experience life from a fresh perspective.
However, the expat type of living also has enough challenges. The biggest struggle for many expats is the job search in a foreign country. At first glance, digitalization has greatly simplified it – the Internet provides access to global job markets and offers endless employment opportunities. But this is where different obstacles pop up - work permit requirements in foreign countries, language barriers, and complicated local hiring laws. How can you break through it all and find your dream job as an expat? Let’s discover it together!
Employment challenges expats face
You may have read many success stories about people who happily moved to a new country. Yet not all of them honestly share their path before things stabilized in a new place. Every country has its nuances, but almost everywhere, you will inevitably face the following:
Work permits and visa restrictions.
These are often the biggest problems for expats. Many countries prefer local talent, and obtaining a work visa is difficult. For instance, in the European Union, a non-EU citizen needs sponsorship from an employer to get a work visa. Australia and Canada have specific points-based immigration systems that favor skilled workers, but the approval process is very complicated. In Japan, a company must prove they could not find a local candidate before hiring a foreign one. So, it's a must to research the employment climate and rules in your desired destination.
Differences in job application and hiring processes.
The hiring process is different in almost all countries. In the US, resumes are usually short and don’t include personal details. But in some European countries (Spain or France) CVs often include a photo, age and marital status. In the UK, you submit a CV and cover letter directly to an employer. However, in many parts of Asia, it’s enough to share your resume in your networking community to find a job. Even interviews differ – these are casual and friendly in the US but very formal in South Korea.
Language and cultural barriers.
English is used in many workplaces, but it’s not always enough. For example, in Germany, many businesses demand proficiency in German, especially if you directly interact with clients or customers. Even if the job is in English, you must understand local workplace etiquette. In the US, people tend to express their thoughts openly and confidently. In contrast, in Japan, they prefer a more polite and careful way of communication.
5-step strategy for expat job seekers
If you are not afraid of the above and are determined to move, you need to prepare for your job search carefully. Don’t rely on your luck, be proactive. Here is what you should do:
1. Improve your online presence
2. Research the local job market
3. Study international job platforms
4. Embrace technology
5. Network and upskill
6. Start with remote jobs before you move
7. Join local expat communities
8. Set up a local bank account
9. Work on your soft skills 
Improve your online presence
You must be visible online if you want to be noticed. Many employers use global platforms to attract talent, for example, LinkedIn. Refresh your LinkedIn profile and optimize it for your desired job market. Show your experience, skills, and language proficiencies. You may even attach a link to your portfolio to demonstrate your past projects. This allows potential employers to learn more about you apart from the traditional job application.
Also, create profiles on Glassdoor and Indeed - recruiters often find candidates for hire there. You may also join groups or forums within your industry. A strong online presence multiplies your chances for successful employment. 
Research the local job market
When you have chosen the country you want to move to, take time to research its job market. Each country has its own job trends, salary expectations, and industries in demand. Tech jobs may have a higher demand in Germany or the UK, and there are more tourism-related vacancies in Italy and Spain.
Check local job boards, recruitment agencies, and even government websites to better understand the labor market. Talk to people around - they can give you valuable advice on salary ranges or what skills are most desired. You will also find a lot of information on salaries on Payscale. It will help you evaluate offers and negotiate better terms. 
Study international job platforms
After you understand what’s trending locally, take a wider look. Here are a few resources:
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Europe Language Jobs is a job board that offers multilingual positions across Europe.
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Expatica Jobs connects job seekers with employers in different countries.
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Workana is great for freelancers in Latin America, and it also offers remote jobs worldwide.
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AngelList is recommended for those interested in tech startups.
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RemoteOK focuses on a wide range of remote jobs for everyone.
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We Work Remotely lists remote jobs in marketing, design, and programming.
Don’t post one and the same resume on each platform – adjust it to match the site’s tone and rules. 
Embrace technology
You will need to process a lot of information when looking for a job, so consider automation to speed things up. There are plenty of apps to streamline your search and keep your work organized. Use JobScan to compare your resume with job descriptions. If you need help with the local language, you will find Google Translate or DeepL helpful. Don’t forget about video interviews -many companies use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet.
It’s also a good idea to stay organized. If you are already freelancing or working remotely, CRM systems and invoicing software will help you move your working routine to any place with no effort and access all your information from anywhere. 
Network and upskill
Networking often brings unexpectedly good results. Attend virtual events, webinars, and conferences related to your industry. Look for professional communities where you can meet locals and other expats in your professional sphere. Networking provides insider information about job openings and the overall hiring situation in the country where you move.
Keep learning whenever you are. Luckily, today, it’s accessible as never before. Thousands of online courses are available on Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning. Learn and get new certificates to become more competitive. Upskilling is a proven path to better offers and higher salaries. You can master a new language or a software tool – endless possibilities.
Additional tips for expat job hunters
A successful expat must learn to make the most of any opportunity. Usually, you will not find full-time employment from the start. So, use your free time wisely. 
Start with a remote job before you move.
If you can, try to find a remote job well before your relocation. This way, you will have a steady income when you start in a new country. This adventure can be expensive, and finding local work may take time, so some financial security will make the transition much smoother. If you are a freelancer, Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal can help you build a client base before you move. This is a great way to get some income before you find something better in the local job market. 
Join local expat communities.
Other expats can help you a lot. Many have already gone through the process and can share advice and vacancies and even introduce you to the right people. You may look for such communities on InterNations and Meetup – they host in-person and online networking events and connect you with professionals in your field. Often, expats find jobs through recommendations rather than applications. Such communities organize career workshops, language exchanges, and job fairs, which will expand your contacts. 
Set up a local bank account.
When you move abroad, find out what you need for a local bank account. Many employers or clients will ask for a local account to pay your salary or fees. You can use Payoneer or Wise payment services if you are a freelancer. These platforms allow you to receive payments in multiple currencies – it’s helpful if you have clients from different countries. They also offer lower transaction fees compared to traditional banks. 
Work on your soft skills.
What soft skills do you usually need in a new country? It’s the ability to quickly adapt, communicate in a different cultural environment, and solve problems. You face many changes when you move, and employers want to know you can handle those changes without stress. Besides, it’s important to show that you can work well with people from various cultures. And, of course, you must learn to find sometimes unrealistic solutions to different situations in a new place.
Conclusion
Expats open up amazing career and personal growth opportunities, but only a few succeed. You must learn to combine individual skills and local market knowledge. But remember to be patient, persistent, and adaptable. The rewards are amazing – endless opportunities for a better life and success.
