What is a low-requirement job?
A low-requirement job generally refers to a position that requires minimal skills, qualifications, or experience. These types of jobs are often entry-level and may not have strict educational or professional requirements. Examples of low-requirement jobs may include roles such as cashier, server, data entry clerk, retail associate, or manual laborer. These jobs may not offer high salaries or long-term career growth opportunities, but they can be a good starting point for individuals who are just starting their careers, transitioning to a new industry, or seeking part-time work.
Examples of low-requirement jobs for expats
The availability of jobs for expats can vary depending on the country and region. However, here are some common low-requirement jobs for expats:
English teacher/tutor: Teaching English is a popular job for expats in many countries. It does not necessarily require a teaching degree or certification, although having one may increase your chances of finding a job. English language centers, schools, and private tutoring services may hire expats as teachers.
Hospitality and tourism: Jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry, such as hotel staff, restaurant servers, and tour guides, are often available to expats, especially in popular tourist destinations.
Customer service representative: Many companies need customer service representatives who can speak multiple languages. Expats who are fluent in the local language and English may be able to find jobs in customer service, either working in call centers or in person.
Freelance work: Depending on your skillset, freelance work such as writing, web development, graphic design, or social media management can be done remotely and may not require you to be physically present in the country.
Au pair/nanny: Expats who enjoy working with children can consider becoming an au pair or nanny. These jobs usually require some experience and references but may not require formal qualifications.
Farm work: In some countries, expats can find seasonal work on farms or agricultural areas, picking crops or helping with other manual labor tasks.
It's important to note that the specific job opportunities available to expats will depend on their location, language skills, and previous work experience.
What are the most popular countries for finding a low-requirement job as an expat?
The availability of low-requirement jobs for expats can vary depending on the country and region. However, some countries may be more conducive to finding these types of positions than others. Here are a few countries that may offer good opportunities for expats looking for low-requirement jobs:
Thailand
With a low cost of living and a thriving tourism industry, Thailand offers many opportunities for expats to find work in the hospitality and service sectors, as well as English teaching.
Popular industries: The tourism and hospitality industries are significant contributors to the Thai economy and provide many low-requirement jobs for expats. There are also opportunities in the education sector. According to Thailand Legal Resource, there are over 11,000 legally employed expat English teachers in the country.
Salaries: The average salary for an English teacher (outside of Bangkok) ranges from 25,000 to 30,000 Baht. Hospitality salaries in Thailand (depending on experience and location) range from 20,000 Baht to 50,000 Baht.
Language: While knowledge of the Thai language is not always required, it can be an advantage, especially in some industries such as hospitality and tourism. In many cases, English is the primary language used in the workplace.
Visa requirements: To work in Thailand, expats must obtain a work permit and a non-immigrant visa. The work permit is issued by the Ministry of Labor, and the non-immigrant visa can be obtained from a Thai embassy or consulate in the home country.
Mexico
Mexico is known for having a large expat community, and there are many low-requirement jobs available in the hospitality, retail, and food service industries.
Popular industries: Similar to Thailand, teaching English is a popular low-requirement job for expats in Mexico. Many language schools and universities offer English teaching positions to foreign workers.
There are also many job opportunities in the hospitality and service industries, such as working in restaurants, bars, and hotels. Some of these jobs may not require previous experience, and English language skills can be an advantage. Retail jobs, such as working in shops or supermarkets, are also popular among expats in Mexico. Many international companies have call centers in Mexico, and there are often opportunities for foreign workers with language skills, such as English or Spanish.
Salaries: In Mexico, English language schools typically pay hourly rates, and the salary can range from USD 7 to USD 15 per hour, depending on the region and the school. Private language schools may offer higher salaries than public schools. The salaries for expats in hospitality can vary widely depending on the specific job, location, experience, and other factors. According to PayScale, the average salary for a hotel manager in Mexico is MXN 447,000 per year, which is approximately USD 22,000. However, salaries for other hospitality positions, such as chefs, servers, and housekeeping staff, are likely to be lower. It's important to research the specific position and location to get a more accurate idea of the salary range.
Language: Some low-requirement jobs in Mexico may not require fluency in Spanish, particularly in large multinational corporations or industries with a high concentration of English-speaking workers. However, many employers in Mexico may prefer or require some level of Spanish proficiency, especially for jobs that involve interacting with customers or clients.
Visa requirements: The specific visa requirements for working in Mexico depend on various factors, such as your country of origin, the type of work you will be doing, and the length of your stay in Mexico. In general, however, foreign nationals who wish to work in Mexico will need a work visa, which typically requires a job offer from a Mexican employer.
China
The demand for English teachers in China has created a significant number of job opportunities for native English speakers, and many of these jobs have relatively low requirements.
Popular industries: Some popular industries for low-requirement jobs for expats in China include teaching English as a foreign language, hospitality and tourism, and customer service. Additionally, there are opportunities for expats in fields such as marketing and sales, particularly in large cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. However, it's worth noting that a lot of jobs in China require some knowledge of Mandarin Chinese, especially if they involve working with local Chinese customers or businesses.
Salaries: On average, expat English teachers can expect to earn between 6,000 and 16,000 RMB per month, which is roughly equivalent to USD 900 to USD 2,500. However, it's important to note that salaries can be higher or lower than this range, depending on the specific circumstances. Some schools may also offer additional benefits such as housing, flight allowances, or health insurance.
Language: In low-requirement jobs in China, particularly those catering to expats, fluency in Chinese may not be necessary. However, having a basic knowledge of the language can be an advantage in terms of communication with colleagues and clients, as well as navigating daily life in China. In some cases, employers may require a certain level of proficiency in Chinese, depending on the job role and responsibilities.
Visa requirements: To work in China as an expat, you generally need a work visa, also known as a Z visa. To obtain a work visa, you typically need to have a job offer from a Chinese employer, and they will need to provide you with certain documents, such as an invitation letter and a work permit. You will also need to pass a medical exam and provide other documentation, such as a criminal background check.
South Korea
South Korea also has a high demand for English teachers, and there are many entry-level positions available in the hospitality and service sectors as well.
Popular industries: Teaching English as a second language is a popular job for expats in South Korea. Many schools and private language academies hire English teachers from abroad. Plus, many expats in South Korea work as private tutors for students learning English or other subjects. Some multinational companies in South Korea also hire expats as customer service representatives. These jobs typically require proficiency in English and Korean. South Korea has a thriving entertainment industry, and there are many opportunities for expats to work as content creators, such as writers, producers, and editors.
Salaries: On average, English teachers in South Korea can expect to earn around 2.1-2.5 million KRW per month, which is approximately USD 1,800-2,200. Some teachers may also receive benefits such as free accommodation, airfare, and health insurance. According to PayScale, the average salary for a customer service representative in South Korea is around 28 million KRW (approximately USD 24,000) per year. However, this can range from around 17 million KRW (approximately USD 14,000) to 45 million KRW (approximately USD 38,000) per year, depending on the company you work for, your position, and your experience.
Language: For certain jobs, such as teaching English, Korean language proficiency may not be required. However, for other low-requirement jobs, such as customer service, knowing some Korean language may be helpful or required depending on the employer and the nature of the work.
Visa requirements: The visa requirements for expats who want to work in South Korea depend on their nationality, the type of work they will be doing, and the length of their stay. Generally, foreigners need to obtain a work visa to work in South Korea legally. The visa application process involves submitting various documents to the South Korean embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country, including a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a certificate of health, and a letter of invitation or employment contract.
Portugal
Portugal is becoming increasingly popular with expats, and there are many low-requirement jobs in the hospitality, tourism, and service sectors.
Popular industries: Many multinational companies have offices in Portugal, and they often look for English-speaking customer service representatives. As with many other countries, English teachers are in high demand in Portugal. There are also opportunities for teachers of other languages, such as Spanish or French. The tourism industry is important in Portugal, and bars and restaurants often hire expats to serve customers, particularly during the busy summer months.
Salaries: According to salary data from Glassdoor, the average salary for a customer service representative in Portugal is around €20,000 to €25,000 per year. However, salaries can range from around €15,000 to €35,000 per year depending on factors such as experience, language skills, and the type of company. The salary for expat English teachers in Portugal varies depending on the level of experience, qualifications, and the type of institution they are working for. On average, English teachers can earn around 800 to 1500 euros per month
Language: In some cases, knowledge of Portuguese may be required for low-requirement jobs in Portugal, particularly those that involve direct contact with Portuguese-speaking customers or clients. However, there are also many English-speaking roles available in areas such as tourism, customer service, and tech support, where fluency in Portuguese may not be necessary.
Visa requirements: If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, you will need a work visa to work in Portugal. The type of visa required depends on the length and purpose of your stay in Portugal. Generally, the visa application process involves providing proof of employment, such as a work contract, and meeting certain health and character requirements.
How to find a low-requirement job as an expat
Finding a low-requirement job in a foreign country is not always easy — especially if you are unfamiliar with the local job market. However, the internet makes things substantially easier. And quite often, a bit of research can reveal unique opportunities from around the globe.
Here are some best practices to follow for finding a low-requirement job in a foreign country:
Research the job market in your desired country: Look for information about popular industries and job opportunities that require minimal qualifications or experience.
For instance, in November of 2022, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published an updated list of occupations eligible for Express Entry to include transport truck drivers and bus drivers. Express Entry is an online platform used by the Canadian government to offer permanent residence to skilled workers in specific fields.
In addition to Express Entry, there are various immigration pathways available for foreign nationals interested in moving to Canada. These include Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which operate in 11 out of 13 provinces and territories in Canada (excluding Quebec and Nunavut), as well as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP).
Check visa requirements: Make sure you are eligible to work in the country and check what type of visa you need to apply for. Most countries do require a work visa for permanent employment. However, if you are applying for work under a worker shortage immigration program, the visa application procedures may be simplified.
Network: Use online resources, such as LinkedIn and job search websites, to connect with recruiters, hiring managers, and other professionals in your desired field. If you are looking for work in a specific country, consider changing your LinkedIn location to that specific region and see what employment offers become available.
Consider language requirements: Determine whether you need to speak the local language to be competitive for certain jobs. Consider taking language courses if necessary.
Use a recruitment agency: Some recruitment agencies specialize in placing expats in low-requirement jobs in different countries. They can also help you navigate the job market and visa requirements.
In conclusion, finding a low-requirement job as an expat can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and strategy, it is possible. Whether you are looking to teach English, work in customer service, or other industries, there are opportunities available in various countries. The best approach to finding low-requirement work in a foreign country is to take your time researching available opportunities and possible gaps in the job market.
