I have lived/worked outside the US and worked for large multi-national with colleagues all over the world, so here are few "outside the box" options for you to consider (beyond marriage):
- If you're a veteran, you may be able to work in a few other countries such as the Philippines which allow American veterans to work there.
- The easiest way to work in a country is via citizenship. If one of your grandparents, or even great-grandparents came from another country, you may be able to get citizenship through them. Different countries have different requirements for how many generations back you can go. Getting citizenship in one EU country allows you to work in any EU country. Likewise Commonwealth countries allow citizens to work on other Commonwealth countries (many of the countries of the former British Empire, such as Australia, Canada, etc.). Here's an interesting wrinkle. Let's say you have a great-grand parent that comes from an EU country, but that EU country only extends citizenship via grand parents. Depending on the rules of that country, you may be able to posthumously have your great-grandparent bestow their country of origin's citizenship on your grand parent and then get your citizenship through >your< grandparent.
- From time to time, countries relax their work permit requirements in order to attract a particularly attractive class of workers. For example, about eight years ago or so New Zealand was looking for high tech workers and they allowed US citizens to work there if they agreed to a few conditions, including age restrictions and savings requirements.
- You can pay for citizenship. Many countries allow you to become a citizen if you: 1) start a business, or 2) come with a minimum amount, typically US$100K.
- Many countries now have a Digital Nomad visa. For example, Brazil. They typically require you to
- prove you have a job or a viable business, even if it's freelancing
- have health insurance
- agree not to generate business with in the host country.
Basically, countries don't want you to become a burden, nor take jobs away from citizens.
There are plenty of resources on the web and youtube that detail these ideas and others.
Generally, companies do not want to pay for foreign high tech workers because:
- In general, hiring a foreign worker increases their risk. You're here in this forum, so you understand risk.
- It' complicates taxes and that's an added administration expense for them.
- They have to pay healthcare.
- They can typically get good employees in their own country or federation.
What I've found is that foreign nationals living in your target country and working in your desired industry typically are great sources of information. Also, being on the ground, in country really helps. I encourage you to go visit the country you want to live in for 30 days and see how much reconnaissance you can do in that time. Spend no more than 30 days, otherwise your tax status will change. Do remote work to sustain yourself in that time. I've found that 30 days allows you to cast off the feeling of being a tourist and allows you to feel like you're living in a country for a little bit.
