Thinking of working abroad as a factory worker but worried about how to get there legally?
Good news: Many countries around the world are not only experiencing serious labor shortages in manufacturing, but they’re also actively welcoming immigrant workers, especially those willing to do hands-on, production-level work.
And yes, they’re offering visa sponsorship too.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
-
What factory jobs involve
-
Which countries are hiring in 2025
-
What salaries and benefits to expect
-
How to get sponsored
-
Pro tips to boost your chances
Let’s start with the basics.
What Does a Factory Worker Do?
Factory workers are the unsung heroes of modern economies. Their roles include:
-
Operating machinery or assembly lines
-
Inspecting and packing finished products
-
Sorting and labeling goods
-
Loading and unloading materials
-
Following safety and hygiene regulations
You don’t need a university degree. Most employers look for:
-
Physical fitness
-
Basic communication skills
-
Willingness to learn and follow instructions
-
Good attitude and reliability
If you have prior experience — even better. But for many countries, no experience is needed, and training is provided on arrival.
Top Countries Hiring Factory Workers with Visa Sponsorship in 2025
Factory Worker Visa Sponsorship Comparison Table (2025)
| Country | Visa Type | Typical Salary (Monthly) | Language Needed | Housing Provided | Path to PR | Notable Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poland | Type D Work Visa, TR Permit | $600–$800 | Basic English/Polish | ✅ Often | ✅ Yes | Food, electronics, automotive |
| Czech Rep. | Employee Card | $800–$1,300 | Basic English | ✅ Often | ✅ Yes | Automotive, plastics, electronics |
| Hungary | Residence + Work Permit | $550–$850 | None/minimal | ✅ Sometimes | ✅ Yes | Electronics, auto, packaging |
| Slovakia | Work-based TR Permit | €700–€1,000 + bonuses | Basic English | ✅ Often | ✅ Yes | Auto parts, machinery |
| Japan | Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) | $1,000–$1,700 | ✅ Japanese (JLPT N4) | ❌ No | ✅ (SSW2 path) | Food packaging, textiles, machinery |
| South Korea | E-9 Non-Professional Employment Visa | $1,300–$1,700 | ✅ EPS local test | ❌ No | ❌ No | Food, shipbuilding, electronics |
| Canada | TFWP, PNP, Agri-Food Pilot | $2,000–$3,200 | ✅ English/French | ✅ Sometimes | ✅ Yes | Meat, food, logistics |
| Australia | TSS 482, ENS 186, RSMS | $3,000–$4,000+ | ✅ English | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Meat, steel, food processing |
| New Zealand | AEWV, Seasonal Work Visa | $2,000–$3,000 | ✅ English | ✅ Sometimes | ✅ Yes | Dairy, seafood, packaging |
| Israel | B/1 Temporary Work Visa | $1,400–$1,800 | None/minimal | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Plastic, warehouse, agriculture |
| Italy | Decreto Flussi (Seasonal Work Visa) | €900–€1,400 | Basic Italian (helpful) | ✅ Sometimes | ❌ No | Cheese, pasta, bottling |
| Ireland | General Employment Permit (rarely offered) | $2,200–$3,000+ (if available) | ✅ English | ❌ Rare | ✅ Yes | Food processing, medical manufacturing |
Key:
-
✅ Yes = Available
-
❌ No = Not available
-
TR Permit = Temporary Residence Permit
-
PR = Permanent Residency
Below are the best countries for factory jobs that sponsor foreign workers in 2025:
1. Poland
Why it’s a top choice:
Poland is the factory capital of Eastern Europe, with booming demand in automobile parts, food processing, packaging, and electronics.
Advertisements
Perks:
-
Factory jobs with zero experience required
-
Visa + work permit handled by employers
-
Free or subsidized accommodation and meals
-
High hiring volume, especially for men and women aged 21–45
Typical Salary:
2,500–3,200 PLN/month (approx. $600–$800), with overtime available
Visa Type:
National Work Visa (Type D) or Temporary Residence Permit
Pro Tip:
Search via agencies licensed by the Polish government (or partner recruiters in your country). Know some basic Polish phrases for better integration.
2. Czech Republic
Why it’s hiring:
With record-low unemployment, the Czech Republic is struggling to find workers for its automotive, packaging, electronics, and plastics sectors.
Perks:
-
Short hiring process (2–3 months)
-
Free hostel-style housing in many roles
-
Factory jobs open to men and women under 50
Typical Salary:
CZK 18,000–28,000/month (approx. $800–$1,300)
Visa Type:
Employee Card (valid for 2 years, renewable)
Pro Tip:
The Czech government has formal recruitment partnerships with countries like Ukraine, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, and Mongolia.
3. Hungary
Why it’s great:
Hungary is aggressively recruiting foreign workers to support its electronics and automotive industries. It offers visa support and fast-track permits through large employers.
Perks:
-
Work permit + visa provided
-
Accommodation support
-
Factory roles in packaging, electronics, assembly, and auto parts
-
Some jobs don’t require English
Typical Salary:
HUF 200,000–300,000/month (approx. $550–$850)
Visa Type:
Residence Permit for Employment (combined with work permit)
Pro Tip:
Work with approved recruitment agencies. Many jobs offer two-shift or three-shift rotations, so be prepared.
4. Slovakia
Why it’s worth considering:
This underrated EU country has a growing manufacturing base (especially automotive and mechanical parts) and low competition from other job seekers.
Perks:
-
Jobs available for both men and women
-
High overtime pay
-
Basic accommodation often included
-
No previous experience required
Typical Salary:
€700–€1,000/month + bonuses
Visa Type:
Temporary Residence Permit (work-based)
Pro Tip:
Slovakia is one of the easiest EU countries to get a factory job if you apply via a sponsor or agency.
5. Japan
Why it’s unique:
Japan’s population is aging fast, and labor shortages are extreme — especially in manufacturing, food packaging, and textile factories.
Perks:
-
Guaranteed training and cultural orientation
-
Visa sponsorship through the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) route
-
Stable contracts (up to 5 years)
-
Competitive pay, even at entry-level
Typical Salary:
¥150,000–¥250,000/month (approx. $1,000–$1,700)
Visa Type:
SSW Visa Type 1 (renewable), possible upgrade to Type 2
Pro Tip:
You must pass a basic Japanese language test (JLPT N4) and skills test. Apply through officially recognized recruitment programs in your country.
6. South Korea
Why it’s booming:
Through the E-9 Employment Permit System (EPS), South Korea recruits thousands of foreign workers annually — especially in factories, shipyards, and food production.
Perks:
-
Employer handles visa
-
Paid leave and bonuses
-
Language support provided
-
High standard of worker rights
Typical Salary:
₩1.8–2.2 million/month (approx. $1,300–$1,700)
Visa Type:
E-9 (Non-professional Employment Visa)
Pro Tip:
You must apply via your country’s official EPS recruitment system. Competition is strong but fair — no placement fees allowed by law.
Canada
Canada is actively recruiting foreign workers to fill roles in manufacturing, food processing, and warehouse logistics — all of which fall under factory operations. Many employers in provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba are short on labor and welcome workers through visa-supported programs.
Common Jobs:
-
Meat packers
-
Assembly line operators
-
Machine operators
-
Packaging and warehouse staff
Visa Options:
-
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
-
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – low-skilled stream
-
Agri-Food Pilot (for meat and food processing)
Perks:
-
Overtime pay after 40 hours/week
-
Pathway to permanent residency (via PNP or caregiver streams)
-
Friendly work culture and employer-provided training
How to Get In:
-
Use job portals like JobBank Canada and Agri-Food Pilot listings
-
Have your education and work experience evaluated (ECA via WES if needed)
-
Prepare a Canadian-style CV and cover letter
-
Look for employers already hiring through LMIA-supported roles
8. Australia
Australia isn’t just for white-collar workers. It has a booming industrial sector — from food processing to steel fabrication — and a growing need for factory labor, especially in regional areas.
Common Jobs:
-
Meat processing plant workers
-
Plastic and rubber product machine operators
-
Metal fabricators
-
General packers and sorters
Visa Options:
-
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482)
-
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186
-
Regional Skilled Migration Scheme (RSMS)
Perks:
-
Competitive wages (often AUD $25+/hr)
-
Possibility to bring your family
-
Opportunity to earn permanent residency via employer nomination
How to Get In:
-
Use Seek Australia or JobSearch.gov.au
-
Target regional employers who are more likely to sponsor
-
Highlight physical stamina, safety certifications, and forklift licenses (if you have them)
9. New Zealand
New Zealand continues to face labor shortages in food processing and packaging plants. Employers are approved under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system and often offer full visa sponsorship for hard-to-fill roles.
Common Jobs:
-
Seafood processing
-
Dairy and meat production line workers
-
Food packaging
-
Freezer and warehouse workers
Visa Options:
-
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
-
Seasonal Work Visa (horticulture/food)
Perks:
-
Beautiful environment, great work-life balance
-
Potential for permanent residency if staying long-term
-
Employers often assist with relocation and housing
How to Get In:
-
Visit the official Immigration NZ job site
-
Look for employers on the Accredited Employer list
-
Apply with a clean background and solid physical fitness
10. Poland
Poland is a rising star for factory jobs, particularly for non-EU workers from Africa and Asia. It’s one of the easiest EU countries to access legally for low- and mid-skilled work, and employers regularly provide visa support through job contracts.
Common Jobs:
-
Plastic and electronic assembly line workers
-
Food packaging
-
Machine operators
-
Textiles and garment factories
Visa Options:
-
National Type D Work Visa
-
Temporary Residence and Work Permit
Perks:
-
Lower cost of living compared to Western Europe
-
Many jobs require only basic English
-
Gateway to Schengen area travel
How to Get In:
-
Find a verified Polish employer or recruiter (I can help verify!)
-
Get a work contract → apply for a Type D Visa at Polish embassy
-
Prepare documents: passport, photos, medical insurance, and job offer
11. Israel
✅ Why It’s Great for Factory Workers
Israel offers one of the most accessible visa routes for factory workers, particularly in packaging, plastic manufacturing, and food processing. Many employers provide free accommodation and meals.
Common Jobs:
-
Vegetable/fruit packaging
-
Plastic injection mold operators
-
Cleaning and warehouse assistants
Visa Options:
-
B/1 Work Visa (temporary, renewable)
Perks:
-
Salaries around $1,400–$1,800/month (higher for overtime)
-
Employer-paid housing
-
Simple visa process via approved recruiters
How to Get In:
-
Use licensed agencies (especially from Africa and Asia)
-
No major education requirements — just physical ability
-
Expect contract of 1–3 years with the option to renew
12. Italy – Seasonal and Food Factory Opportunities
✅ Why It’s Great for Factory Workers
Italy has restarted seasonal visa quotas to recruit factory and agricultural workers. Regions like Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna are big on food packaging and cheese/dairy plants.
Common Jobs:
-
Cheese and pasta production
-
Bottling factories
-
Fruit/vegetable processing
Visa Options:
-
Seasonal Work Visa (Decreto Flussi program)
Perks:
-
Legal work for 6–9 months
-
Sponsored housing and meals (often included)
-
Experience in the heart of Europe’s food industry
How to Get In:
-
Apply when Italy opens Decreto Flussi (usually Jan–March)
-
Use local embassies or licensed migration agents
-
Basic Italian is a plus but not mandatory
Final Thoughts: Is a Factory Job Abroad Worth It?
YES — if you want to earn, learn, and build a better future.
Factory jobs abroad offer a solid income, legal migration status, and, in many cases, a path to permanent residency. Plus, they don’t usually require high-level degrees — just dedication, physical strength, and reliability.
Thank you so much for reading. We will appreciate it if you share this with your loved ones.