If You Want to Relocate, Find a Remote Job First
You can turn the whole relocation process around if you get one. Here’s why.
Let's say you're a Software Engineer and want to relocate to Canada or Portugal.
The traditional pathway is to find an employer who can sponsor your work visa.
However, due to market changes, like layoffs—more than 700,000 workers have been laid off from tech roles since 2022—and senior developers facing a starkly tougher job market (often settling for lower pay), this pathway has become harder. That traditional process looks like this—and it’s not as easy as it once was:
That's why I'm going to start the series of articles with the idea “Employer not required”. Or, at least, where a new employer abroad is not required to relocate.
The idea isn’t very popular yet, but I think it will grow. At least, there are a lot of signs and movements into this direction, especially on the Digital Nomad visas, with 50+ countries supporting it.
To get a job abroad, you need a strong remote contract. By strong, I mean two key parameters — the job has to be highly paid, and you need to have been working for this company for a while.
The salary criteria unlocks and proves your earning for the visa purposes, which some countries ask for you when you request a Digital Nomad visa. On the other hand, a good and long relationship with employers gives you flexibility to ask them for something in return for your hard work (besides your salary).
In this article, I'll discuss two alternative pathways to let you move from your country to a new one, either by using Digital Nomad visas or by being hired by EOR services. And show the examples of how it works for some specific countries. The alternative process I’m referring to looks something like this:
Also, after checking on some of the Digital Nomad visas in 2025, I’ll describe how other kinds of visas work for a similar purpose. So, in the next two articles, I will describe job seeker visas and talent visas.
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Why a remote job can help you eventually live and work abroad
As I said, securing a remote job can help you succeed with two key strategies for working abroad and relocating: getting re-hired by an EOR (Employer of Record) or receiving a Digital Nomad visa.
In case you’re wondering, yes, EOR services are common, and plenty of companies use them. Different EOR providers, for example, claim to work with Fortune 500 companies.
While I can’t verify this statement, it’s probably true. Companies partner with EOR providers because it makes payroll abroad easier for them, among other benefits. And remote workers in a position to bargain can ask their employer to re-hire them with that entity.
That’s why there’s no employer required for this relocation strategy. You don’t need a new employer that can sponsor you. You actually need to leverage your current employer.
Let’s look at the progression once again:
Land a remote job → leverage an EOR or Nomad visa → relocate and work abroad
Working your way into a job abroad through EOR services
You can capitalize on EOR services (which your company pays for) to carry out your plan of relocating with your current remote job. For this process to work, you’ll need:
A well-paying remote job (but you knew that)
A good relationship with your employer
To ask your employer a favor (and no, it’s not a salary advance)
If you haven’t worked in HR, you probably never heard of an EOR. An EOR is a third-party organization that legally employs staff that works in a country outside a company’s original jurisdiction.
So, they’re a legal entity (a shell) that employs and pays you in region X while you, in fact, work for a legitimate company, like Apple or Meta, which is actually based in region Z. It’s not a staffing agency, though.
So, in this example, you work with your Meta team based out of California, but the EOR handles your local payroll, benefits, taxes, and such in a different country. It’s a quick way for a company to set foot in a new country and stay compliant with that region’s labor laws. Instead of flying out a representation attorney, setting up an LLC, signing the papers, and such, they just offload the employment process to a third party.
The company pays to an EOR. You, as a job seeker, candidate, or employee, will never pay to an EOR.
Actually, as an employee, you can use EORs to your advantage because they can re-hire you in a new jurisdiction. One country where the process is already tried and true is Canada 🇨🇦. You can move to Canada if you have a U.S. remote contract, and it’s relatively straightforward.
Consider this case: you could be living in Argentina, Brazil or India, working under a U.S. contract worth $60,000 annually or more. (I’ll explain why you need those 60k, in US dollars). The idea is to transition your contract to a Canadian EOR.
Instead of your U.S. employer paying you directly as a contractor in India, they would pay you through the Canadian EOR, which would then legally employ you in Canada.
So what you should do is: Negotiate with your employer a transfer to Canada. Because once you’re in Canada, and you’re employed by a Canadian EOR, you can request a longer-term visa, and consequently the permanent residence or citizenship.
This is why you need a good relationship with your employer. You’ll be asking them for something. They need to agree to this. If you’re thinking you can speak up, then it’s a good time to refresh or develop your human, soft skills.
Once you've settled in Canada, the EOR will assist you in obtaining a work permit that allows you to maintain your salary from the U.S. company. Keep in mind that instead of paying taxes in Brazil or India, you’ll be subject to Canadian tax laws.
So, who covers the costs of your relocation with this new method?
You might want to know who will cover the costs associated with this contract transfer and related services. Every so often, your U.S. employer might pick up the tab for the transfer costs 💰, especially if they want to keep you on board. But you might also have to invest some cash upfront.
This all depends on your negotiation chops. That’s why you might want to launch this plan when you confirm you have a favorable relationship with your employer, and not earlier than that. Under this lens, the process looks more or less like this:
Secure a remote job → negotiate EOR terms → relocate and pay your taxes abroad
Why do you need the 60k+ salary for this process to work?
Canada has a program for immigrants called the Global Talent Stream. This immigration pipeline is designed to hire foreign workers as quickly as possible and takes as little as two weeks. But it’s only open to certain roles, and software engineering is one of them.
If you come up with a plan to relocate, you should tell your employer that they can do it in a breeze because you qualify for the Global Talent Stream program.
According to some Canadian EOR providers, USD 60k is the recommended minimum salary for the Global Talent Stream. Lower salaries might not get approved. Eligibility is checked during screening. The minimum can vary based on job role, province, or city. You can make it with less than 60k, but the pros advise against it.
But if you’re applying for a Digital Nomad visa outside Canada, you’ll still need to demonstrate a minimum income. This varies country by country. But let’s take the case of Portugal. You need to prove you’re earning around USD 4k/month to the Portuguese authorities. So, the 60k annual salary also cuts it with Portugal.
You can still relocate with the traditional process
The traditional process of relocating with a job that sponsors you is just as valid as it’s ever been. It’s true: For tech workers, in between the uproar around H1-B visas and layoffs, some countries simply are harder to move to in 2025. But you can still follow the traditional route, which was designed before remote jobs became so widespread. One of the best ways to find jobs that will let you live and work abroad is by checking a specialized job board.
Moving abroad with your job thanks to the Digital Nomad visas 🎫
The other option is applying for a Digital Nomad Visa from the country you want to move to. Most (though not all) Digital Nomad visas ask for a condition: That, when you apply, you already have a job or stable income with a company abroad. So that’s precisely how the remote job I mentioned early on will help you. And it’s also why I mentioned that one of the conditions for this plan to work was a well-paying job.
Let’s take a look at some of the most noteworthy visas out there that you might want to consider:
Canada 🇨🇦
You don’t need a Digital Nomad visa to be a digital nomad in Canada. That’s what their website says. You can get into the country with a regular visa and work there as a digital nomad for six months. This means that if you get an EOR to hire you in Canada, you can work over there with a U.S. salary for six months before they actually transfer you to the Canadian payroll.
Spain 🇪🇸
If you want to work while you have some tapas and sip sangria, you must apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. You’ll need either an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a recognized institution, or at least three years of relevant work experience in your field. Plus, you’ll want to show that you can financially support yourself while living in Spain (you need to prove you have funds equivalent to at least two Spanish minimum wages). Good news: this visa also allows your family members—including your spouse, unmarried partner, and dependent children—to join you during your stay.
The first step in the application process is obtaining a NIE number (Foreigner Identity Number). After that, you’ll need to gather several key documents, such as a completed national visa application form, a recent passport-sized photograph, a valid passport, and a criminal record certificate from your country of residence. You’ll also need to provide proof of employment with a foreign company for at least three months and documentation showing you have health insurance that covers all the risks typically insured by Spain's public health system. Once you gather the necessary documents, apply through the consulate and wait for the approval.
Portugal 🇵🇹
Portugal is an ideal place to relocate for digital nomads. In Lisbon, some residents are seemingly tired of digital nomads pushing prices up. But, overall, the locals are friendly and welcoming, the living costs are affordable, and the atmosphere is quite relaxed.
Portugal has many well-developed visa pathways. But, unfortunately, the surrounding information is sometimes unclear. So here’s a quick rundown: For the Portuguese Digital Nomad visas, you should consider they request that you earn at least €3,480 monthly and have savings at around €10,000. They then grant you a 120-day stay at first, with which you then request a longer-stay permit, with which you can stay for two years and start your shot towards residency. Here you can find the required documents to apply.
Croatia 🇭🇷
To live and work in Croatia, you’ll need the Croatian Digital Nomad Visa, that’s designed for third-country nationals (i.e., non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens) who work remotely for companies not based in Croatia. This temporary stay visa allows you to live in Croatia for up to one year, but it cannot be extended. If you want to apply again, you’ll need to wait six months after your initial visa expires.
Good news for families: close relatives, including partners and children, can join you in Croatia under this visa. If you’re in a common-law relationship, you’ll just need to provide proof of your partnership, such as joint rental agreements or affidavits confirming your long-term relationship.
When applying for the Croatian Digital Nomad Visa, you can submit your application online, and it will go to the local police administration based on your intended stay. You’ll receive confirmation of your application and may be asked for additional documentation later. You’ll also need to show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself, which currently amounts to at least €2,870 per month or a total of €34,440 available in your bank account.
After your application is approved, don’t forget to register your temporary residence within three days of arriving in Croatia.
Estonia 🇪🇪
Estonia is at the leading edge of welcoming digital nomads with its Digital Nomad Visa. It allows remote workers to live and work in the country for up to one year. Unlike Estonia's e-Residency, which offers a digital identity for online business management, the Digital Nomad Visa grants holders the right to reside temporarily in Estonia while enjoying the benefits of its efficient e-services.
To qualify for Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa, you need to show that you can work independently and meet the income requirement of €4,500 gross per month. The application process involves submitting your documents—such as a valid passport, proof of employment or business registration, and evidence of your income—at your nearest Estonian embassy or consulate. Typically, processing takes up to 30 days, which gives you the chance to establish your presence in a country known for its tech-savvy and supportive environment for remote workers.
Final Thoughts
If you've been thinking about moving and working from a new country, get a remote job as soon as possible. Working a remote job makes the move easier and opens up a lot of new opportunities in new countries.
Also, I got two more related articles coming soon:
Job Seeker Visas: A Path to Relocate Without Employer Sponsorship
No Employer Required: How Growing Your Skills Leads to Talent Visas and Independent Relocation
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