Countries Hiring Foreign Workers: How to Apply Legally (2026 Guide)
Countries Hiring Foreign Workers in 2026 – Official Job Portals & How to Apply Legally
Looking for jobs abroad? Discover countries hiring foreign workers in 2026, official job portals, trusted employers, work visa information, and how to apply legally.
Every year, thousands of people move abroad for better job opportunities, higher salaries, and career growth. Countries such as Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and Japan continue to recruit foreign workers to fill labor shortages in industries including healthcare, construction, engineering, agriculture, hospitality, transportation, and information technology.
Unfortunately, many job seekers lose money to fake recruitment agencies and fraudulent job offers. The safest way to find a job abroad is through official government job portals, licensed recruitment agencies, or verified employers.
In this guide, you’ll find countries that are actively hiring foreign workers, the jobs in demand, official websites where you can apply, and trusted companies that regularly recruit international candidates.
Quick List of Countries: Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Portugal, Poland, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Japan.
Countries Hiring Foreign Workers: How to Apply Legally (2026 Guide)
1. Canada
Canada continues to recruit foreign workers to fill labor shortages in healthcare, construction, transportation, agriculture, hospitality, and technology. If you meet the requirements, you can apply directly from your home country through verified employers or the Canadian government job portal.
Jobs in Demand
• Registered Nurses
• Caregivers
• Truck Drivers
• Farm Workers
• Construction Workers
• Software Developers
• Electricians
• Welders
Average Salary
CAD $40,000 – $90,000+ per year (depending on the occupation and experience).
How to Apply Legally
Step 1: Check if you qualify for a Canadian work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Official Website:
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Step 2: Search for employers hiring international candidates.
Official Government Job Portal:
Canada Job Bank – Foreign Candidates
Jobs with LMIA Employers:
Canada Job Bank – Temporary Foreign Workers
Companies That Regularly Hire Foreign Workers
Expert Tip
When searching on the Canada Job Bank, filter for employers that are recruiting international candidates or positions associated with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Never pay anyone to guarantee you a Canadian job. Legitimate employers follow the official work permit process.
2. Germany
Germany is one of the best countries for skilled foreign workers. Due to an aging population and labor shortages, the country continues to recruit professionals in healthcare, engineering, construction, manufacturing, IT, and skilled trades. The German government also operates an official portal specifically for international workers.
Jobs in Demand
• Nurses and Caregivers
• Engineers
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Construction Workers
• IT Professionals
• Welders
• Mechanics
Average Salary
€30,000–€75,000+ per year (depending on your profession and experience).
Official Resources
Official Government Portal
Official Job Search
Federal Employment Agency Job Search
Work Visa Information
Companies That Hire International Workers
Expert Tip
Learning basic German (A2–B1 level) can significantly increase your chances of finding a job, especially in healthcare, construction, and skilled trades. Although some multinational companies hire English speakers, many employers prefer candidates who can communicate in German.
3. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom continues to hire foreign workers through its Skilled Worker visa program. There is strong demand in healthcare, social care, construction, engineering, hospitality, education, and information technology.
Jobs in Demand
• Nurses
• Care Workers
• Doctors
• Engineers
• Teachers
• Chefs
• Construction Workers
• Software Developers
Average Salary
£26,000–£70,000+ per year (depending on the role and experience).
Official Resources
Official Work Visa Information
Official Government Job Search
Companies That Hire Foreign Workers
• NHS Jobs
Expert Tip
Before accepting any job offer, confirm that the employer is licensed to sponsor foreign workers. You can also search specifically for employers that provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
4. Australia
Australia continues to experience labor shortages in several industries and regularly recruits qualified foreign workers through employer-sponsored and skilled migration programs.
Jobs in Demand
• Registered Nurses
• Electricians
• Carpenters
• Plumbers
• Software Engineers
• Construction Workers
• Agricultural Workers
• Chefs
Average Salary
AUD $55,000–$120,000+ per year (depending on the occupation and experience).
Official Resources
Official Work Visa Information
Australian Department of Home Affairs
Official Government Job Search
Skills Assessment Information
Companies That Hire Foreign Workers
Expert Tip
Check Australia’s Skilled Occupation List before applying. If your occupation is listed, your chances of obtaining a work visa are generally much higher.
5. Ireland
Ireland has a strong demand for foreign workers, particularly in healthcare, construction, engineering, hospitality, and information technology.
Jobs in Demand
• Nurses
• Doctors
• Engineers
• Construction Workers
• Chefs
• IT Professionals
Average Salary
€35,000–€80,000+ per year
Official Resources
Read more: Official Work Visa Information
Official Government Job Search
Companies That Hire Foreign Workers
• CRH Careers – https://www.crh.com/careers
• Ryanair Careers – https://careers.ryanair.com
• Kerry Group Careers – https://www.kerry.com/careers
• Intel Ireland Careers – https://jobs.intel.com
• Accenture Ireland Careers – https://www.accenture.com/careers
Expert Tip
Many employers require English proficiency. If your profession is on Ireland’s Critical Skills Occupations List, your chances of obtaining an employment permit are higher.
6. New Zealand
New Zealand regularly recruits overseas workers to address labor shortages in healthcare, agriculture, construction, engineering, and education.
Jobs in Demand
• Nurses
• Farmers
• Electricians
• Carpenters
• Teachers
• Engineers
Average Salary
NZD $50,000–$100,000+ per year
Official Resources
Official Work Visa Information: https://www.immigration.govt.nz
Official Government Job Search: https://jobs.govt.nz
Companies That Hire Foreign Workers
• Fonterra Careers – https://careers.fonterra.com
• AFFCO Careers – https://affco.co.nz/careers
• Downer Careers – https://jobs.downergroup.com
• Oceania Healthcare Careers – https://careers.oceaniahealthcare.co.nz
• Beca Careers – https://careers.beca.com
Expert Tip
Check New Zealand’s Green List to see if your occupation qualifies for faster immigration pathways.
7. Portugal
Portugal is becoming a popular destination for foreign workers due to its growing economy and demand in tourism, agriculture, construction, and technology.
Jobs in Demand
• Hotel Staff
• Farm Workers
• Construction Workers
• Software Developers
• Caregivers
Average Salary
€15,000–€40,000+ per year
Official Resources
Official Work Visa Information: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt
Official Government Job Search: https://iefponline.iefp.pt
Companies That Hire Foreign Workers
• Sonae Careers – https://careers.sonae.pt
• Jerónimo Martins Careers – https://www.jeronimomartins.com/en/careers
• Mota-Engil Careers – https://www.mota-engil.com/en/careers
• Accenture Portugal Careers – https://www.accenture.com/careers
Expert Tip
Basic Portuguese language skills can improve your employment opportunities, especially in customer-facing roles.
8. Poland
Poland has become one of Europe’s fastest-growing job markets, recruiting thousands of foreign workers in manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, construction, and agriculture.
Jobs in Demand
• Factory Workers
• Warehouse Operatives
• Welders
• Machine Operators
• Truck Drivers
• Construction Workers
Average Salary
PLN 60,000–120,000+ per year
Official Resources
Official Work Visa Information: https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/visas
Official Government Job Search: https://eures.ec.europa.eu
Companies That Hire Foreign Workers
• Amazon Poland Careers – https://www.amazon.jobs
• DHL Poland Careers – https://careers.dhl.com
• LG Careers – https://www.lgcareers.com
• Toyota Poland Careers – https://www.toyotapl.com
Expert Tip
Many manufacturing and warehouse jobs do not require advanced Polish language skills, making them attractive for first-time international workers.
9. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE attracts millions of foreign workers every year. Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer opportunities in hospitality, aviation, construction, healthcare, retail, and finance.
Jobs in Demand
• Hotel Staff
• Security Guards
• Construction Workers
• Nurses
• Sales Assistants
• Accountants
Average Salary
AED 30,000–180,000+ per year
Official Resources
Official Work Visa Information: https://u.ae
Official Government Job Search: https://www.dubaicareers.ae
Companies That Hire Foreign Workers
• Emirates Careers – https://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com
• Etihad Airways Careers – https://careers.etihad.com
• Emaar Careers – https://careers.emaar.com
• Majid Al Futtaim Careers – https://careers.majidalfuttaim.com
• ADNOC Careers – https://careers.adnoc.ae
Expert Tip
Never accept a job without receiving a written employment contract. Verify that your employer will sponsor your work visa before traveling.
10. Japan
Japan continues to recruit foreign workers due to its aging population and labor shortages. Opportunities are available in healthcare, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, hospitality, and food processing.
Jobs in Demand
• Caregivers
• Factory Workers
• Engineers
• Hotel Staff
• Agricultural Workers
• IT Professionals
Average Salary
JPY ¥2.5–6 million+ per year
Official Resources
Official Work Visa Information: https://www.mofa.go.jp
Official Government Job Search: https://jsite.mhlw.go.jp
Companies That Hire Foreign Workers
• Toyota Careers – https://global.toyota/en/company/profile/careers
• Panasonic Careers – https://careers.panasonic.com
• Hitachi Careers – https://careers.hitachi.com
• Fast Retailing (UNIQLO) Careers – https://www.fastretailing.com/employment
• Fujitsu Careers – https://global.fujitsu/en/careers
Expert Tip
Learning basic Japanese can greatly improve your chances of finding employment and adapting to life in Japan, although some multinational companies hire English-speaking professionals.