So you want to live work and play abroad and are just beginning the process of how you can do this. And during your research you find there are different visas available that allow you to live and work abroad. So which visa will you apply for to allow you to extend your time abroad? To do this you need to ask yourself some questions. Do you want to travel full-time? Go on a working holiday? Be a digital nomad or an expat working remotely? Whatever type of traveller you want to be, there is a visa to help you meet your legal requirements of moving abroad to live work and play around the world. Let me elaborate.
What is a Passport?
Don’t laugh! I am often asked by newbie travellers ‘what is a passport?’. So let me tell you. A passport is an official document issued by the country of your origin and is your identity. It looks like a little book. You will need a passport to travel internationally. Without one you cannot travel to another country. Apply for a passport through your country’s government department that issues them. And when you have a passport you can then apply for a visa which is usually stamped into your passport. So that is one of the reasons why you need a passport.
What is a Visa?
A visa is a necessity to live, work and play around the world. The word visa means ‘to see’, so the officials of a country have seen your documents and decided to provide a visa to allow you in. A visa is usually stamped in your passport though many countries are introducing e-visas. There are different visas allowing you to live work and play abroad. I’m running through them following.
Things to know about visas
Just a few things to know about visas:
- There are different visas and one size does not fit all situations.
- Each country has their own visas and they do things a little different.
- Your nationality matters when it comes to visas. Countries have negotiated visas with other countries so it depends on what your country has negotiated as to what visa is available for your nationality.
That said, let’s dive into the different visas available to live work and play abroad.
Visas Allowing You to Live Work and Play Abroad
1. Tourist Visa
A tourist visa is your basic entry pass into another country. It’s perfect for short-term trips when you want to explore, try all the local food, and see the sights. The catch? You can’t legally work or earn income while you’re there. How long you get depends on your passport and the country. Some offer 30 days (like Thailand), others 90 (like most of Europe’s Schengen Area), and a lucky few, like Mexico, give you up to 180.
Some places make it easy to extend your stay, while others require you to leave and re-enter. You might also be asked for proof of onward travel, a return ticket, or enough funds to support yourself. So make sure to check those details before you pack.
While it’s not a ticket to long-term residency, a tourist visa is perfect for trying a country to see if it feels right. I’ve used it myself to get a feel for places before deciding to stay longer. Just remember: rules can change quickly, so double-check official immigration sites before booking.
The Visa Run
Just a word on the visa run! What’s this you ask? Well, it is when you stay in a country, because you like it, and stay the full amount of time you are allowed on a tourist visa, usually 90 days. But you love it so much, you want to live and work there. If you don’t qualify for any other visa that allows it, or you just don’t want to go through the hassle of applying, people do a visa run. They leave the country for a few hours or days, then return to the country and get another 90 days stay. Is this legal? Well, not really, but people do it.
It is extremely common practice in Southeast Asia and Latin America. Now it sounds great, but it means you aren’t entitled to local healthcare and don’t have legal rights in some instances. Like if you are found to be working. It is advisable to have long-term travel insurance such as that offered by SafetyWing.
2. Working Holiday Visa
The second visa on my list of visas that let you live work and play abroad is the working holiday maker visa. If you’re under 30 (or up to 35 in some countries), a working holiday visa can be a great way to see the world without draining your savings. It lets you live in another country for 6–12 months (sometimes longer if you qualify for an extension) while funding your travels with short-term or seasonal work. The idea is to make enough to keep exploring without locking yourself into a long-term contract.
These visas are based on agreements between countries. Eligibility depends on your passport. Some countries have annual quotas and fill up fast, so applying early is important. If your country doesn’t have an agreement with your dream destination, unfortunately, you won’t be able to get this visa there.
It’s perfect if you want to experience everyday life in another country, meet locals, and make friends from all over the world without committing to a long work contract. Just remember, most of the work is casual or seasonal, so it’s more about the experience than building a long-term career.
Check out the list of some 50+ countries with reciprocal working holiday agreements here.
3. Digital Nomad Visa
Next on my visa list that let’s you live and work abroad for an extended period of time is the digital nomad visa. A digital nomad visa is designed for remote workers, freelancers, and online business owners who want to live in another country while earning their income from abroad. Unlike a tourist visa that limits you to a quick visit, these often let you stay anywhere from six months to a few years, depending on the country.
Destinations like Portugal, Estonia, and Croatia are popular choices, and more countries are launching their own programs every year. Each country sets its own requirements. You might need to show proof of a steady income, have valid health insurance, or pay an application fee that can range from reasonable to “are you kidding me?”
What I love about this visa is the chance to truly settle in. You can slow down, get to know your neighborhood, find a favourite cafe, and enjoy a place without rushing through like a tourist, all while keeping your work life going. Just make sure to research the cost of living, internet reliability, and requirements before you commit, so you choose a spot that works for both your budget and your lifestyle.
Check out the list of some 60+ countries with a digital nomad visa.
4. Work Permit
A work permit is one of the most common ways to live and work abroad. It’s usually tied to a specific job with a local employer, so you can’t freely switch roles or industries without applying for a new permit. In many cases, your employer will handle most of the application process, sometimes even covering the fees, which can save you a lot of time and stress.
Jobs that include a work permit are teaching English and working on a cruise ship.
The length of a work permit depends on the country and your contract. Some are valid for a year, others for two or more, and they can often be renewed if you stay in the same role. This option works best if you already have a job offer or if your skills are in demand where you’re headed.
One thing to remember: if your job ends, your right to stay usually ends too. That means it’s less flexible than visas like the digital nomad or working holiday option, but it’s a great option if you want stability and a clear career track abroad.
5. Student Visa
A student visa lets you live and study abroad, whether you’re working toward a full degree, joining a semester exchange, or taking a short language course. You’ll need to be enrolled in a recognised school or university, and in many countries, you can also work part-time to help cover expenses. Australia and Canada are particularly generous with work hours, while others keep it more limited (or don’t allow it at all).
Your visa length usually matches your course, but some countries let you extend or switch to a work visa after graduation. That means studying abroad can sometimes lead to a longer stay or even a new career path overseas.
Aside from academics, a student visa provides access to a completely different lifestyle. You’ll make friends from all over the world, get used to a new culture, and see your studies through a global perspective. For many, a student visa ends up being the beginning of a lifelong international adventure.
And don’t think there is an age limit for a student visa. People of all ages can apply for a student visa to undertake a course abroad.
6. Skilled Person Visa
Last on my list of visas that allow you to live work and play abroad is the skilled person visa. A skilled person visa is for people whose qualifications and experience match what a country urgently needs. That might be tech experts, healthcare workers, engineers, teachers, or skilled trades like carpenters and electricians. Governments use these visas to fill gaps in their workforce. So if your skills are in demand, you’re not just welcome; you’re on their priority list.
The process is usually more detailed than other visas. You’ll likely need to show proof of your education, work history, and sometimes a job offer from a local employer. Some countries even use a points system, looking at your age, qualifications, language ability, and experience. It can feel like you’re pulling together your entire career on paper, but it’s worth it.
The reward is stability. Many skilled visas lead to permanent residency or even citizenship. That makes them one of the most secure and rewarding ways to relocate. If you’re ready to handle the paperwork and meet the requirements, this could be your gateway to building a future in a country that actively wants you there.
The Right Visa for You
Now the visas I’ve mentioned aren’t all the visas offered, but they are the most common visa types. I suggest, if you are interested in a specific country, research the type of visas they offer for your nationality. Knowing the type of work you will be doing, physical or online and having an understanding of your visa options is your passport to moving abroad successfully and legally.
Are You Ready to Live Work and Play Abroad?
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