Visa & Relocation Guide — Work Abroad with Confidence (GCC • EU/UK • US/Canada • APAC)
A practical, country-by-country Visa & Relocation Guide covering work permits, document legalization, medicals, insurance, banking, housing, schools, taxes, and arrival checklists. Built for job seekers moving to the UAE & KSA, Qatar & Oman, EU/UK, US/Canada, Australia & New Zealand, and Singapore.
- Aligned with official portals: UAE u.ae, KSA Qiwa, EU Blue Card, UK Skilled Worker, USCIS, IRCC, Australia, Singapore MOM
- Download free tools: Global Job Application & Relocation Checklist (PDF) and Global Job Checklist (PDF)
Why Use This Visa & Relocation Guide?
Relocating for work unlocks higher salaries, global experience, and international networks—but success depends on clean documentation, visa accuracy, and a structured landing plan. This guide compiles official links, forms, and real-world tips, and pairs them with Manpower HR’s services for ATS CVs, interview prep, and verified jobs.
Clear Visa Pathways
Understand work permits across GCC, EU/UK, North America, and APAC—who sponsors, documents required, and how long it takes.
Legalization & Backgrounds
Apostille/attestation, police clearance, medicals, licensing, and equivalency (e.g., WES) — all in one checklist.
Landing & Life Admin
Banking, SIMs, housing, schooling, insurance, and first-90-days KPIs—so you’re productive from day one.
Regions & Work Visa Pathways
Click into official resources and high-value internal guides. Always rely on the government site as the source of truth.
UAE, KSA, Qatar & Oman
Employer-sponsored work permits with medicals and residency IDs. Useful links: UAE Visa & Emirates ID, MOHRE, KSA Qiwa, Qatar MOI, Oman ROP.
Employment VisaResidency IDMedicals
EU Blue Card & UK Skilled Worker
Skilled migration routes with minimum salary thresholds. Official links: EU Blue Card, UK Skilled Worker, EU Work in Europe.
Salary ThresholdsShortage Lists
US & Canada
Employer-led and points-based options. Official links: USCIS (H-1B, EB), IRCC (Express Entry, Work Permits).
Employer-LedPR Pathways
Australia, New Zealand & Singapore
Skilled and employer-sponsored routes. Links: Australia Home Affairs, Immigration NZ, MOM Singapore.
Skills ListsEmployer Sponsor
Healthcare Licensing
DHA/HAAD/MOH (UAE), SCFHS (KSA), GMC/NMC (UK), AHPRA (AU), NCLEX (US/Canada). Start with official boards for exams and dataflow/primary source verification.
PSVDataflowLicensing
Engineering & Skilled Trades
Safety cards (NEBOSH/IOSH), trade tests, employer approvals, and medicals often required in GCC; skills assessments for AU/NZ.
NEBOSHTrade Tests
Visa & Relocation Timeline (Step-by-Step)
- Secure a written job offer with title, location, duties, salary & benefits.
- Prepare documents: passport, photos, degrees, reference letters, police clearance.
- Legalize credentials: notarization → apostille/attestation (check destination country rules).
- Employer files work authorization; you submit biometrics/medicals.
- Receive entry visa/approval; book flights and temporary housing (2–4 weeks).
- Arrive → complete residency ID, bank/SIM, insurance enrollment.
- Move to long-term housing; register dependents in schools; confirm payroll/tax IDs.
- Set 30-60-90 day KPIs with your manager; complete compliance training.
Fraud warning: Do not pay any “job processing” fees to third parties. Use corporate emails and verify employer registration on official government portals.
Documents, Equivalency & Legalization
Core Pack
- Passport (6–12 months validity), biometric photos, PDF CV
- Degrees & transcripts; consider WES/NARIC equivalents where needed
- Professional licenses & certs (PMP, AWS, NEBOSH, DHA/HAAD, GMC/NMC, AHPRA)
- Experience letters, payslips, bank statements (proof of employment)
- Police clearance (home country & sometimes last country of residence)
Legalization & Backgrounds
- Apostille/attestation pathway (home country → foreign affairs → embassy)
- Primary Source Verification (PSV/Dataflow) for healthcare/GCC roles
- Visa medicals (TB, chest X-ray, bloods per destination rules)
- Insurance confirmation & coverage start dates
Relocation Costs, Banking & Taxes
Typical Costs
- Government/visa fees (check official portals)
- Medical tests, background checks
- Flights & temporary housing (2–4 weeks)
- Security deposit & agency fee for rentals (where applicable)
- Furniture & utilities setup (electricity/water/internet)
Banking & Payroll
Open a local bank account after your residency ID (e.g., Emirates ID/Iqama). Bring tenancy agreement, employer letter, and valid visa. Ask payroll about pay cycle & currency.
Tax Basics
Understand tax residence rules, social security, and treaty relief. For EU/UK/US/Canada/AU/NZ, consult official tax agencies and your HR/payroll for withholdings.
Useful tax portals: HMRC (UK), IRS International (US), CRA (Canada), ATO (Australia), Inland Revenue (NZ).
Housing, Schools & Lifestyle
Find the Right Area
Balance commute, rent, and amenities. Ask for housing allowance or corporate housing. Confirm tenancy terms, deposits, and utility caps in writing.
- Check commute time to office/site
- Look for family facilities, parks, and supermarkets
- Ask HR for broker recommendations & corporate rates
Schooling Options
International curricula vary (IB, Cambridge, American, CBSE). Secure seats early; consider transport and after-school activities.
Tip: Some employers reimburse tuition partially—negotiate this before signing.
Healthcare, Insurance & Medicals
Many work visas require pre-employment medicals and mandatory insurance. Confirm network coverage, co-pays, maternity benefits, and dependents before flying.
Visa Medicals
Follow approved clinic lists; bring passport & photos.
Insurance Proof
Request policy schedule & coverage start date in writing.
Dependents
Check add-on cost & waiting periods for family coverage.
Safety, Legal & Worker Rights
Learn local labor rights (contracts, notice periods, overtime), and register with your embassy. Save emergency numbers and the address of your country’s mission.
Official labor portals: MOHRE (UAE), Qiwa (KSA), MOM (SG) Employment Practices.
📥 Download Visa & Relocation Tools
Use our print-ready checklists before you submit a visa or sign a lease.
Visa & Relocation — FAQs
Who pays visa and government fees?
In many GCC countries, the employer pays core work-permit fees. Always confirm in writing who covers medicals, attestation, tickets, and family visas.
Do I need an apostille or embassy attestation?
Hague Convention countries use apostilles; non-Hague destinations often require embassy attestation. Follow your employer’s checklist precisely.
What if my family will join later?
Check dependent visa eligibility and minimum salary thresholds. Prepare marriage/birth certificates and rental contracts for sponsorship.
How long does the process take?
Processing varies by country and season. Start documents early, complete medicals quickly, and avoid travel until your passport is returned.
How do I avoid scams?
Never pay for a job. Use official portals (e.g., u.ae, Qiwa, GOV.UK, USCIS, Canada.ca) and verify the offer via video call and corporate email.
Ready to Move Abroad?
Find a verified employer, perfect your CV for ATS, and practice interviews with expert/AI feedback.