It is natural for people to seek for better job prospects and improved lifestyle. Many countries in Europe offer higher salaries than those in Pakistan, however the taxes and cost of living are also much higher. Therefore, it is advisable to find information in advance about the country you are willing to move for work: what is the average salary for the type of job you want to do; what are the types of taxes and their percentage that you will be paying (income tax, social insurance, health insurance); what is the standard or cost of living expenses (rental costs, transportation, utility bills, food, medical care). This is important information which will give you a better idea whether the choice of moving to work in that country could be a good one for you, or whether it could turn out that it will not improve your lifestyle as much as you desire.
Having the budget for relocation is another aspect you will need to consider: for example, taxes and fees for visa application; travel expenses; insurance; funds to support yourself in the first month or two; renting a property, opening a bank account, food.
Be aware that if you want to work in Europe, you will need to obtain the relevant for the country work (employment) visa / work permit for which you must prove the employment relationship (contract).
To work abroad, Pakistani citizens will need to obtain a working visa/permit. To submit your visa application, you must check the rules and requirements at the responsible Embassy, Consulate or Visa Application Centre in Pakistan.
More about visas
If you have made your research and you have decided to embark on journey for finding a job abroad, make sure to always look for job positions on governmental or other national or international recognised organisations (agencies) or trusted online platforms.
Another way to find a better paid job and work for a European company is to look for remote job positions. There are many companies which offer remote (home-based) jobs, especially if you have good work history, experience, and qualifications in areas such as IT, customer service, data entry, language proficiency and/or administration.
Some questions you might want to ask yourself:
- Will working abroad provide me a better career development or a better standard of living than working in my own country?
- Am I aware where do I want to work – do I speak the language well; do I know where to look for job offers in that country? Have a registered for the most popular in the country job seekers platforms?
- Do I have the necessary qualifications for the job I want to do?
- Will my educational and professional qualifications be recognised?
- Do I have the financial resources which will allow me to start a life abroad?
- Have I checked some practical information – how to find a property to rent, how much will I need to pay for rent, how to open a bank account, how to register for medical services?
- Am I prepared to live abroad – think about language, culture, social values, cost of living, climate, not be able to see your family and friends for long periods of time?
- Am I aware of the complete process – from applying for a job, obtaining a work visa and moving to work abroad
- Am I happy to accept that the reality is very often not what we expect it to be? Am I ready to face difficulties in adapting in the organisational and work culture and to the rules and norms of working?
- Is not better if I work online instead of moving abroad?