Working Overseas

Benefits And Issues to Consider In International Construction Employment

There are many opportunities for people eager to take advantage of the overseas lifestyle that comes with working abroad, and avail themselves of the financial & tax related benefits that non-UK residency can bring where applicable.

To this end, we have put together some basic information that will raise issues and questions for you to consider with the appropriate party; whether that be Maxim Recruitment, your family, friends, previous expats, a tax advisor, an accountant or others.  It is important to assess carefully if and in what location an overseas quantity surveying or construction job would suit you and/or you and your family.

Some of the issues to think about before applying to work overseas for a building, civil engineering or quantity surveying practice include:

Salary

  • Are you working in construction overseas for the life experience or to make additional money? If the reality of wanting both was a trade off, which would be most important?
  • Clarify at an early stage of any job offer the currency that your salary and any benefits package will be paid in.
  • Consider including an agreement that covers action should currency fluctuations pass beyond a certain range to avoid future problems.
  • If applicable, you should find out how, when and in what circumstances overtime will be paid.
  • What are the tax implications of working overseas to your personal circumstances?

Accommodation

  • What kind of accommodation will you require, and what kind of environment are you prepared to consider living in (urban/rural/remote)?
  • It can be helpful, if accommodation is being provided, that you confirm its type before arrival.
  • If it is not provided, do some research to confirm that the costs you will have are known so that you can assess any offer of employment in context of local currency, any accommodation allowance provided and the actual overall cost of living.

Travel

  • If you are travelling overseas with others, clarify whether it is you or your new employer that will be picking up the cost for mobilisation, leave & repatriation. What is required by you & what can be negotiated? Not many companies these days pay the costs for whole families to relocate, live, have holidays and get back home!
  • Confirm how travel tickets are to reach you some time before departure
  • Confirm passports and any entry clearance or related documentation for you and any others travelling are up to date

Leave Entitlement

  • What leave cycle arrangements are you seeking; how realistic are they?
  • Make sure your number of days leave is specified in your employment contract & that you are happy with what is on offer

Medical Insurance

  • It is worth considering having full medical insurance while you/you and your family are working abroad.  If this is not provided by your employer then it is worth making your own enquiries.  Such cover can include features such as repatriation to your country of residence if the required medical facilities are unavailable.

Termination Clause

  • Make sure you are clear in your contract about the circumstances relating to your employment terminating - both from your and your employers perspective. This is for everyone's benefit.

Other Tips

  • Arrange family health plans.
  • Look into professional indemnities.
  • Maintain an interest in your your professional development.
  • Be aware that working abroad will have an effect on taxes and pensions; seek advice where appropriate.
  • Read the contract very carefully .
  • If the contract is not in English, get a translation of the text that you can trust and understand 

Maxim Recruitment can not offer any type of financial, taxation or immigration/visa advice to current or intending jobseekers, however we are aware of some organisations that are specialists in offering expatriates such advice.  If you get in touch with us we may be able to put you onto the right types of people.

Search our Jobs

Search our extensive database of UK & international construction job vacancies, and apply for the positions that most suit your interests and career aspirations.

Contact us

Please submit your CV to us and begin the positive experience of partnering with a professional construction recruitment consultancy. 

Newsletter

Get construction industry news relating to the UK, Canada, Asia, the Middle East and other worldwide locations.

Subscribe

Testimonial

“Richard from Maxim Recruitment first reached out to me whilst I was in UK with a great job opportunity in Hong Kong. Prior to the interview, Richard provided good insight about the company and condition of the industry and reassured me the role was a great fit. He matched each of the key skills against the JD which captured my interest. Having been offered the position, Richard negotiated the package on my behalf and secured a 12% uplift to the original offer to ensure my acceptance. I experienced very professional and efficient execution of their services and I have no hesitation in working with Richard and Maxim Recruitment should the opportunity arise in the future.”

A.J. | Associate Director Quality Assurance | December 2023

Send Us Your CV

Need help finding the ideal job? Want to save time when searching?

Let us find your next job.

Send Us Your CV

Register for Job Alerts

Maxim Insights

The Excitement Is Building In Dubai (Once Again!)

Take a look at the insatiable appetite for development which Dubai and the rest of the UAE appears to have, once again, in spades! (excuse the pun). Also, some exciting new construction jobs in the Middle East which the Maxim Recruitment Team is currently working hard to fill.…

Read more »

Five great things about living and working in Canada

As a specialist construction Recruitment Consultant for the UK & Canada, I talk to many prospective candidates who are contemplating relocating to Canada – but what is it that is attracting them?  …

Read more »

Keeping Fit with a Desk Job | 10 Easy Tips

Even small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can stay fit, boost your energy levels and your confidence in the workplace!…

Read more »

Addressing the Underrepresentation of Women in the Construction Industry

As a recruiter in the construction industry, I have made significantly fewer female placements than male placements, and I often question why that is. …

Read more »

Ten Pieces of Timeless Career Advice

Whether you want to launch your career or take a career to the next level, applying good career advice will help you accomplish your objectives and soar to new heights. Let’s look at ten priceless career tips that have stood the test of time.…

Read more »

Industry News

Heat pump roll out not going to plan

A report from the government spending watchdog today tells us what we all absolutely already knew – that the heat pump roll out is going too slowly.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 18 March, 08:24

Read more »

Marshalls takes action as profits fall 40%

Building materials group Marshalls has filed results showing how the business has been hit by the downturn.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 18 March, 08:05

Read more »

Mental health questions added to tender documents

A Merseyside council has decided to make its contractors include mental health statements in their bids for construction work.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 18 March, 07:29

Read more »

Willmott Dixon starts Towcester SEND school

Willmott Dixon has begun construction works on the development of a new special school in Towcester.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 18 March, 07:14

Read more »

Cardiff set to approve £25m re-cladding project

Cardiff Council is preparing to move on to phase two of its post Grenfell tower block remediation works.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 18 March, 06:56

Read more »