Not so long ago, it was almost impossible for anyone to move to another country and work abroad for an extended period of time, but thanks to various agreements between countries and an increasingly digital and computerised world, it is now not impossible to try out new experiences in other countries around the world.
The ongoing pandemic has also contributed to an increasing number of companies choosing to allow their employees to work from home, and countries that used to enjoy tourists all year round are now opening up to freelancers and digital nomads who want to live in another country but continue their regular job from home, or rather work from a beach or an internet café on the other side of the world.
You may also want to try a new experience or take a gap year between studies to travel and get to know a new language and culture.
Many countries around the world offer both Working Holiday Visas or Remote Work Visas for young people or people who want to change their environment and work in another country for more than 3 months.
We have listed 10 destinations around the world where you, as a Swedish citizen, can live and work for up to one year.
Job vacancies abroad
- Hotel jobs, Tourism
- Cyprus, Greece, Spain
- Adventure jobs, Hotel jobs, Tourism
- Bulgaria, Croatia, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey
1. Caribbean
There is no Working Holiday Visa for the Caribbean but you can apply for a Remote Work Visa, or a Digital Nomad Visa, as it is also called. This visa allows you to live and work in the Caribbean if you can prove that your job is online and that your income comes from another country. The positive thing about this visa is that there is no age limit so practically anyone can apply. The visa is valid for 6 months up to 2 years, depending on the country, and has been developed mostly to boost the economy of these countries as they have been hit hard by the lack of tourism due to the covid pandemic.
What is required to obtain a visa
- You must be able to prove that you work online and support yourself
- Have comprehensive health insurance
- Cost from 200$ USD to 2 000$ USD
Countries in the Caribbean that offer Remote Work Visa:
- Anguilla
- Antigua
- Barbados
- Bahamas
- Bermuda
- Caymanöarna
- Curaçao
- Montserrat
Advantages
- Good weather pretty much all year round
- You have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world
- You can do water sports, snorkelling and surfing
- Beautiful beaches
- Peaceful and relaxed environment
Disadvantages
- You’re kind of stuck on an island. There’s not much more to see than… the sea.
- Hurricane season some months of the year
- Expensive food
What you can do in the Caribbean
If you’re already working from home, it’s the perfect opportunity if you’re looking for a change and to experience another country. If you’re a freelancer, blogger, influencer or yes, pretty much anything as long as you make a living working online and can work from anywhere in the world.
2. Australien
Are you keen to explore the Australian outback or dive the Great Barrier Reef while working in the country? If you are between 18-30 years old, you have the opportunity to do this with a Working Holiday Visa. As well as being a popular destination with many exciting and unique destinations, Australia is also a great country to work in with a good work-life balance. The largest source of income in Australia is the service industry, followed by agriculture and industrial production.
What is required to obtain a visa
- You should be between 18-30 years old when you apply
- You have an upper secondary education
- You are a Swedish citizen and have a valid passport
- You have a return ticket or sufficient financial means to buy one
- You have sufficient financial means for the first period in the country (5 000$ AUD)
- You are in good health
- You cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months as the reason for this visa is to travel (work to finance your travel).
- The price is 495$ AUD but it can vary from year to year
Advantages
- Good living standards and good healthcare
- Good jobs and salaries
- Lots to do and see in the country
- Diverse nature and landscape
Disadvantages
It is far away and isolated from other countries
- Large distances. Sometimes you can drive for hours to get to the nearest town
- It can get very hot, up to 50 degrees centigrade in summer, and large fires are common
- Expensive and a bit tricky to find accommodation
Monthly living costs without rent: 847€
What you can do in Australia
During your stay in Australia, you can work on a farm or in fishing, arboriculture and agriculture. In larger cities, you can apply for jobs in various restaurants, bars or work in hotels. There are also international companies here like Google, Deloitte and Microsoft.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the most equal and least corrupt countries in the world. You’ll also find a perfect work-life balance here. An excellent climate and beautiful and different landscapes are what await you in New Zealand. You can visit beautiful beaches, fjords and ski resorts. Like Australia, New Zealand is also a multicultural, open and tolerant country, and offers a Working Holiday Visa to young people who want to work and travel in the country.
What is required to obtain a visa
- You are a Swedish citizen and have a valid passport
- You are between 18-30 years old
- You have sufficient financial means to support yourself during the first period in the country (NZD 4 200)
- You have a return ticket or sufficient financial means to buy one
- You have comprehensive health insurance for the duration of your stay
- You can work for the same employer for 12 months
The visa is valid for 1 year and cannot be renewed.
You can also apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa to New Zealand if you have a higher education qualification and work experience. The award of the visa is based on age, work experience, qualifications. There is also an age limit of 55 years maximum.
Advantages
- A progressive and modern government that promotes children’s futures and gender equality
- One of the least corrupt and safest countries in the world
- Good living and working conditions
Disadvantages
- Few job opportunities. The labour market in New Zealand does not offer many options and many of its residents are often forced to move to other countries to look for work
- Housing market is expensive, especially in major cities
- The country is isolated from the rest of the world
- Many mosquitoes and insects in summer
What you can do in New Zealand
In New Zealand, you can do lots of things with a Working Holiday Visa. You could work on a farm helping with the animals or you could pick berries. You could also work in the service industry in hotels, restaurants or bars. If you’re good at extreme sports, you could apply for a job as a ski instructor at a ski resort.
If you want to stay longer in New Zealand and work here, you can apply for another visa on the spot (Temporary Visa or Skilled Migrant Visa). With these visas you have more work opportunities and don’t have to worry about age limits. New Zealand is in need of skilled workers, especially engineers and teachers, and welcomes skilled workers into the country. A Working Holiday Visa can be a good opportunity to explore the country and see if it’s right for you and if you want to stay here for a longer period.
4. Cambodia
Imagine big, mysterious temples à la Tomb Raider and an exciting culture to discover. Cambodia is a detour in Asia and as well as being a popular destination for many backpackers travelling around Southeast Asia, in recent years it has also become a popular destination for digital nomads or people working from home. Cambodians are often described as hospitable and friendly and living here is very cheap.
The country offers a Business Visa that can be extended and costs 300$ for one year.
What is required to obtain a visa
- A valid passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Comprehensive health insurance
- A credit card
Advantages
- Good climate all year round
- It is cheap to live here
- Good and fast internet connection
- The possibility to rent a coworking space
Disadvantages
- Bad roads and poor public transport
- A corrupt country
- Standard of living is worse than what you are used to at home
What you can do in Cambodia
If you’re a digital nomad, freelancer or already working from home, you have the opportunity to work in Cambodia. The cost of living is low and there are now many coworking spaces in the major cities that offer cheap premises from $5 a day. If you don’t want to rent a space, you can always sit in an internet café and work from there. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for as little as $200 a month if you stick to apartments that are slightly outside the big cities.
5. Germany
With one of the world’s leading economies, Germany is the perfect country to work in if you want to pursue a career but still enjoy your free time. Germany is also Europe’s largest country and home to many large and important industries. Of course, it depends on what you want to work in, but in Frankfurt and Hamburg, for example, industries are concentrated in banking and export/import (the port of Hamburg is one of the oldest and largest), while in the south of the country you have most of the major automotive industries.
In Germany, you can also enjoy a good work-life balance with plenty of holidays and a lot of time off. On Sundays, most things are closed and you’re not allowed to do too much either as there is something called ‘ruhezeit’ which basically means you’re not allowed to make noise and disturb others after certain hours of the day. You’re almost forced to take it easy or go out and do other things. Sounds perfect for resting, doesn’t it?
What is required to obtain a visa
- EU nationals do not need a visa or work permit to work in Germany
- If you want to stay for more than 3 months, you must register in the municipality where you live
Advantages
- Good standard of living
- Strong economy and many job opportunities
- Good work-life balance
- Long parental leave
- Lots to see and do in the country
- Most people speak English
- It is less expensive to live here than many people think. Much cheaper than other big cities like Milan, Paris and London
Disadvantages
- You can’t go food shopping on Sundays
- Although many people speak English, you should learn German if you want to continue living and working in the country
- Germans don’t always like to socialise so it can be a bit tricky to make friends here
This is what you can do in Germany:
If you have a university degree and speak German, it is much easier to find a job here but Germany has something for everyone so it is not impossible. In Germany you have many industries and many international and domestic companies. You can work in the aerospace and automotive industries, or in IT and media, but also in research.
6. Denmark
The Scandinavian country was recently voted one of the best countries in the world to live and work in, thanks to an excellent standard of living, a short 4-day working week and high salaries.
If you work in Denmark, you’ll also have plenty of holidays and time off to travel around and explore the country properly. Denmark offers many beautiful landscapes and a lot of beaches (wherever you are in the country, you will never be more than 30 minutes away from the sea).
What is required to obtain a visa
- As a Swedish citizen, you do not need a work permit or visa to work in Denmark
- After 3 months you must apply for an opholsdokument
- When you apply for the permit, you must attach a copy of your employment certificate
Advantages
- Good living standards and pay
- Shorter working week
- Cycling is popular in Denmark and most people get around by bike
- Clean and beautiful nature
Disadvantages
- Bad weather
- Living in Denmark is expensive, especially in Copenhagen
- Monthly cost of living without rent: 930€
What you can do in Denmark
- Unemployment in Denmark is relatively low, at around 5%. You can work in the pharmaceutical industry, the iron and steel industry, but also the textile industry.
- They employ workers who specialise in engineering, IT programming and healthcare. Well-known Danish companies include Pandora, Carlsberg, Lego and Ecco.
7. Japan
If you’re looking for a different experience and a completely different culture, Japan could be the country for you. The land of the sunrise is also one of the world’s largest economies and exports.
Japan is also an interesting country to explore with a great history and culture, so you’ll have plenty to see and do here. Major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka offer plenty of neon lights and karaoke, while other cities such as Kyoto and Hiroshima have many sights and historical landmarks that are a must-see when visiting Japan.
With a Working Holiday Visa, you can work and travel in Japan for up to 12 months.
What is required to obtain a visa
- You are between 18-30 years old
- You are a Swedish citizen
- You are in good health
- You have comprehensive health insurance for the duration of your stay
- You have sufficient financial means to support yourself during the first period in the country (200 000 Yen)
- You have a return ticket or sufficient financial means to buy one
Advantages
- A safe country
- Friendly inhabitants
- Good standard of living
- Lots to do and experience
- You can learn Japanese
- Japanese people like teamwork
Disadvantages
- If you want to live and work in Japan, you need to learn Japanese. Not many people speak English
- Perfectionists. In the workplace, everything has to be perfect
- Long working hours
- Hierarchical environment where it is difficult to make a career
- Foreigners will always be foreigners. It is difficult to adapt to Japanese society
What you can do in Japan
Japan is still a fairly closed country when it comes to foreign workers, but this is changing and more and more companies have started to hire employees from other countries. Previously, it was a requirement to speak good Japanese to even be invited for an interview, but nowadays you are accepted if you have a basic level. It is also easier to find a job if you are already in Japan and have already adapted a little to the country and culture.
The best time to look for a job is in spring or after the summer. If you have a university degree and a lot of work experience, you are more likely to find a job in Japan.
Jobs available in Japan for foreign nationals:
- Teachers (mainly English teachers)
- In the financial market
- IT
- In the restaurant and service industry
- In the tourism industry
8. Mauritius
Do you dream of white sandy beaches and dipping your toes in the sea after a long day at work? Mark Twain said that God created Mauritius first and then heaven, as heaven is a copy of Mauritius.
The African island is known for being multicultural and peaceful. It’s also a well-developed country with a stable economy and free public healthcare and education.
You can apply for a Premium Visa, which is valid for 1 year but can be extended, and is free of charge. There are now a good number of coworking spaces and internet cafés where you can work from.
What is required to obtain a visa
- You must prove that you are working online for another country
- You do not intend to apply for a job in Mauritius
- Have comprehensive travel insurance
- Show that you can support yourself
Advantages
- Bra klimat
- Stadig ekonomi och säkert land
- Kulturrikt land med en multinationell befolkning
- God och varierande mat
- Många expats som lever här
Disadvantages
- Mauritius is for those looking for a laid-back style. There is no lively nightlife here
- Living here is relatively expensive compared to other African countries
- You’ll need to take a flight if you want to go to another country
What you can do in Mauritius
The point of a Premium Visa is that you should already have a job and a fixed income from another country. In Mauritius you have fast internet connection and a lot of new coworking spaces from 15$ a day if you want to rent a room and work together with other digital nomads. This visa is suitable for those who work from home (translators, freelancers, writers etc).
9. Czech Republic
The Eastern European country is considered one of the best countries to work in for expats. Since joining the EU in 2004, the Czech economy has grown enormously, mostly thanks to its strategic position in Europe between Germany and Russia. There are also many international companies based here that are constantly looking for new employees from all over the world.
Since the fall of communism, the country has specialised in industrial production in various fields such as the automotive industry, pharmaceutical production, steel production and beer production.
What is required to obtain a visa
- As a Swedish citizen, you do not need a work permit or visa to live and work in the Czech Republic.
- After 3 months, you must apply for a residence permit from the police (this is not compulsory, but it is recommended)
- You can enter and stay in the country with a valid passport or ID card
Advantages
- Living in the Czech Republic is cheap
- You can visit many countries in Europe from the Czech Republic as it is in a central location.
- There is plenty to do here. You can go beer tasting, visit museums and go skiing in winter
- There are many job opportunities in the Czech Republic if you are an EU citizen
- Most people here speak English
Disadvantages
- Czech is not an easy language to learn. If you want to live and work in the country for a long time, you may want to learn some Czech
- There is corruption in the country
- Bureaucracy and long waiting times
What you can do in the Czech Republic
If you decide to move to the Czech Republic to look for work, you have many options to choose from. In addition, if you have a higher education, you have a better chance of finding a good, well-paid job.
In the Czech Republic, you can work in the automotive industry, the pharmaceutical industry or in tourism. You’ll also find multinational companies such as Skoda, Tesco, Amazon and Microsoft here. Many companies also offer the possibility to work from home.
If you’re looking to start your own business in the Czech Republic, there are opportunities in research, importing luxury goods and the catering industry, especially new sectors such as vegan or foreign food. The state applies a flat tax of 15% for all those who live and work regularly in the Czech Republic.
10. Portugal
A pleasant climate all year round and a laidback atmosphere is what awaits you in Portugal. The southern European country has in recent years become a paradise for digital nomads and retirees who have been able to enjoy tax breaks and great value for money.
Tourism is one of the country’s main sources of income, but the textile industry is also big here, especially in the north of the country where there are factories that have specialised for centuries in the production of certain fabrics such as linen.
Another positive aspect of working in Portugal (besides good food and lots of sunshine) is that the country is part of the EU, so you don’t need a visa or work permit to work or live here.
What is required to obtain a visa
- You can travel to Portugal with a valid passport or ID card
- If you want to stay for more than 3 months, you must register and you will receive a registration certificate (cost €15). The certificate is valid for 5 years
- You must be able to prove that you work in Portugal or have an income from another country
- have health insurance (the European Health Insurance Card is sufficient)
Advantages
- Warm climate and friendly people
- Beautiful beaches
- Cheap to live in Portugal
- Tax reduction for certain incomes
- Peaceful lifestyle
- Good and varied food
Disadvantages
- Not everyone speaks English
- Bureaucracy
- Sometimes things move too slowly
- Old and poorly insulated flats
- It can get too hot in summer (40 degrees)
What you can do in Portugal
Portugal has experienced high unemployment and many young people in the country have had to move to find a job, but there are some opportunities for those with a higher education or who speak several languages.
Many companies are looking for skilled workers in software programming and IT, while new jobs in customer service have started to appear recently. Tourism is also very important in Portugal and seasonal jobs can be found in various resorts and hotels around the country.
You can also start your own business here and the government has invested heavily in tax breaks for new businesses and start-ups. If you work from home or as a freelancer, you can also continue to do this in Portugal.
