25 Companies That Let You Work Abroad and How to Plan

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Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.

Are you looking to immerse yourself in a new culture or explore the world’s natural diversity?

You may be looking to challenge yourself in ways you can’t if you stay in familiar surroundings. Or, perhaps you’re a military spouse eager to continue your career momentum through an upcoming move.

Whatever the reason for your adventure, becoming a digital nomad and working in another country can open up exciting opportunities for growth and development. And thanks to advances in technology and the globalization of industries, you don’t have to choose between your career and traveling.

If you’re curious about living life as a digital nomad, we’ve gathered some tips and a list of the top 25 companies that allow their staff to work abroad.

How to Work Abroad and Grow Your Career

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If you’re looking to stand out in a competitive job market and have the flexibility to travel, working abroad could be the ticket to phenomenal career growth. You’ll gain international experience, learn new skills, and network with professionals from different cultures.

Along with substantial career growth, you’ll also have an exciting adventure that will broaden your perspective of the world. All of those experiences help you to become a more well-rounded professional and develop characteristics that savvy companies are eagerly pursuing in their employees.

Use the following tips to start your planning.

Get the Proper Visa

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Depending on where you’re going, you may need to apply for a work or travel visa. Research the regulations in the countries you’re traveling in. Many countries are now offering visas specifically for digital nomads.

Requirements vary by country, but generally, you’ll need to be employed before applying and can hold the visa for over 90 days. In contrast, most tourist visas offer a substantially shorter authorized stay.

Prepare Financially

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Even though you’ll be working abroad, make sure you you budget funds for international travel and unexpected expenses.

For example, if a natural disaster prevents you from working, you’ll need enough money to relocate to a new location. And you should also consider how you’ll maintain connectivity and productivity while living in a somewhat temporary housing arrangement.

You don’t need to be wealthy to work abroad, but you should do research to ensure that you have enough funds to support your digital nomad adventure comfortably and safely.

Consider any cost-of-living differences to create a reasonable budget based on the work you’ll be doing.

Have a Housing Plan

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Having a job that supports your travels doesn’t mean you won’t have responsibilities in your role. You’ll need to have a plan for getting settled and connected in order to meet your commitments.

You’ll have to decide what type of housing you’d like while working abroad.

Will you live in hotels, rent an apartment, or look for roommates? Each option has advantages and disadvantages, so evaluate costs, connectivity, convenience to local amenities, and security when deciding on housing.

Make Connections in Your New Country

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Having a network of professionals, friends, and colleagues in the country you’re traveling in is helpful. If any issues arise, you’ll have people who can help.

LinkedIn and Facebook groups dedicated to digital nomads are invaluable resources for finding events where you’ll meet people with similar interests.

Additionally, many countries popular with expats have organizations where you can find advice, housing options, and fellow nomads.

Stay Connected to Your Home Country

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Working abroad is an exciting adventure, but keep in touch with your friends, family, and colleagues back home.

Staying connected will help prevent loneliness while away from home and provide comforting stability to your career. Even if you don’t plan on returning to your home for a bit, you’ll eventually want to pursue career growth.

Plus, maintaining connections and a career development plan can help ensure that your time working abroad enables you to maintain momentum regardless of your location.

25 Companies That Allow Staff to Work Abroad

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Now that you’ve got a few basic tips on working abroad, here are 25 companies offering opportunities to work abroad.

1. 8Bit Recruitment

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8Bit is a recruitment agency specializing in sourcing talent for video and mobile game development, virtual reality, and tech startups.