If you are thinking about working outside your country, it is natural for your first question to be: what is the best country where I can find a job opportunity?
But the answer is not the same for everyone. The country that suits someone with vocational training and experience in construction may not be the same one that suits an engineer, a nurse or an information technology specialist.
So, in this guide from Forsa Work, we will compare a group of countries that offer official routes for employing foreign workers, focusing on the nature of the opportunities, the working conditions, and how suitable each country is for different categories of jobseekers.
If you are at the start of your search for a job outside your country, I recommend first reading Working Abroad: A Complete Guide to Finding an International Job, where you will find the steps for searching for jobs, the most important conditions and documents, and how to verify job offers before applying.
Note: The word "best" in this article does not mean there is an official global ranking of countries; rather, we compare them based on the existence of clear work routes for foreigners, the diversity of opportunities, and how suitable each country is for different categories of jobseekers.
What Should You Consider Before Choosing a Country to Work In?
Before choosing the country where you want to work, do not look at the salary alone. There is a set of factors that can completely change your decision.
The most important are:
- Demand for your profession.
- The salary level compared with living costs.
- Availability of opportunities for foreign workers.
- Conditions for obtaining a work permit.
- The need for the language.
- The level of experience required.
- Recognition of certificates and qualifications.
- The cost of housing and living.
- The duration of the employment contract.
- The possibility of obtaining legal residence.
That is why it is better to first ask yourself: which country suits my profession and qualifications? And not just: which country offers the highest salary?
Best Countries to Work Abroad for Foreigners in 2026
1. Germany
Germany is one of the important options for foreigners who have professional qualifications or practical experience, especially after the changes introduced by the Skilled Immigration Act.
Germany offers several routes for foreign workers, and some categories can apply for the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) in order to look for work inside Germany under specific conditions.
For those who receive a job offer, there are different types of work visas depending on qualifications and professional status.
For more information, you can refer to the official website:
Make it in Germany – The Official Website for Working in Germany
Particularly suitable for: skilled workers, people with vocational training, engineers, specialists, and some people with practical experience.
2. Canada
Canada is one of the countries that aims to attract workers and professionals who have skills and experience its labour market needs.
In 2026, the Canadian government announced new and renewed categories under the Express Entry system, including fields such as transport, healthcare and social services, education, skilled trades, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), in addition to other categories.
This does not mean that everyone who works in these fields will automatically get an opportunity, as each programme and category has its own conditions.
The Canadian government also provides official information about working, work permits and immigration programmes.
Government of Canada – Work and Work Permits
Express Entry Categories Targeted in 2026
Particularly suitable for: people with professional experience, some workers in in-demand trades, specialists, and people with suitable language skills.
3. Italy
Italy deserves an important place in the list of countries where foreigners look for job opportunities, especially because of its system of entry quotas for foreign workers.
According to the official programme for the period 2026–2028, a total of 164,850 foreign workers residing outside Italy was set for the year 2026, for seasonal and non-seasonal work and self-employment, with set quotas depending on the type of work and certain categories.
The existence of the quota system makes Italy different from some other countries, because the entry of foreign workers is subject to a set number of places and official procedures.
This makes it an important country for people looking for seasonal work and some types of non-seasonal jobs, but you must follow the official dates, quotas and procedures.
The Official Source on Foreign Worker Quotas in Italy
Particularly suitable for: seasonal workers and some trades and sectors that fall within the quota system.
4. France
France is one of the European countries that provide opportunities for foreigners, but working there is subject to legal conditions and procedures linked to the work permit and residence.
In some cases, a worker coming from outside the European Economic Area needs a work permit before obtaining the appropriate visa, and the procedures differ depending on the type of job and professional status.
So it is not enough to find a job offer in France; you must make sure the job and the employer meet the conditions required to employ a foreign worker.
France-Visas – Salaried Work in France
Particularly suitable for: people with experience, some specialised trades, and people who have a good level of French.
5. Netherlands
The Netherlands is an attractive option, especially for specialists and highly skilled workers.
The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) explains that a highly skilled migrant needs a residence permit, and that the employer must be an organisation recognised by the IND, in addition to meeting income requirements and other conditions.
So the Netherlands is a good option for some specialists, but it is not necessarily the easiest country for everyone looking for a job without qualifications or experience.
IND – Highly Skilled Workers in the Netherlands
Particularly suitable for: specialists, workers in technical fields, and experienced professionals.
6. Spain
Spain offers legal routes for employing foreign workers, including the temporary residence and work permit for employment by an employer.
The permit procedures usually start with the employer or the authorised party, in accordance with the conditions and procedures in force.
This means a jobseeker from outside Spain usually needs to find an employer willing to hire them and complete the required procedures.
Spanish Ministry of Inclusion – Work Permit for Employment by an Employer
Particularly suitable for: people who have a genuine job offer from a Spanish company, and some trades and sectors that need workers.
7. United Arab Emirates
The UAE is one of the leading Arab destinations for jobseekers, with a diverse market covering sectors such as services, trade, tourism, construction, technology and various professional fields.
The UAE government provides an official platform containing information about residence for work, visa types and the related procedures.
For the jobseeker, it is important to make sure that recruitment and residence procedures are carried out under the official system, and not to rely on unreliable promises from intermediaries.
The Official Platform of the UAE Government
Particularly suitable for: people with experience, workers and professionals in the services, construction, tourism, trade and specialised fields.
8. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is one of the most important labour markets in the region for foreign workers, with opportunities in many sectors and professions.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development provides official services related to work visas through the Qiwa platform, including issuing visas in accordance with the set conditions and procedures.
But the jobseeker must check the contract details, the employer and the visa type before travelling.
Saudi Ministry of Human Resources – Work Visa Services
Particularly suitable for: workers, professionals and people with experience in multiple sectors.
9. Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the countries with high wage levels, but at the same time it is not one of the easiest countries for workers coming from outside the European Union or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
The Swiss authorities explain that the procedures for employing citizens of countries outside the EU and EFTA go through the employer and the competent authorities, and applications are subject to specific criteria.
So you should not choose Switzerland just because salaries there are high. For an applicant from outside Europe, competition and conditions can be stricter.
Swiss Authorities – Work Procedures for Non-EU/EFTA Citizens
Particularly suitable for: specialists and people with in-demand qualifications and experience, and not necessarily people looking for general jobs without experience.
A Quick Comparison of the Best Countries to Work Abroad
The following list helps you get an initial idea of the nature of each labour market, while you should always check the official conditions before applying.
- Germany: Multiple routes for skilled workers — Best suited for: people with training and experience.
- Canada: Categories targeting specific professions and skills — Best suited for: professionals and people with experience.
- Italy: A quota system for foreign workers — Best suited for: seasonal workers and some trades.
- France: Work routes linked to a work permit — Best suited for: professionals and people with experience.
- Netherlands: A route for highly skilled workers — Best suited for: specialists.
- Spain: Employing foreigners through the employer — Best suited for: people with job offers.
- UAE: A diverse labour market — Best suited for: workers and professionals.
- Saudi Arabia: A large labour market for foreigners — Best suited for: workers and professionals.
- Switzerland: High wages and stricter conditions — Best suited for: specialists and people with experience.
What Are the Best Countries for Working Without Experience?
There is no country that can be said to guarantee a job for people who have no experience.
But some markets contain sectors where beginners may find more opportunities than elsewhere, such as:
- Agriculture and seasonal work.
- Hotels and restaurants.
- Cleaning.
- Warehouses.
- Some factory work.
- Services.
- Some manual trades.
Here, you must distinguish between a job that does not require much experience and a job that can be obtained easily from outside the country. Even simple jobs may need an employer willing to hire a foreign worker and complete the legal procedures.
What Are the Best Countries for Workers and Tradespeople?
If you have vocational training or practical experience, Germany may be one of the important options because of the routes that have expanded for skilled workers and people with practical experience.
And if you work in a field that is in demand in Canada, Canada can also be a good option, especially with the categories targeting specific professions in 2026.
As for Italy, it deserves the attention of workers looking for opportunities that fall within the annual quota system for seasonal and non-seasonal work.
So, if you have a profession or a trade, it is better to start by looking for the country that needs your profession instead of looking only for the country with the highest salary.
What Are the Best Countries for Specialists?
For specialists and people with experience, the options differ depending on the field.
For example, the Netherlands has an official route for highly skilled workers, but the employer must be recognised by the IND and the income requirements and others must be met.
In Germany there are also routes for skilled workers and people with qualifications and practical experience, while Canada in 2026 targets a range of professional fields through Express Entry categories.
So, if you are a specialist, it is better to start by looking for the country that needs your specialisation instead of looking only for the country with the highest salary.
Does a High Salary Mean the Country Is Better?
Not necessarily.
You may find a job with a high salary, but the costs of housing, food, transport, insurance and taxes may also be high.
So, when comparing job offers, try to calculate the amount that can remain for you after basic expenses.
You should also know whether the employer provides housing, whether health insurance is available, how many working hours there are, and whether the contract is temporary or long-term.
How Do You Choose the Right Country for You?
You can use this simple method:
- Identify your profession and experience.
- Look for the countries that need this profession.
- Check the conditions for employing foreigners.
- Search for job offers from trusted sources.
- Compare the salary with living costs.
- Check the visa and work permit conditions on the government website.
- Do not pay any intermediary before verifying the legitimacy of the offer and the services provided.
This way, choosing the country is based on your professional and personal situation, not on a general list of the best countries.
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Country to Work In
One of the most common mistakes jobseekers make is focusing on the salary alone.
Other mistakes include:
- Choosing a country because someone else succeeded there.
- Ignoring the visa conditions.
- Not researching the demand for your profession.
- Relying on old salary figures.
- Accepting a contract whose terms you do not understand.
- Paying large sums to an unknown intermediary.
- Believing that getting a contract means the visa is guaranteed.
- Travelling before confirming the legal status for working.
Why Do We Rely on Official Sources at Forsa Work?
Keen to provide more accurate information and help jobseekers make decisions based on reliable information, Forsa Work relies on referring to the official websites of governments, institutions and companies when discussing work conditions, visas, work permits and application procedures.
Our goal is to provide practical information that helps people looking for a job opportunity abroad understand the options available to them, while directing them to the official source so they can check the latest conditions before making any decision.
Warning: Work and visa conditions, quotas and procedures can change. So you should always check the country's official source before submitting an application, paying any fees or making a decision to travel.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Countries to Work Abroad
What Is the Best Country to Work Abroad in 2026?
There is no single country that is best for everyone. The choice depends on the profession, experience, language, legal conditions and living costs. Germany and Canada are among the important options for some skilled workers and people with experience, while there are other options such as Italy, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland depending on the type of work.
What Is the Best Country for Working Without Experience?
No country guarantees a job without experience, but there are sectors in some countries that can provide opportunities for beginners, such as agriculture, hotels, warehouses and some services.
Is Germany Suitable for Foreign Workers?
Yes, Germany has multiple official routes for skilled workers and some people with practical experience, and some immigration routes have been expanded through the Skilled Immigration Act.
Is Canada Looking for Foreign Workers in 2026?
Canada is targeting a number of professional categories in 2026 under the Express Entry system, including healthcare and social services, education, skilled trades, transport and STEM, in addition to other categories. But each category has its own conditions.
Is Switzerland Easy for Workers From Outside Europe?
Not necessarily easy. There are more restrictive conditions for citizens of countries outside the European Union and EFTA, and the employer and the competent authorities are involved in the work permit procedures.
Does Getting an Employment Contract Mean Getting the Visa?
Not necessarily. The employment contract can be part of the procedures for obtaining a work permit or visa, but the final decision is subject to the country's conditions and the competent authorities.
Article Summary
Choosing the best country to work abroad should not be based on salary alone. The right country for you is the one that matches your profession and experience, provides genuine opportunities for foreigners, and allows you to obtain a legal status for working.
In 2026, Germany, Canada, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Spain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Switzerland stand out as different options, but each country has its own conditions and routes.
If you have vocational training or experience, some European countries may suit you. If you are looking for opportunities in the Gulf, the UAE or Saudi Arabia may be options worth researching. And if your profession is among the fields Canada is targeting, there may be other routes worth studying.
At Forsa Work, we will continue to provide guides about countries, professions, jobs and visas, focusing on practical information and referring to official sources so that jobseekers are better able to make an informed decision.