Help and Advice

Working overseas can provide fantastic new and exciting opportunities to broaden your experience and further your career, but with so many different rules and regulations for working abroad, it can be difficult to know what to expect. We have tried to answer some of the most common questions about working abroad below. If you have other questions please feel free to speak to one of our consultants.

Qualifications

Many of the positions that Sphere Solutions are asked to recruit for specify that a relevant degree or professional chartership is held as a minimum. This is often because of government restrictions in various countries on who they will allow to work in their country, or because the employer's client insists on degree-qualified technical staff.
There a still opportunities for those who have progressed via a trade route.

Visa & Permits

Regardless of where you work, it is highly likely that you will need a visa, residency or some form of work permit. The main exception to this rule is for countries within the European Union where generally if you are a citizen of another European Union country, you are free to live and work elsewhere in the EU. For other countries however, rules differ depending on the location.
For locations such as the Middle East and the Caribbean, you will need to secure employment before you can work and you will require residency and permits. In other locations, your future employer will arrange your work permit and visa requirements. Generally there is no cost to you although the cost may be claimed back should you leave before a specified period.

Money & Tax

More often than not you will salary be paid in local currency and you should have a local bank account. Tax rules can vary greatly depending on conditions such as location and nationality.
Within the EU, you will generally be taxed at either UK rates or those of whichever country you are working in. Outside of the EU, the rules can appear complicated, but put simply; the tax you will pay depends on where your employer is based, where you work and whether you are resident in the UK. Residency in the UK is defined as 'if you are in the UK for 183 days or more in the tax year, for tax purposes you are a 'resident' for that year. You are also treated as a resident if you are in the UK for an average of 91 days or more in a tax year (worked out over a maximum of four consecutive years)'.
The UK has 'double taxation agreements' with many countries to ensure that you only pay tax in one country. Some countries are 'tax free', and as long as you comply with UK residency rules, you will be tax free. The majority of the Middle East is tax free.

Language

The majority of worldwide construction projects have contracts written in English, however, it is always helpful to at least pick up and use a few phrases.

Family

Most locations are suitable for candidates with young families, and it becoming increasingly popular to take your children with you. Companies do not always give salary allowances for schooling & therefore where there is no state education provision you will be liable to pay the full costs for education for your family.