Best Countries for Teachers to Emigrate to

Teaching overseas provides an opportunity to experience different educational systems, explore diverse cultures, and advance your career. The best countries to work as a foreign teacher largely depend on your career goals and area of expertise.

This is because the demand for foreign teachers varies across different countries. While some countries are experiencing general teacher shortages, others specifically welcome English teachers to teach English as a Foreign/Second Language (EFL/ESL) in the public education system, international schools, and private learning.

Aside from job opportunities, other factors like visa requirements, quality of life, cost of living, salary, work-life balance, and teacher benefits also vary in different countries. For example, countries like Norway and Denmark offer very competitive salaries for teachers. However, this is offset by the high costs of living. In places like Thailand and Vietnam, teacher salaries are quite low and correspond to lower costs of living.

You may also be required to have specific teaching qualifications, and in some countries certification from local teacher regulators is a requirement. You’ll need at least a Bachelor’s degree to qualify to teach overseas in most countries.

Our list of top countries to work as a teacher includes countries that have some of the best educational systems, offer competitive teacher benefits, and have a high quality of life. They include the Netherlands, Austria, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Ireland, Belgium, and France.

Page Contents

• Top Countries to Work as a Teacher
• Key Considerations for Teachers Moving Abroad
• Requirements for Teaching English Abroad
• How to Find Teaching Jobs Abroad?
• Where to Teach English Abroad?
• Tax-Free Teaching Destinations
• Countries Offering High Salaries Despite High Costs of Living
• Steps to Start Teaching Abroad
• Austria as a Destination for Teachers
• Netherlands as a Destination for Teachers
• France as a Destination for Teachers
• United Kingdom as a Destination for Teachers
• Denmark as a Destination for Teachers
• Belgium as a Destination for Teachers
• Ireland as a Destination for Teachers
• Germany as a Destination for Teachers
• Norway as a Destination for Teachers
• Canada as a Destination for Teachers
• Australia as a Destination for Teachers
• How Total Law Can Help
• Frequently Asked Questions

Given the differences in educational systems, quality of life, and earning potential across the countries of the world, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and due diligence before committing to a teaching position abroad.

There are several key factors to consider when planning to move abroad to teach. These factors will help you select the best country/city that aligns with your personal and professional goals. They include:

• Employment Opportunities: Evaluate the teacher demand rate. Check the availability of opportunities for foreign teachers in the public education system, international schools, private institutes, and language schools.
• Qualification Recognition: Ascertain whether your qualification is recognized and accepted in your chosen destination. Check if your credentials have to undergo a verification process or if you must obtain specific certifications from local teacher regulatory bodies.
• Salaries: Research the salary rates for teachers in each country. Keep in mind that salary rates are usually influenced by experience, qualification, area of expertise, school type, location, and local living costs.
• Work Conditions: Familiarize yourself with the typical work conditions and benefits each country offers. Understand the prevailing labor conditions, including work hours, health and housing benefits, holidays, employment duration, and termination conditions.
• Language Requirement: You may need to understand the local language to fit into the community, even if you’ll be providing instruction in English. Check your language proficiency level and try to learn basic communication words and phrases before moving abroad.
• Tax Regulations: Understand the taxation system in your home and destination countries. Check if any double taxation agreement exists and seek professional help to navigate taxes where there are no clear regulations. Some countries offer tax-free salaries to foreign teachers.
• Opportunities for Career Development: Look out for destinations with continuous learning opportunities that’ll help you advance your teaching skills and career. Check if there’s a large expat community you can network with to get access to information and opportunities.
• Cost of Living: The cost of living in your chosen destination compared to the average salary rates will determine if you can live a high-quality life and save money in the country. So, ensure that living costs correspond to earning potential when choosing a destination to teach abroad.

Each country has specific requirements for foreign teachers, which often include experience levels, age restrictions, and types of certifications. However, the general requirements for teaching English abroad (in the top countries with English teacher demand) usually include all or some of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate
• Teaching qualification (if your degree is not in education)
• Clean criminal record
• 1 to 3 years of previous teaching experience
• You must be less than 65 years old in most countries. The upper age limit is significantly lower in places like China (55 years) and Myanmar (52 years).
• You must be a native English speaker. However, many Asian countries also hire non-native English speakers, provided they have the right qualifications.
• You must pass a basic health examination.

While local language proficiency is not generally a requirement for teaching English abroad, basic proficiency is necessary in certain countries to help you settle in faster.

There are several ways to find teaching jobs abroad, both online and on-site. Finding a job online before moving abroad provides job security and a guarantee of income within the first month of arrival. However, you’ll need to conduct thorough research of each school before you apply, since you won’t get a first-hand feel of the school before committing.

Waiting to arrive in the country before applying enables you to get a better feel for the schools’ teaching model and work conditions. However, it’s quite tedious because you’ll have to visit each school to apply physically. It also means you may not earn an income in the first few months after you arrive and will need to support yourself from your savings or any overseas income until you find a suitable job.

You can find teaching jobs abroad through the following:

• Recruitment Agencies: International recruitment agencies and in-country agencies help connect job seekers to available opportunities. Some agencies specialize in connecting foreign educators with international teaching jobs.
• Government Programs: Several countries have government-sponsored language education programs that place English teachers in the public school system.
• Online Job Boards: Several reputable online job boards advertise international teaching jobs. The most popular sites are Dave’s ESL Cafe, Teachaway, International Schools Review, and TES International. There are also country-specific social media groups where you can network with other expats and learn about opportunities.
• Local TEFL/TESL Tutors: One of the easiest ways to find a job in some countries is to get your TEFL certificate locally. Local TEFL tutors often have a relationship with schools and sometimes serve as job boards connecting course participants with available opportunities.
• International Job Fairs for Educators: You can learn about opportunities and apply for teaching roles abroad at international education job fairs.

There’s a high demand for English teachers worldwide. However, East Asia and the Middle East have some of the highest demands for English teachers, followed by mainland Europe and Latin America.

You can teach English online as a freelance private tutor in any of these countries from your home country. Or, you can emigrate there to take on a full-time English teaching role in an international school, public school, or private language school.

The countries with the highest demand for English teachers worldwide include:

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• China
• South Korea
• Japan
• Thailand
• Saudi Arabia
• Vietnam
• Spain
• Hungary
• Oman

Each of these destinations has its advantages and disadvantages. China and South Korea have some of the highest English teaching opportunities. Teaching contracts in international schools usually cover housing and flight reimbursements. However, salaries are not as high as in Western Europe, and it’s competitive.

The UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia offer some of the highest pay for English teachers and no income tax. However, the job market is very competitive, and adapting to the culture may not come easily.

Teachers enjoy tax exemptions in certain countries and regions. Most Gulf nations offer tax-free salaries or reduced tax rates for expat teachers. Many of these tax-free or low-tax destinations also offer comprehensive benefit packages, such as housing, health insurance, and flight reimbursements. These benefits help you maximize savings on your income.

The top tax-free teaching destinations include:

• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Teachers in the UAE earn $2,000 to $5,500 monthly. There is no income tax in the UAE, and foreign teachers usually receive housing benefits, health insurance, and flight tickets. However, freelancers pay a 9% corporate income tax on profits exceeding AED 1,000,000 ($272,294).
• Qatar: Teachers in Qatar earn a tax-free income of $2,500 to $4,500 per month, including benefit packages that cover accommodation, flight tickets, and medical treatment.
• Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia, teachers earn between $2,500 and $5,000 in tax-free income per month, accompanied with comprehensive benefits packages.
• Kuwait: Kuwait is another destination where teachers get to take home their full salaries and still enjoy free accommodation and healthcare. Teachers here earn between $2,600 and $4,000 monthly.
• Oman: Teachers earn between $1,600 and $3,000 and receive comprehensive benefit packages in Oman. There’s currently no personal income tax in Oman. However, the Omani government just signed a tax bill that introduces a 5% income tax on annual earnings exceeding OMR 42,000 ($109,000). The law will take effect on January 1, 2028.
• Bahrain: Teachers earn $2,600 to $4,000 per month, with university professors earning up to $6,600. There’s no income tax in Bahrain, and living costs are cheaper than in other Gulf countries.
• South Korea: Expatriate teachers enjoy discounted tax rates in South Korea. Full-time employees pay between 9% and 12% income tax, while independent contractors pay about 3.3%.

If higher earnings are your goal, there are several countries that offer very competitive salaries for teachers. However, these places generally have very high costs of living. Countries where teachers can earn competitive salaries despite the high cost of living include:

• Switzerland: Switzerland offers high salaries for educators. Teachers here can earn an average income of CHF 79,000 ($99,092) per year. However, the cost of living in Switzerland is very high and its major cities rank as some of the most expensive destinations worldwide
• Hong Kong: Teachers in Hong Kong earn an average of $5,782 monthly. However, Hong Kong is one of the most expensive places to live. According to Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living City Ranking, Hong Kong is the costliest city for international workers. The average cost of living for a single person is $4,600 per month.
• Singapore: International school teachers in Singapore earn between $3,500 and $6,500 per month. However, the cost of living is also very high. A single person will need a budget of at least $4,300 to get by per month.

Although living costs in these destinations are quite expensive, the higher salaries provide an opportunity to save more, especially if your employer covers your accommodation costs and provides health insurance.

Moving abroad to teach is a significant step that requires careful planning. Below is a step-by-step guide that can aid in the preparation for your journey to teach abroad.

• Choose a destination: Conduct thorough research on the countries with good demand for foreign teachers to determine which best suits you. You can join online expat teachers’ forums to gain valuable insights.
• Check your qualification: Ensure that you have the required educational qualification for your chosen destination. Obtain necessary certifications and endorsements.
• Apply for jobs: Use reputable online job boards to search for opportunities that align with your personal and career goals. You can also contact international recruitment agencies to connect you with opportunities.
• Apply for the appropriate visa: Check to ensure you meet the visa requirements for your destination, gather all relevant documents that prove your eligibility, and submit your visa application.
• Prepare for your travel: Start on time to make arrangements for your travel, including putting items you won’t be needing in a storage facility and arranging for logistics to move your other belongings abroad.

Austria has a strong educational system that makes it an attractive destination for teachers who want to work abroad. Teachers earn an average annual salary of €45,600 ($53,470). International schools typically pay higher, and teachers in specialized fields can earn up to €79,413 ($93,120).

You’ll need the following to work in Austria as a teacher:

• Bachelor’s degree
• TEFL Certification – mandatory for English teachers and nice to have for others
• Fluency in English
• A visa and work permit, if you’re a non-EU/EEA national

The job market for teachers is highly competitive in Austria. Most interviews are conducted in person, so you may have to travel to Austria for an interview. Knowledge of German is not required, but is helpful for daily conversations.

Although the cost of living in Austria is high, the high quality of life is an excellent trade-off. Universal healthcare is available to all citizens and residents, and high-quality private healthcare is very accessible. However, Austria has a progressive income tax rate of 6% to 55% depending on income level.

The Netherlands has a highly diversified educational system, offering different tracks to meet varying student needs. Teachers in the Netherlands earn an average income of €54,233 ($63,593.89). Specific salaries are determined by experience, subject area, and the school’s Collective Labor Agreement (CLA).

To teach in the Netherlands, you must:

• Have a teaching qualification recognized by the Dutch educational authorities. You must apply for and receive recognition of your certificates before applying for a job.
• Be authorized to teach in the country where your educational qualification was issued.
• Have at least B2 proficiency in Dutch, except if you’re coming to teach at an international school

The Netherlands has a 49.5% income tax. However, highly skilled foreign teachers can get a 30% tax-free allowance to cover extraterritorial costs.

France is one of the top destinations for teaching abroad, offering numerous teaching opportunities. You can apply for the Teaching Assistant Position in France (TAPIF), a government-run program that places English teachers in public schools. However, the program has strict eligibility requirements, including nationality and age restrictions.

To teach in France, you must:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree
• Be proficient in French, except you’re coming to teach English
• Have a TEFL/CELTA certification to teach English
• You may also be required to have a teaching license for some positions.
• A work visa if you’re a non-EU national.

Teachers in France earn an average salary of €48,673 ($57,074) and benefit from universal healthcare coverage. Income tax here is progressive, from 0% to 45% depending on income level.

The UK is one of the easiest places for English-speaking foreign teachers to integrate and offers lots of opportunities for career advancement. Teachers in the UK earn an average salary of £46,250 ($61,191.5). You can earn more through career progression or by taking on additional responsibilities.

To teach in the UK as a foreign national, you must:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree or a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) if your first degree was not in education.
• Apply for and obtain a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Get a teaching job in the UK and receive a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer.
• Apply for a Skilled Worker visa

Immigrant teachers usually pay an immigration health surcharge during their visa application. This payment gives you access to free universal healthcare from the UK National Health Service (NHS).

Denmark offers expat teachers high salaries, a high standard of living, excellent work-life balance, and a generous social welfare system. It has a high demand for English language teachers and a competitive job market. Teachers in Denmark earn an average salary of DKK 470,615 ($74,066) and enjoy free universal healthcare and subsidized childcare services.

To teach English in Denmark, you must:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree
• Be certified to teach in your home country
• Apply for recognition of your educational qualification through the Danish Agency for Higher Education.
• Knowledge of Danish is not mandatory for English teachers but is necessary for daily interactions.

With Denmark’s high salaries come with commensurate high costs of living, especially in Copenhagen. However, the social welfare system helps to reduce the costs.

Belgium has a diversified education system structured around its three linguistic communities: Flemish (Belgian Dutch), French, and German. You can find opportunities to teach English in its community schools, subsidized public schools, subsidized free schools, and private schools.

To qualify for a teaching position in Belgium, you must:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree
• Have an English teaching certification, such as TEFL or CELTA.
• Have a strong command of English if you’re not a native speaker.
• Teaching experience is usually preferred, although not always required.
• Knowledge of Dutch or German is necessary, although not mandatory

Teaching job opportunities and salaries differ across Belgium’s regions: Dutch-speaking Flanders, French-speaking Wallonia, and bilingual Brussels. The average salary for English teachers in Belgium is €55,225 ($64,852).

Ireland is also one of the best countries for teaching abroad. English is the primary language here, so expatriates won’t have a hard time settling in. Teachers in Ireland earn an average salary of €47,000 ($55,193). Salaries increase with experience, and there are plenty of opportunities for professional growth.

To teach in Ireland, you must:

• Register your teaching qualification with the Teaching Council of Ireland. The Teaching Council will assess your qualifications to ensure they meet Irish standards.
• Provide evidence that you’re recognized as a qualified teacher by your home country’s ministry of education or teacher registration body.
• Provide proof of English proficiency
• Secure a job offer from an Irish institution
• Apply for a work permit.

All Ireland’s residents pay an income tax of 20% to 40%, depending on income levels.

Germany offers plenty of opportunities for international teachers. International schools in Germany offer high salaries that compensate for the high costs of living. Teachers here earn an average salary of €54,000 ($63,413) per annum. However, the salary scale differs across the states.

To teach in Germany, you must:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree
• Have a teaching qualification, such as a TEFL certification for English teachers
• Have strong English language skills if you’re not a native speaker
• Teaching experience is not required, but will enhance your chances of landing a job.
• Apply for a work visa (if you’re a non-EU/EEA national) after securing employment in Germany. Your employer will typically assist in the visa process.

German language skills may be required, depending on your subject area and the institution you’re coming to work for.

Norway is one of the best destinations for teachers in Europe. It ranks high for quality of life, safety, and overall happiness. International schools are the highest employers of foreign teachers in Norway. Teachers here earn an average of 650,000 NOK ($62,653) per annum.

To teach in Norway, you must:

• Have at least a Bachelor’s degree
• Have a TEFL Certification
• Secure a job offer at a Norwegian educational institute
• Apply for a work permit and resident visa if you’re a non-EU/EEA national.
• A strong command of Norwegian is required for teaching in public schools. It is not a requirement for teaching in international schools.

Although Norway offers high salaries, the cost of living in Norway is very high. Getting a contract that includes benefits like health insurance coverage helps reduce the costs.

Canada is experiencing teacher shortages in many of its provinces, making it one of the best countries for teaching abroad. The requirements and salary scales for teachers vary across Canada’s provinces and territories. However, the average teacher salary in Canada is C$75,200 ($54,072).

The general requirements and steps for teaching in Canada include:

• You must have at least a Bachelor’s degree
• You must submit your educational credentials to an authorized Canadian credential assessment service for evaluation.
• Pass a French or English language test
• Apply for certification from the teaching regulatory body in your chosen province using evidence of assessed credentials and language skills.
• Obtain a work permit.

Once you obtain your teaching certification/license, you can apply for teaching positions within the province.

Australia is another favorable destination for international teachers. It welcomes qualified migrants to fill its teacher shortages through the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) and Working Holiday (Subclass 417) visas. Teachers here earn an average salary of AUD 90,000 ($59,536.8).

The requirements and steps for moving to Australia to teach include:

• You must have a Bachelor’s degree
• Submit your credentials to the relevant state or territory authority or assessment to ensure it meets Australia’s minimum teacher qualification standard.
• Register with the relevant teacher regulatory authority in your chosen state or territory.
• Pass an IELTS Academic Test if you’re not a national of the U.S., UK, Ireland, New Zealand, or Canada.
• Find a job with an approved Australian employer
• Apply for the relevant work visa.