1. Why networking matters more once you've moved
When you relocate, you don't just lose your commute and your favourite coffee shop — you lose your entire professional graph: the former colleague who refers you to a hiring manager, the industry contact who tips you off about an opening before it's posted, the mentor who vouches for you internally. Rebuilding that network from zero is one of the most underestimated parts of moving abroad, and it directly affects how fast you find work, freelance clients, or simply feel anchored in your new city.
The good news: professional networking is also one of the fastest ways to build a social circle, because shared work context gives you an instant conversation starter that "just moved here" doesn't.
2. Fixing your LinkedIn profile for a new country
- Update your location first. LinkedIn's algorithm and recruiter searches are heavily location-filtered — if your profile still says your old city, you're invisible to local opportunities.
- Keep English as your primary language, add the local language as a second profile. LinkedIn lets you create a secondary-language version of your profile — add a headline and About section in German, Spanish or Portuguese to show up in local-language searches and signal commitment to relocating long-term.
- Join local and industry groups. Search for "[Your industry] + [City]" groups and expat-specific professional groups for your destination.
- Post about your move (carefully). A short post announcing your relocation and what you're looking for is one of the highest-engagement posts you can make — former colleagues resurface to congratulate you and often make introductions.
3. Chambers of Commerce & bilateral business associations
Bilateral chambers of commerce exist specifically to connect professionals and businesses between two countries — and most run public networking events open to any member of that community, not just executives doing cross-border trade.
Germany: AHK network
Best for: industryThe German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) network represents millions of businesses and runs congresses, information sessions and expert groups — some open to non-Germans. The British Chamber of Commerce in Germany and similar bilateral chambers add English-language events.
AHK network →Portugal: AmCham & bilateral chambers
Best for: English-speakersThe American Chamber of Commerce in Portugal (AmCham), the British-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and the Franco-Portuguese Chamber run regular roundtables and luncheons, most conducted in English — an easy entry point before you're fluent in Portuguese.
AmCham Portugal →Spain: local & bilateral chambers
Best for: cross-border tradeSpanish chambers of commerce and bilateral business associations regularly organise networking events, conferences and training sessions to develop commercial relations — a strong starting point even outside trade-focused roles.
Alumni networks
Often overlookedIf you or your employer has alumni ties to a local university or MBA programme, alumni associations are among the most trusted local networks — request an intro before you arrive.
4. InterNations & expat-specific networking platforms
InterNations is the largest global network for people living and working abroad, with over 5.2 million members across 420 cities.
- Free Basic membership: Attend official events, use forums, message other members and read destination guides.
- Paid Albatross membership (around €60/year for new members): Adds interest-based professional groups, priority event admission and event bonuses like free welcome drinks — worth it once you know which local groups are active.
- Events run monthly in most major cities, mostly at restaurants and cafés, with a growing number of interest- or industry-specific meetups.
5. Co-working spaces as networking hubs
Even if you don't need a desk full-time, a co-working day pass is one of the highest-density ways to meet other professionals — freelancers, founders and remote employees who are also actively building local networks. Spaces like Betahaus and WeWork regularly host dedicated networking events and demo nights for freelancers and entrepreneurs, on top of the organic hallway conversations.
6. Industry meetups & Meetup.com groups
Search Meetup.com for "[your industry] [city]" and "expat entrepreneurs [city]" — tech, marketing, finance and creative industries all have active recurring meetups in major expat hubs (Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona). These skew more casual than chamber events and are a lower-pressure way to start.
7. Networking etiquette differences to know
Germany: substance over small talk
Titles and credentials matter. Get to the point quickly and follow up with concrete next steps rather than vague "let's stay in touch."
Spain: relationship before business
Meals and informal chats often precede any business discussion — rushing to the ask can read as cold.
Portugal: warm but indirect
Portuguese professionals tend to be warm in tone but indirect about commitments — a soft "let's see" often means "not yet," not "no."
8. Your 30-60-90 day networking plan
| Days | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1-30 | Update LinkedIn location & language, join 3-5 relevant LinkedIn and Meetup groups, sign up for InterNations Basic, attend one low-pressure social event. |
| 31-60 | Attend one chamber of commerce or industry event, book a co-working day pass, request 2-3 informational coffee chats via LinkedIn. |
| 61-90 | Consider Albatross/paid tiers for the platforms that delivered value, join an alumni or industry association, start hosting (even informally) to become a connector yourself. |
9. Frequently asked questions
Is InterNations worth paying for as a new expat?
The free Basic membership already gets you into official events and forums. The paid Albatross tier (roughly €60/year for new members) adds interest-based groups and priority event access — worth it after your first few months once you know which groups are active in your city.
Should I use my home-country language or the local language on LinkedIn?
Both, if you can. Keep your profile primarily in English but add a headline and About section in the local language — it signals commitment and shows up in local-language searches.
Do chambers of commerce only help people in international trade?
No. Bilateral chambers run general networking events, roundtables and luncheons open to any professional from that country or sector, many conducted in English.
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