How to Research Companies Abroad Before Applying: A Complete Guide (2025)

How to Research Jobs Abroad?

Landing a job abroad can be life-changing—offering higher salaries, cultural immersion, career advancement, and personal growth. But here’s the reality: not every international opportunity is legitimate, and not every foreign employer is what they claim to be.

According to recent data, job-related scams cost U.S. job seekers $12 billion in 2024, representing a 21% increase from the previous year. With employment-related scams jumping by over 1,000% during peak hiring seasons, the need to thoroughly research companies abroad before applying has never been more critical.

Whether you’re eyeing a position in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, or anywhere else globally, this comprehensive guide will teach you exactly how to research companies abroad before applying—protecting your finances, personal information, and career aspirations while maximizing your chances of landing genuine opportunities.

Quick Takeaways

Before we dive deep, here are the essential points you need to know about researching international employers:

Verify company legitimacy through official business registries and government databases before sharing any personal information or paying fees
Use multiple research platforms including Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and industry-specific forums to get comprehensive insights into company culture and employee experiences
Watch for red flags such as upfront payment requests, vague job descriptions, pressure tactics, and communication solely through personal email accounts
Check visa sponsorship legitimacy by consulting official immigration websites and understanding the legal requirements for work authorization
Cross-reference salary data with industry benchmarks using platforms like Glassdoor, PayScale, and local salary databases to identify unrealistic offers
Verify recruiter credentials by confirming their registration with professional bodies and checking their digital footprint across multiple platforms
Document everything throughout your research process to protect yourself and create an audit trail of all communications

Why Researching Companies Abroad is Absolutely Essential

The Growing Threat of International Job Scams

The globalization of work has created unprecedented opportunities—but also unprecedented risks. Nearly 1 in 3 Americans report receiving job offer scams via text message, with victims losing an average of $1,471 per scam.

The problem extends far beyond the United States. In India alone, thousands of professionals have been trapped by fake overseas job offers, with some even being forced into illegal online activities after traveling on tourist visas instead of proper work visas.

What’s at Stake

When you fail to properly research companies abroad before applying, you risk:

Financial Loss: Payment of fake visa fees, processing charges, training costs, or equipment purchases
Identity Theft: Exposure of passport details, banking information, and Social Security/national identification numbers
Legal Troubles: Working on incorrect visa types, unknowing involvement in illegal activities
Career Setbacks: Wasted time, damaged professional reputation, gaps in employment history
Physical Safety: In extreme cases, human trafficking and forced labor situations
Emotional Stress: The psychological toll of being scammed and the difficulty of recovery

The Positive Side: Real Opportunities Exist

Don’t let the risks discourage you entirely. According to the OECD, over 4.5 million Indians are currently working overseas successfully, with strong demand in IT, healthcare, finance, and engineering. The key is knowing how to separate genuine opportunities from fraudulent ones.

Step 1: Start with Official Company Verification

Use Business Registries and Official Databases

Your first step in researching companies abroad should always be verifying their legal existence. Every legitimate company must be registered with government authorities in their country of operation.

How to Verify:

Identify the company’s country of registration: Ask the recruiter or check the company website for their registered office location
Access the appropriate business registry: Different countries have different systems
Search for the company name and registration number: Legitimate companies will provide this information when asked
Verify active status: Confirm the company is currently active and in good standing

Key Resources for Global Company Verification:

OpenCorporates: Free database covering over 200 million companies across 130+ jurisdictions
Companies House (UK): Official UK company registry with free search functionality
SEC EDGAR (USA): Public company filings for U.S.-based or U.S.-listed companies
European Business Register: Network covering 28 European countries
Global Database: Comprehensive platform for verifying companies across multiple countries

Verify Through Multiple Databases

Don’t stop at one source. Cross-reference information across multiple databases:

Business registries confirm legal existence
Tax authorities verify tax registration numbers
Industry associations confirm membership and standing
Financial databases like ORBIS provide financial information on 400+ million companies globally

What to Look For

When checking official registries, verify:

Company registration number matches across all documents
Registered address is a legitimate business location, not a P.O. box or residential address
Directors and officers are real people with verifiable identities
Company age aligns with their claimed history and experience
Financial status shows stability and solvency
Any legal proceedings or insolvency notices

Red Flag Alert: Missing or fake registration numbers, absence of a verifiable business address, lack of contact information (like no landline number), and overly complex ownership structures are major warning signs.

Step 2: Deep Dive into Company Reputation and Culture

Leverage Employee Review Platforms

Once you’ve confirmed a company legally exists, it’s time to understand what it’s really like to work there. Employee review platforms provide insider perspectives you won’t find anywhere else.

Glassdoor: Your Primary Research Tool

Companies see 3X more traffic on their Glassdoor profile than their LinkedIn company page, and for hourly employees, this can be as high as 20-30X. This makes Glassdoor your most valuable resource for honest employee feedback.

What to Research on Glassdoor:

Overall company rating (look for patterns, not just the number)
CEO approval rating (indicates leadership quality)
Work-life balance scores (especially important for international moves)
Compensation and benefits reviews (verify salary offers are realistic)
Interview reviews (prepare for what’s coming)
Culture and values assessments (ensure cultural fit)

How to Read Reviews Critically:

Look for patterns, not individual complaints: One negative review doesn’t mean much, but recurring themes across dozens of reviews are significant
Check review dates: Recent reviews (within 1-3 months) are most relevant
Balance positive and negative: Be wary of companies with suspiciously uniform positive reviews posted within short timeframes, suggesting coordinated campaigns
Read between the lines: What reviewers DON’T mention can be as telling as what they do mention
Consider your specific role: Reviews from your department or similar positions are most relevant

Use LinkedIn for Professional Insights

While LinkedIn excels at highly targeted candidate searches and networking rather than company research, it remains valuable for:

Verifying company legitimacy:

Company page authenticity: Check follower count, post frequency, employee engagement
Employee profiles: Do employees list this company in their work history?
Leadership verification: Are executives who they claim to be?

Connecting with current and former employees:

Send polite connection requests explaining your interest
Ask specific questions about work environment, growth opportunities, and company stability
Join alumni groups or industry groups where employees may share insights

Analyzing company activity:

Regular posts suggest an active, engaged company
Employee engagement with posts indicates healthy company culture
News mentions and press releases provide context about company direction

Explore Industry-Specific Forums and Expat Communities

Don’t overlook the goldmine of information in specialized communities:

Reddit: Subreddits like r/IWantOut, r/expats, and industry-specific communities
The Expat Forum: Country-specific sections with job market discussions
Quora: Search for the company name + reviews/experiences
Facebook Groups: Expat groups in your target country often discuss employers
WhatsApp Communities: Professional networking groups (use caution with personal information)

Step 3: Verify the Recruiter and Job Posting

Authenticating the Recruiter

Fake candidates and recruiters often use stolen identities, AI-enhanced credentials, and fake LinkedIn profiles. Verify your recruiter is legitimate:

Check their credentials:

Professional licensing or certification (where applicable)
Registration with recruitment associations
Company email address (not Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail)
Presence on multiple platforms with consistent information
Verifiable work history and connections

Warning signs of fake recruiters:

Contact solely through personal email addresses or messaging apps
Pressure to make quick decisions
Resistance to video calls or in-person meetings
Poor grammar and spelling in communications
Inconsistent information across interactions

Analyze the Job Posting

Legitimate job postings have specific characteristics. Be wary of postings that require too much personal information upfront, want to seal the deal quickly, are unwilling to provide a written contract, have spelling and grammar mistakes, and offer only vague and sketchy job descriptions.

Elements of a legitimate posting:

Clear job title and detailed responsibilities
Specific qualifications and experience requirements
Realistic salary range (verify with Glassdoor, PayScale, or local salary surveys)
Transparent visa sponsorship information (if applicable)
Company background and mission statement
Clear application process and timeline
Professional contact information

Red flags in job postings:

Promises of extremely high salaries for minimal experience
Vague job descriptions using generic terms
No mention of specific skills or qualifications needed
Requests for upfront payment for visas, work authorization, background checks, or training
Spelling and grammatical errors throughout
Use of personal email addresses
Pressure to apply immediately

Verify Through Official Channels

Even if a recruiter seems legitimate:

Contact the company directly: Use contact information from their official website, not from the recruiter
Verify the job posting: Ask if the position is currently open and if they’re working with the recruiter in question
Request official documentation: Legitimate companies provide formal offer letters on company letterhead
Check recruitment agency licensing: Verify the agency is registered with relevant authorities

For example, in India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) requires recruitment agencies to be registered, and job seekers can verify this through the eMigrate portal.

Step 4: Understand Visa and Legal Requirements

Research Work Visa Requirements

Before accepting any international position, understand the legal requirements for working in that country.

Key questions to answer:

What type of work visa does the position require?
Does the employer provide visa sponsorship?
What documents are needed for the visa application?
What are the processing times and costs?
Are there quota limitations or restrictions for your nationality?
Can you legally work on a tourist visa? (Spoiler: Almost never!)

Official resources:

U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs: travel.state.gov
UK Government Immigration Services: gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship
Australian Department of Home Affairs: homeaffairs.gov.au

Verify Visa Sponsorship Claims

Visa scammers often promise jobs with no English-language requirements and charge exorbitant fees. Legitimate visa sponsorship:

Is provided directly by the employer, not through third parties demanding payment
Involves official government-issued documents
Requires specific forms completed by the employer
Has transparent processing fees paid to government authorities, not individuals
Takes time—beware of promises of “quick” visa approval

Critical warning: Legitimate employers never ask you to pay upfront fees for visas, work authorization, background checks, or training.

Understand Local Labor Laws

Research the employment laws in your target country:

Minimum wage and standard salary ranges for your position
Working hours and overtime regulations
Holiday and sick leave entitlements
Contract termination procedures
Employee rights and protections

Resources:

International Labour Organization (ILO): ilo.org
OECD Employment Database: oecd.org/employment/database
Country-specific labor ministry websites

Step 5: Investigate Financial Stability and Compensation

Verify Salary Expectations

Unrealistic salary offers are often a major red flag. Scammers often advertise dream jobs with salaries well above average to attract desperate job seekers.

Salary research tools:

Glassdoor Salaries: Country-specific salary data with job title, location, and experience filters
PayScale: International salary comparison tool
Salary.com: U.S.-focused but useful for multinational comparisons
Numbeo Cost of Living: Compare purchasing power across countries
LinkedIn Salary Insights: Available for premium members

What to do:

Research the average salary for your position in the specific city/country
Account for cost of living differences
Consider benefits packages (health insurance, housing allowances, etc.)
Factor in tax implications—both in host country and potentially home country
Verify that the offered salary aligns with market rates (±20% is normal variation)

Red flag: Offers that are 50-100%+ above market rate without clear justification are highly suspicious.

Check Company Financial Health

Understanding a company’s financial stability helps you avoid joining organizations at risk of bankruptcy or layoffs.

Resources for financial research:

Company financial statements: Available through business registries or the company directly
ORBIS Database: Financial information on 400+ million companies
Credit rating agencies: Dun & Bradstreet, Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s
Industry news: Search for recent articles about the company’s performance
Stock market data: For publicly traded companies

Warning signs:

Recent layoffs or restructuring
Declining revenues over multiple years
Mounting debt without clear recovery plans
Negative news about financial troubles
Recent changes in senior leadership (mass exodus is concerning)

Step 6: Recognize and Avoid Common Scams

Top International Job Scams to Watch For

Understanding common scam tactics helps you spot them before it’s too late.

Upfront Fee Scams

Legitimate firms will not make you buy your own airline tickets or pay for visa processing, background checks, or training materials.

Fake Check Scams

The Federal Trade Commission warns about scammers posing as employers who send counterfeit checks, instructing victims to purchase equipment from selected vendors.

Data Harvesting Scams

Fake recruiters collect your personal information—passport details, banking information, identification numbers—for identity theft purposes.

Pyramid Schemes

These schemes operate through money exchange rather than real commerce, with participants believing they’ll profit from investments made by those who follow them.

Tourist Visa Trap

Scammers send people on tourist visas instead of work visas, making workers vulnerable to exploitation since they have no legal right to work.

False Government Job Promises

Job scams often involve false promises of employment in the government sector, requesting payment for the job or study materials. All government applications are free.

Hospitality and Au Pair Scams

These scams offer jobs no-questions-asked, except for personal information and payment for visa fees upfront.

Red Flags Summary Checklist

Watch for these warning signs:

✗ Requests for upfront payments for any reason

✗ Too-good-to-be-true offers: Exceptional salaries for minimal qualifications

✗ Rushed timeline: Pressure to accept immediately

✗ Vague job descriptions: Unclear responsibilities or requirements

✗ Personal email communications: Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail instead of company domains

✗ Poor website quality: Minimal information, grammatical errors, or no HTTPS security

✗ Unverifiable company information: Can’t find them in business registries

✗ Requests for personal information: Before any formal interview process

✗ No written contract: Resistance to providing official documentation

✗ Money transfer requests: Wire transfers, Western Union, cryptocurrency payments

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

Stop all communication immediately
Don’t send any money or personal information
Report to authorities:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – U.S.: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Better Business Bureau: bbb.org
- Local police
- Country-specific consumer protection agencies
Warn others: Post your experience on forums and review sites
Secure your information: If you shared personal data, take protective measures (credit monitoring, password changes, etc.)

Step 7: Network with Current and Former Employees

The Power of Direct Connections

No amount of online research beats talking to someone who actually works or worked at the company. Networking is powerful for finding international jobs, and leveraging LinkedIn connections in your target country can provide valuable insider information.

How to connect effectively:

Identify current/former employees:
- Use LinkedIn’s company pages and search functions
- Look for people in similar roles or departments
- Find alumni from your university working at the company

Craft thoughtful connection requests:

Hi [Name],

I noticed you work at [Company] as a [Role]. I’m considering a position there and would love to hear about your experience. Would you be open to a brief 15-minute call? I promise to be respectful of your time.

Thank you,

[Your Name]

Ask smart questions:
- “What’s the company culture really like?”
- “How does the company support international employees?”
- “Is management transparent and fair?”
- “Would you join this company again if given the choice?”
- “Are there growth opportunities?”
- “How does the reality compare to what they promise during recruitment?”

Join Expat and Industry Communities

These communities are invaluable for honest, unfiltered information:

InterNations: Global expat community with city-specific groups
Expatica: Country guides and forums
LinkedIn Groups: Industry and country-specific professional groups
Facebook Expat Groups: Search “[City/Country] Expats” for active communities
Reddit: Subreddits for specific countries and career fields
Discord Servers: Professional networking servers for your industry

Step 8: Conduct Your Own Due Diligence Interview

Flip the Interview Script

Remember: Interviews aren’t just for employers to evaluate you—they’re for you to evaluate them. Come prepared with tough questions.

Questions to ask during interviews:

About the company:

“What are the company’s short-term and long-term goals?”
“What challenges is the company currently facing?”
“How has the company changed over the past few years?”
“What’s the employee turnover rate in this department?”

About visa and relocation:

“What specific support do you provide for visa sponsorship?”
“Have you successfully sponsored employees from my country before?”
“What relocation assistance is included?”
“Are there any costs I’m expected to cover personally?”

About the position:

“Why is this position open? (New role or replacement?)”
“What happened to the previous person in this role?”
“What does success look like in the first 6 months?”
“What are the biggest challenges facing this role?”

About company culture:

“How would you describe the management style here?”
“How does the company support work-life balance?”
“What’s the policy on professional development?”
“How diverse is the team?”

Request References and Documentation

Legitimate employers will happily provide:

Written offer letters on company letterhead
Employment contracts detailing terms and conditions
References from current/former employees (ask if you can speak with them)
Formal visa sponsorship documentation (after offer acceptance)

Always request an in-person or video call interview before accepting a job offer. If they refuse or make excuses, that’s a major red flag.

Step 9: Verify Physical Presence and Legitimacy

Check the Company’s Physical Address

Organizations using P.O. boxes or mailing addresses instead of permanent physical addresses should immediately raise red flags, as scammers typically work remotely to avoid detection.

How to verify:

Google Maps: Search the registered address
- Does it look like a legitimate business location?
- Are there photos showing the company sign or office?
- Check street view for visual confirmation
Google the address separately:
- Is it a virtual office or co-working space?
- Do multiple businesses list the same address?
- Is it a residential location?
Check local business directories:
- Yellow Pages or equivalent for that country
- Google Business listings
- Chamber of Commerce directories
Call the main office:
- Use the publicly listed phone number (not from the recruiter)
- Ask for the HR department or hiring manager
- Verify the job posting exists

Website Security and Professionalism

Website URLs using “http” or simple “www” are not secure, while “https” is much more legitimate and secure.

Website checklist:

✓ HTTPS security (look for the lock icon) ✓ Professional design and current content ✓ Working contact forms and email addresses ✓ Detailed “About Us” section with company history ✓ Real team members with photos and bios ✓ Physical address and contact information ✓ Recent news or blog updates ✓ Social media presence with regular engagement ✓ Privacy policy and terms of service

Red flags:

✗ Generic template design with stock photos ✗ Minimal content or “under construction” pages ✗ No contact information or only contact forms ✗ Recent domain registration (check via WHOIS lookup) ✗ Typos and grammatical errors ✗ Broken links or outdated information ✗ Stolen content from other websites

Step 10: Use Background Check and Verification Services

Professional Background Screening

For high-stakes opportunities or when you have concerns, consider professional verification services.

International background check providers:

Cisive: Offers services in 196 countries with direct access to courts and on-the-ground research
HireSafe: Provides employment verification services in more than 244 countries
Zinc: Offers global background checks in 190 countries, using international databases with compliance support
DISA Global Solutions: Comprehensive international screening
Accurate Background: Large privately-held global provider

What these services check:

Company registration and legal status
Employment and education verification
Criminal history checks (where legally permitted)
Financial stability
Sanctions and watchlist screening
Directorship history

Important note: Background check procedures vary significantly between regions, and employers must follow relevant international data protection laws like GDPR in Europe.

Free Verification Resources

If professional services aren’t in your budget:

Better Business Bureau (BBB): Check for complaints and ratings
Scam reporting databases: RipoffReport, ScamAdviser, TrustPilot
Government consumer protection websites
Industry regulatory bodies: Professional associations for your field
Local chambers of commerce

Country-Specific Research Considerations

Europe

GDPR compliance: Companies must handle your data appropriately
EU Blue Card: Check if the position qualifies for this work permit
Professional qualifications: Some credentials require recognition/equivalence verification
Language requirements: Even if the job is in English, local language skills may be beneficial

Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)

Sponsorship system: Understand the kafala system where applicable
Contract terms: Review contract termination clauses carefully
Cultural considerations: Research workplace norms and expectations
License verification: Ensure recruiting agencies are licensed by the Ministry of Labor

Asia (Singapore, Japan, China, Hong Kong)

Work permit quotas: Some countries have nationality or sector quotas
Local partnerships: Some countries require local business partners
Education verification: May need credential evaluation services
Language proficiency: Often required even for international positions

North America (USA, Canada)

Professional licensing: State/province-specific requirements for certain professions
Background checks: Extensive verification is standard
Tax implications: Understand tax obligations in both countries
Health insurance: Verify comprehensive coverage is provided

Australia/New Zealand

Skills assessment: Required for many visa categories
English proficiency: IELTS or equivalent testing
Cost of living: Research thoroughly as it’s typically high
Points-based systems: Understand how the visa system works

Real-World Example: A Complete Research Process

Let’s walk through a practical example of researching a company abroad.

Scenario: You receive a LinkedIn message from a recruiter offering a Software Engineer position at “TechGlobal Solutions” in Berlin, Germany, with a salary of €80,000.

Research Steps:

Verify the recruiter (5 minutes):

Check LinkedIn profile: 500+ connections, company email, recommendations
Google the recruiter’s name + company: Appears in company press releases
✅ Legitimate

Verify company registration (10 minutes):

Search Handelsregister (German business register)
Find company registration number and registered address in Berlin
Check company age: Founded 2015 (9 years – established)
✅ Legitimate

Check company reputation (20 minutes):

Glassdoor: 3.8/5 rating with 127 reviews
- Pros: Good work-life balance, modern tech stack, international team
- Cons: Some organizational confusion, average compensation
LinkedIn: 1,200 employees, regular posts, engaged workforce
Website: Professional, HTTPS secure, detailed about section
✅ Generally positive with realistic reviews

Verify salary expectations (10 minutes):

Glassdoor Berlin Software Engineer: €65,000-€85,000
PayScale Germany: €72,000 average
Numbeo Cost of Living: Berlin is affordable compared to Munich/Frankfurt
✅ Offered salary is within market range

Research visa requirements (15 minutes):

EU Blue Card eligibility: Requires university degree + job offer €58,400+ (2025)
Company provides visa sponsorship: Confirmed in job description
Processing time: 3-4 months typically
✅ Legitimate visa pathway exists

Connect with current employees (3 days):

Found 5 software engineers on LinkedIn
2 responded to connection requests
15-minute call with one: Positive experience, company supports international hires well, team is collaborative
✅ First-hand confirmation of good experience

Verify physical presence (5 minutes):

Google Maps: Modern office building in Berlin tech hub
Google Street View: Company sign visible on building
Called main office: Receptionist confirmed hiring for engineering positions
✅ Legitimate physical presence

Interview questions (during interview):

Asked about visa process: Detailed explanation with timeline
Asked about previous international hires: Named 3 colleagues from various countries
Requested to speak with team: Video call arranged with future team members
✅ Transparent and accommodating

Final Decision: ✅ PROCEED WITH APPLICATION

This company passed all verification checks. The opportunity appears legitimate, salary is fair, and company culture seems positive based on multiple sources.

Tools and Resources Checklist

Essential Research Tools

Company Verification:

[ ] OpenCorporates – Global company database
[ ] Companies House UK – UK registry
[ ] SEC EDGAR – U.S. public companies
[ ] European Business Register – EU countries
[ ] Country-specific business registries

Reputation Research:

[ ] Glassdoor – Employee reviews and salaries
[ ] LinkedIn – Professional networking and company pages
[ ] Indeed – Job reviews and company information
[ ] Reddit, Quora, company-specific forums

Salary Verification:

[ ] Glassdoor Salaries
[ ] PayScale
[ ] Numbeo – Cost of living comparisons
[ ] Salary.com

Visa and Immigration:

[ ] U.S. State Department
[ ] UK Government Immigration
[ ] IRCC Canada
[ ] Australian Department of Home Affairs
[ ] Country-specific immigration websites

Scam Detection:

Background Verification:

[ ] Cisive
[ ] HireSafe
[ ] Zinc
[ ] DISA

Best Practices Summary

Do’s:

✓ Start research early – Begin before even applying ✓ Use multiple sources – Cross-reference information ✓ Document everything – Save emails, screenshots, job postings ✓ Trust your instincts – If something feels off, investigate further ✓ Ask questions – Legitimate employers welcome due diligence ✓ Verify independently – Contact companies directly, not through recruiters ✓ Take your time – Rushing leads to mistakes ✓ Seek advice – Talk to others who’ve worked abroad ✓ Understand visa requirements – Before accepting offers ✓ Check financial stability – Ensure the company can pay you

Don’ts:

✗ Never pay upfront fees – For visas, training, equipment, or processing ✗ Don’t share sensitive documents prematurely – Passport, bank details before offers ✗ Don’t accept tourist visas for work – This is illegal in most countries ✗ Don’t rush decisions – Take time to verify everything ✗ Don’t ignore red flags – Even small concerns deserve investigation ✗ Don’t rely on a single source – Always cross-reference information ✗ Don’t skip the company registry check – This is your foundation ✗ Don’t communicate only via personal emails – Insist on official channels ✗ Don’t accept vague job descriptions – Understand exactly what you’re applying for ✗ Don’t forget to verify the recruiter – They could be the scammer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long should the company research process take?

Answer: Plan for 2-4 weeks of thorough research before accepting an international job offer. Basic verification (company registration, online reviews) takes 3-5 hours, but connecting with employees, conducting interviews, and verifying visa information requires additional time. Demonstrate thorough preparation by researching the company and showing you understand their market. The investment is worth it to avoid scams and ensure the opportunity is right for you.

2. Is it normal for international employers to ask for passport copies during the application stage?

Answer: Not during the initial application. Legitimate employers typically request passport copies only AFTER extending a formal job offer and when beginning the visa sponsorship process. Do not share your passport, bank account, or Social Security information with someone you haven’t verified as your employer. If asked prematurely, this is a red flag.

3. How can I tell if a recruiter’s LinkedIn profile is fake?

Answer: Fake profiles often show inconsistencies such as Western names paired with East Asian appearances and accented English in unusual combinations, resumes loaded with big-brand employers, and LinkedIn profiles with no engagement history. Check for: few connections, recent profile creation, lack of recommendations, no mutual connections, generic job descriptions, and limited activity history.

4. What should I do if I’ve already sent money or personal information to a suspected scam?

Answer: Act immediately: (1) Stop all communication, (2) Contact your bank/credit card company to dispute charges, (3) Report to local police and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (if in U.S.), (4) Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, (5) Monitor your credit reports and consider a fraud alert or credit freeze, (6) Change passwords for all online accounts, (7) Warn others by posting about your experience on scam-reporting websites.

5. Are international job boards safe to use?

Answer: Major international job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor have verification measures, but despite efforts to verify job listings, these sites are not completely immune to fake job advertisements, as they compile listings from various sources. Always independently verify any opportunity regardless of where you found it. Safer platforms often include those requiring employer verification like GoAbroad and company career pages directly.

6. How much should visa sponsorship cost me?

Answer: Charging candidates for jobs is illegal in the UK, and sponsors are prohibited from passing certain costs onto sponsored workers, such as the sponsor license fee, Certificate of Sponsorship fee, and Immigration Skills Charge. While you typically pay government visa application fees directly to immigration authorities (ranging from $160-$1,000+ depending on country and visa type), you should NEVER pay fees to recruiters, employers, or third parties for “processing,” “faster approval,” or “guaranteed visas.”

7. Can I work remotely for a foreign company while staying in my home country?

Answer: Yes, this is increasingly common. Remote international jobs let you work for foreign companies without relocating immediately, with platforms like Toptal, Remote.com, and Upwork listing global remote opportunities. However, understand tax implications, time zone requirements, and ensure the arrangement is legally sound in both countries. The company typically handles payroll through an Employer of Record service.

Conclusion: Your Path to Safe International Employment

Researching companies abroad before applying isn’t just a recommended step—it’s an absolute necessity in today’s globalized job market. With employment-related scams jumping by over 1,000% during peak hiring seasons and costing billions annually, the risks of skipping due diligence are simply too high.

But don’t let the prevalence of scams discourage your international ambitions. Millions of professionals successfully work abroad every year, building rewarding careers, gaining invaluable experience, and achieving their dreams of living in new countries. The key difference between those who succeed and those who become victims is thorough research.

Your Action Plan:

Before applying:

Verify company registration and legal status
Research company reputation on multiple platforms
Understand visa requirements for your target country
Verify salary expectations match market rates

During the application process: 5. Authenticate the recruiter and their credentials 6. Analyze job posting for red flags 7. Connect with current/former employees 8. Ask tough questions during interviews

Before accepting: 9. Verify physical company presence and legitimacy 10. Review all documentation thoroughly 11. Consult with others who’ve made similar moves 12. Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, investigate further

Remember: Legitimate employers welcome your due diligence. If a company becomes defensive, evasive, or pressures you to skip research steps, that’s your signal to walk away.

Your dream of working abroad is achievable—but only if you protect yourself with thorough research. Invest the time upfront, follow the steps in this guide, and you’ll be equipped to identify genuine opportunities while avoiding costly scams.

Ready to start your international career journey safely? Begin with Step 1: verify that company registration. Your future self will thank you.

Sources

All information in this article has been compiled from verified, reputable sources to ensure accuracy and reliability:

Additional Resources:

International Labour Organization (ILO): ilo.org
OECD Employment Database: oecd.org/employment/database
U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs: travel.state.gov
UK Government Immigration Services: gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration