TechPats: What Is A TechPat & How To Become One

Are you a technology expert and thinking about moving abroad? You’re on track to become a TechPat – one of a new wave of expats and digital nomads who are spreading technology skills around the world.

With a huge shortage of technology skills around the world, TechPats are in high demand. Better still, they can often find great salaries, career development and new opportunities abroad – and, anyone can become a TechPat.

But wait, you say, I don’t have any technology skills. Well, worry not – we’ll show you how you can still take advantage of this up-and-coming trend. But first, let us ask the most important question: what is a TechPat?

What is a TechPat?

TechPat – also known as ‘technology expat’ – is a phrase that started to become popular online in early 2021. TechPats are workers with specialist technology skills who move abroad, either as digital nomads or expatriates, to apply their skills in foreign countries.

Technically, anyone who works in computer technology could become a TechPat, although some skills are in particularly high demand. If you’re not already skilled in tech, the skills needed to get started may take a while to learn, depending on the field that most appeals to you – but with so many specialisms to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find a career that suits you.

What has led to the rise of TechPats in 2024?

Right now, the world is experiencing a huge shortage of highly-trained technology workers. McKinsey & Company report that 44% of business leaders believe they will encounter a technology skills crisis within the next five years, while 43% claim they are already experiencing one.

The global tech skill shortage represents an existential threat to businesses and governments worldwide. Korn Ferry estimates the tech skill shortage could cost the USA US$8.5 trillion in lost revenue, leaving as many as 85 million vacancies unfilled.

Many companies are now in a race to fill specialist tech positions as quickly as possible, in order to avoid being crushed by new developments such as cybersecurity threats and artificial intelligence (AI).

The causes of the global tech skill shortage are numerous, but often pinned on:

• A shortage of technology graduates, and a lack of early-career apprenticeships and internships
• Too few businesses that are investing in upskilling and reskilling their employees
• Poor technology infrastructure, especially in developing countries

What are the best jobs for TechPats?

According to Statista Research Department, the ten areas IT professionals claim to represent the biggest skills gaps worldwide include:

While a TechPat could have any job in the technology sector, these jobs are more likely to see a greater number of vacancies and higher salary offers.

Other jobs that a TechPat could perform include:

• Robotics Engineer
• Solutions Engineer
• IT Technician
• Network Manager
• Product Manager
• App Developer
• Consultant
• Sales and Marketing

Filling the global skills gap

The global technology skills shortage has caused a squeeze in the job market, with many employers posting huge salaries and attractive benefits – including sizable relocation packages – in a bid to entice talent from other countries.

Skilled jobs in the technology sector are now some of the most highly-paid in the world, with the US Bureau of Labor reporting six-figure salaries for a wide range of technology jobs. Better still, many of these roles are expected to see considerable salary increases over the next decade – sometimes as much as a 20% increase.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Those workers who already possess these skills may find that they can command high salaries by moving abroad. Better still, they could even come to enjoy a higher quality of life in a foreign country, benefitting from better weather, a lower cost of living, better education opportunities, higher-quality healthcare and more.

TechPat vs. TechNomad: Which is right for you?

If you’re thinking of moving abroad to work as a technology expert, you will undoubtedly find a great number of job opportunities.

Applying for a job in a foreign country can sometimes be a long process, but it comes with many benefits. For instance, your employer may be willing to support your relocation by covering some of the costs, and they may support your application for a residency visa, which can help if you plan to settle down long-term.

However, if you’re not ready to commit to a long-term job in a foreign country, you may prefer to become a ‘TechNomad’. Like TechPats, these are people who move abroad to work in the technology sector, although TechNomads tend to be freelance, self-employed, or employed by a company that allows them to work remotely from anywhere in the world.

Becoming a TechNomad may be right for you if:

• You are already established as a freelancer or contractor, or you run your own company
• You have one, or multiple technology skills that are in high demand
• You are highly skilled and experienced in your field, and you have good connections to businesses that require your skills
• You prefer working for multiple clients, rather than for one single company
• You branch out into other income streams that may be lucrative abroad, such as teaching or consulting

Bear in mind that many digital nomad visas specify you cannot work for businesses or clients located in that country. So, if you are planning to move abroad to work as a TechNomad, you may need to find clients in your home country or other countries worldwide before you apply for a digital nomad visa.

If you do intend to work for local companies after moving abroad, you may need to apply for a residency visa or equivalent in the country you’re living. This will require you to pay tax on your locally-sourced income but may also entitle you to local benefits, such as healthcare and education.

How to become a TechPat in 2024

If the thought of moving abroad to work in the technology sector appeals to you, there’s no time like the present. Relocating abroad has never been easier, and there’s plenty of resources online to help you plan for your big move – why not start with our handy moving abroad checklist?

Let’s run through a few of the most important steps to becoming a TechPat in 2024.

1/ Research the best countries for TechPats

Almost every country worldwide is experiencing a shortage in highly-skilled technology experts. Therefore, no matter where you choose to move, you can expect many companies to roll out the red carpet.

Having said that, you will find that your skills are more valuable in some countries than others. As well as offering higher salaries and more enticing benefits packages, some countries can boast higher quality technology infrastructure, better working culture and a lower cost of living. So, when it comes to deciding where you’d like to become a TechPat, you should consider everything a country has to offer before making a decision.

In 2023, TechBehemoths listed these as the top countries for tech workers:

Source: TechBehemoths

2/ Secure a job position before you leave

The first step to becoming a TechPat should be to make sure you have a job offer lined up. Not only will this make it easier to apply for a working or residency visa, it will also be essential to helping you do other important things like finding accommodation and setting up a bank account.

Fortunately, most companies now offer candidates the opportunity to both apply and interview online. To find a job, search online for job boards in the country you wish to move to. You will probably need to apply to multiple roles, and it may take a while to be offered an interview, but be patient – your dream tech job is probably closer than you think!

Once you’ve successfully interviewed for and been offered a job, be sure to ask whether your new employer can support you with your relocation.

They may be able to help with things such as:

• Accommodation – your new employer may be able to help you find a place to live in your new home city
• Relocation costs – they may also be able to offer you some funds towards the cost of relocating, such as travel and removal fees
• Visa sponsorship – your new employer may be able to help you secure your visa. At the very least, they should put your job offer in writing so that you can apply yourself

3/ What to do if you don’t already have tech skills

If you’re attracted to the idea of becoming a TechPat but you don’t already have skills in technology, you may find it harder to land a job in a foreign country. However, you still have plenty of options.

Firstly, you may want to take part in a course, either online or at a local college or university. Technology courses are some of the most popular and common courses available, and it surely won’t be long before you find one that appeals to you.

An alternative is to move abroad to study – not only will this help you to settle overseas, it will make it much easier to hunt for jobs, and your course convenor may even offer a pipeline to local companies.

If you would prefer to learn online at your own pace, be sure to check out websites such as Udemy and Skillshare. Many online courses now offer recognised accreditations in technology learning, which will both look good on your CV and give you industry-standard know-how in essential tech skills.

If you’re a bit short on cash, don’t fret – you’ll still find many online courses in technology that are offered free of charge.

Another option you could try is to look for entry-level jobs, apprenticeships and internships abroad. These roles will offer you a foundation in one particular area of technology, with full training on the job. Not only are they usually sufficient to help you apply for a residency permit or working visa, they may also lead to a permanent position – or, if not, will equip you with the skills necessary to help you land a role in another company.

4/ Prepare for your new life overseas

Once you’ve found your perfect tech job, it’s time to get ready for the big move. If this is your first time moving overseas, you may be surprised by how hectic the process can be – but don’t worry too much. Remember, millions of people just like you have moved to another country before, and you can do it too!

Before you set off, be sure to try to cover as many bases as possible. That way, when you arrive in your new home, you’ll have less to worry about, giving you more time to settle in. There are a few things that should be on the top of every TechPat’s checklist, including:

1. Find accommodation – As a tech worker, it’s likely you’ll be relocating to a major city. Be sure to research your new home online to figure out the best neighbourhoods for expats, then start searching for a place to live. Browse local property listings and phone local property agents to ask questions about the properties – you could even speak to a local property broker who will be able to help you find somewhere that suits your needs and budget. If you’re having trouble, speak to your new employer – they may be able to offer advice.
2. Look into international health insurance, life insurance and income protection insurance – As an expat, you may not be entitled to receive healthcare in your new country. Or, depending on where you move, you may find the state healthcare system to be under-equipped. If you’re not sure whether you’ll be entitled to state healthcare, or if you want to guarantee the highest quality healthcare abroad, international health insurance may be right for you.If you are moving with your family, you may also want to think about international life insurance and income protection insurance. These policies will help you and your family if you die unexpectedly, become seriously ill or injured, or lose your job – all of which could leave your family without an income.
3. Think about relocating your possessions – If you intend to move your personal items with you to a foreign country, you will need to speak to a professional shipping country. Depending on where you move and how much you intend to bring with you, the cost of moving your items can be quite expensive – indeed, some expats have found that it’s cheaper to buy new items, including furniture, when they move abroad! Be sure to compare quotes from a few different companies to find the best price.
4. Set up a bank account – One of the first things you should do when you arrive in your new home is pop into a local bank to set up a local bank account. You will need this to do many things in your new country, such as receiving your salary.
5. Enjoy your new life overseas – Moving abroad is an incredible experience. You’re sure to enjoy plenty of adventures as you settle into your new life overseas. Don’t forget to take good care of yourself – it can be hard adapting to life in a foreign country, and it’s not uncommon to experience culture shock.

International health insurance especially for TechPats

For over 30 years, William Russell has been helping expats settle into their new lives overseas by providing comprehensive international health insurance, tailor-made for jet-setting people like you.

Our international life insurance policy gives you total coverage in most countries worldwide, plus the flexibility to choose which conditions you would like to cover.

When you choose William Russell, you’ll benefit from our award-winning customer service and access to our hand-picked network of hospitals worldwide, where you’re guaranteed to receive the highest-quality medical care, should you ever need it.

Get your online quote in under two minutes and start looking forward to your new life abroad.