5. Netherlands
Insider Monkey Average Score: 4
Providing a high quality of life with low living costs and taxes, the Netherlands has become a magnet for expats. It is an extremely easy choice for a work visa, particularly for residents of countries like the US, Australia, South Korea, and others, who are exempt from standard immigration visa requirements. Only a residence permit is required, which can be easily obtained upon moving to the country. The Netherlands is especially welcoming to entrepreneurs, including scientists, designers, innovators, and inventors, offering a one-year residency for start-up ideas. After this period, a self-employed work permit can be obtained. Tech, energy, academia, and research fields present excellent career opportunities for expats.
4. Germany
Insider Monkey Average Score: 4
With a large and prosperous economy, this European nation is a favorite destination for skilled expats within the European Union area. Germany’s Blue Card System is specifically designed to attract skilled workers from non-EU countries, offering an easy way to obtain a work visa for individuals in various sectors, including IT, engineering, and healthcare. Germany’s Right to Residence and other friendly immigration laws have paved the way for easy legal access for moving to the country and finding work. The process is even more straightforward for workers from EU, EEA, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the USA. They only need to apply for a residence permit for work, which can be done after moving to the country, and an employment offer is not required. However, residents from other countries do need a work visa.
The country provides various forms of work visas for freelancers and entrepreneurs, including an ‘artist visa.’ A recent program called ‘opportunity card’ allows workers to move to the country and look for work without requiring an employment offer letter. Working holiday visas and working as an Au Pair (for youngsters who wish to learn German culture and language) are other avenues for obtaining a work visa.
3. Cambodia
Insider Monkey Average Score: 4
Cambodia has been hailed as one of the easiest countries to obtain a work visa, especially a digital nomad visa and a business visa (which can be renewed indefinitely and does not require a sponsor but does need a work permit). While freelancing and remote work are the most popular forms of employment, jobs in tourism and teaching (TEFL) can also be obtained. Many expats have been enticed to this country due to its low living costs and friendly visa schemes. There are two main types of work visas in the country: temporary and permanent; however, the temporary visa is much easier to obtain. The average cost of a work visa is about $100.
2. Australia
Insider Monkey Average Score: 5
Australia is one of the most sought-after places for immigrants hoping for a high standard of life and a great work-life balance. The country offers many work visas, including a working tourist visa and work visas through SkillSelect. The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and employer-sponsored visas are possible avenues for work visas in the country. Working holiday visas, as well as visas for individuals falling under the categories of self-employed and Business Talent visas, can also be obtained. The work visa process is even smoother and easier for skilled professionals, and programs like regional sponsorship aim to settle them in low-populated areas with added benefits and incentives. The average cost of a work visa stands at $226.
1. New Zealand
Insider Monkey Average Score: 5
New Zealand is known for its smooth visa process, placing it at the top of countries for obtaining easy work visas in the world. Skilled Migrant Visa, Essential Skills Work Visas, Entrepreneurship Work Visas, and working holiday visas are some of the avenues through which expats can gain entry into the country. With high demand for skilled workers in industries like IT, engineering, healthcare, and construction, the country’s immigration policies are extremely friendly.