Age considerations when working abroad. (2024)

Usually, age is nothing but a number but when it comes to working abroad it can sometimes limit your options. Rule one in the world of working abroad is that you’ll always need a visa. Second to your passport, your visa is the key to working and staying in your country of choice legally. Now here is where age comes in. A snapshot:

• There are many ways to work abroad after college.Your college graduation date always seems so far, until it isn’t. When it finally arrives all you find yourself thinking about is finding a job and starting a career. It’s a lot of pressure to put your experience and degree to use (trust us, we’ve all been there.) But for first time job seekers like yourself, it’s also the perfect time to expand your opportunities and look abroad. Even if you’re not too sure about what you want to do, working abroad is a great idea. The best way to work abroad in this case is to snag a working holiday visa and use sites like LinkedIn or UK site Neuvoo.

• Find career break jobs abroad.Escaping from your regular 9-5 job will probably be on your wish list at one point or another, so why not take a career break abroad to really amp up your time away. While a career break is far from a vacation, working abroad is one of the best ways to spend it. You can gain a global experience and get a more refreshed look at what you want next in your life and career. It’s a total career booster.

• Yes, there are absolutely jobs abroad for the over 50s.While you may not qualify for the working holiday visa, there’s still jobs after 50. Whether you are looking to relocate to a different country to continue your career, deciding to take a career break, or choosing the volunteer route for your retirement years; know that you have options everywhere.

More info because you'renottoo old for a working holiday

The typical visa of choice to work abroad is theworking holiday visawhich typically serves those between the ages of 18-30 and sometimes 35 depending on the country you’re going to. You can stay up to two years and get to know your country and fund some extra travel stops. Holiday visas are great ways to work abroad after college since they require little to no experience and are simple to apply for. For the 18-35 age bracket, this is the way to go.

However, if you’re looking for the best way to work abroad after 35, being ineligible for a holiday visa isn’t the end of the road. Instead, you would just apply for a work visa. Unlike holiday visas, these are a little more difficult as they longer to get, so plan in advance. For these visas, be prepared to show off your qualifications and flaunt your professional skills, you will need these to be impressive in order for employees overseas to sponsor you. If you’re on a career break or more seasoned professional, your resume and experience level are a huge advantage. Once you nab a sponsorship its smooth travels from here.

When it comes to getting your dream life abroad, age won’t stop you from getting to your destination. Your journey there is just different.