Lubośny, MarekAnnasawmy, PavaneeMartínez, Itziar BurguésDermastia, Timotej TurkEspasandín, LucíaFernandes, Joana FilipaMorente Fontela, MarcosGalobart, CristinaGarcia-Garin, OdeiGregório, InêsMonferrer, Natalia LlopisLópez-Acosta, MaríaMazurkiewicz, MikołajPiñeiro-Juncal, NereaSchadeberg, AmandaScopetani, CostanzaSowa, AnnaSuaria, GiuseppeTsiola, Anastasia2026-05-292026-05-292025-02-242397-3374http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/29060To build and establish essential international networks, gain international experience and secure a position on the academic tenure track, early-career researchers are increasingly seeking employment opportunities abroad1,2. Relocation to a foreign country — particularly one with a different culture and language — is an inherently challenging undertaking. Early-career researchers often encounter difficulties even before departing. A typical example would be the frustrating cycle between residence permit and employment contract: in many cases, obtaining a visa or residence permit is necessary to secure an employment contract. However, without proof of employment and a rental agreement, obtaining a visa can be difficult. In situations in which institutions fail to provide specialized and dedicated support, delays in the researcher’s arrival may occur that limit the ability of the early-career researcher to achieve and show their full potential within the host institution.engjournal article10.1038/s41562-025-02125-5