Your essential guide to finding work overseas
Ever dreamed of living and working overseas? We share where to start, what to know before you go, and tips from someone who’s embarked on the journey.
If the idea of living and working overseas intrigues you, you're in good company. It’s estimated at any given time, approximately one million Australians reside and work abroad.
But what’s involved in getting a job in another country, and what do you need to know before you go?
Working overseas as an Australian: where to start
Figure out where you'll go
Unless you have a specific country in mind, you might like to start by making a list of the various countries that interest you, and industries where your skills and experience are in demand.
Connect with people
Take inspiration from those who’ve travelled the expat road before you, like Celia Polkinghorne, who lived in Osaka, Japan, for close to a decade, working as a curriculum writer and editor in publishing.
- Related reading: Should I volunteer abroad?
Her advice? “The best thing you can do is join expat groups and Facebook groups before you go to ask for recommendations in advance. Especially for simple things, like doctors or hairdressers,” she says, explaining that in Japan, these services are very different to Australia.
Do some financial planning
Having a financial plan that allows a buffer can help ease the transition of moving to a foreign country. Consider the cost of living in the country you plan to live in, including the cost of housing, healthcare, and transport.
Research visas
Each country is different when it comes to visa requirements. Researching the specific visa categories, eligibility criteria, and application process for your target destination can help you understand what’s involved.
Where is the best place to work abroad as an Australian?
Australians live and work all over the world, but some of the more popular destinations for Aussies looking to move to a new country include Canada, USA, UK, New Zealand, and Japan.
For Celia, Japan was the ideal destination to fulfil a desire to live a truly ‘international life’.
“I didn't want to just go on holiday, I wanted to know what it is like to live and work in a country that was very different to Australia.”
When narrowing down where to go, things to consider include:
Your language skills
If you’re drawn to a non-English-speaking country, speaking the language will naturally enhance your job prospects. On the flip side, if you don’t speak the language it can be a difficult barrier to overcome unless you’re willing to learn.
Your ability to adapt to cultural differences
Adapting to the cultural norms of another country can be more difficult than you think. Research and preparation can go a long way in understanding and moulding to any culture.
- Related reading: The best jobs you can do while travelling
For Celia, learning the ins and outs of Japanese culture was part of the fun and unfolding of living in a new country. “Japan is wildly different to any other country," she says. "Particularly when it comes to work etiquette." For example, punctuality is crucial. “It’s a sign of respect.”
Healthcare and other services
Healthcare overseas is often very different to Australia, even somewhere like Canada. An understanding of how things work in the health system of the country you plan to move to can be more than beneficial. Something Celia says she wishes she’d thought about prior to moving to Japan, because their health insurance and pension system can be quite complex, she says.
Where to find overseas jobs
Online job portals and international recruitment agencies are both excellent places to start the job hunt. Agencies are a wealth of information and support, providing guidance and connections to employers in search of skilled workers.
But, like anything, there’s more than one way to go about finding a job overseas.
- Related reading: What do recruiters look for?
You could also seek out company-sponsored visas, or, if you work for a multinational company, express your interest in working abroad within the organisation.
When Celia decided she wanted to experience life in Japan she started by obtaining an English teaching visa, which allowed her to transition into other professional roles. “Major Japanese language institutes often conduct interview days in countries like Australia,” she says, which makes it easier to secure a job and visa before you leave home.
Do I need to tell the ATO if I move overseas?
Yes, you are required to inform the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) if you move overseas. It’s crucial for tax purposes to ensure you remain compliant with Australian taxation laws.
Do I pay tax in Australia if I work overseas?
You don’t have to pay tax in Australia while working overseas (unless you have a very high income) but you are required to file a tax return. Celia says she had no idea about this requirement.
“Initially I didn’t realise I had to file a tax return, but when the online portal became available, it was easy enough for me to do retrospectively.”
