Top countries for earning money

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing yourself on a billboard, shooting a campaign for a brand, and earning enough money to live independently rather than just “coffee,” then welcome to the world of modeling. Today, we’ll tell you which trips bring the most money for models, which countries are considered top starting points, and why it’s important to go through a trusted agency that truly cares about its models, not just “pulling” them.

What influences a model’s earnings abroad?

Money in the fashion industry is always a combination of factors: your personality type, height, the market level (or, as we say, the market), the number of clients, and, of course, the agency representing you. For example, in Milan, you can build a killer portfolio but still barely break even, while in New York, you can earn $10,000–20,000 for a single campaign, plus buyouts—monthly fees for using your image.

There are fashion markets where image is paramount (Paris, London), and there are commercial ones with catalogs, swimwear, and cosmetics (Miami, Barcelona). In some countries, they pay upfront, while in others, you work more for your reputation. But the most important thing is to be in the right place at the right time.

Top countries where models earn the most

Here are the most common options where girls go to earn serious money.

Italy is a classic that is always in trend.

Italy is among the top 10 countries for earning money. If you’ve dreamed of catwalks, photo shoots in ancient palaces, and glamorous parties accompanied by Prosecco, Italy is for you. Milan, Rome, Florence—here, fashion isn’t just an industry, it’s part of the country’s DNA. Clients value natural femininity, charisma, and camera presence. Even without extensive experience, you can land agency castings and quickly reach the level of stable filming.

Local booking managers love girls with an “Italian vibe”—emotional, open, and confident. Prestige Model Agency helps you stay in the Milan rhythm: we book accommodation, organize shoots, and arrange transportation so you can focus solely on the shoot and your look.

Spain – sun, parties, and fashion relaxation

If your soul yearns for vibrant emotions and eternal summer, Spain is the perfect destination. Barcelona and Madrid offer a wealth of fashion shoots, advertising, promotional work, and events. Models with a “live life to the max” vibe are sought after here—confident, with a sense of style and a genuine smile.

Work often takes place on the coast, with shoots taking place on the beach, in clubs, hotels, or by pools. After work, there are parties, meetings, and a light air of freedom. Prestige Model Agency understands the specifics of the Spanish market and collaborates with clubs, brands, and booking agents who value not only appearance but also the ability to be the life of the party.

Türkiye is a starting point for those who want to “enter the industry gracefully.”

Istanbul, Bodrum, and Antalya are locations where the modeling industry thrives year-round. Turkey is a great place to start: you can quickly build a portfolio, earn money, and gain confidence. Women of all shapes and sizes are in demand here, from babyfaces to femme fatales.

Work in Turkey is often based on seasonal contracts, and Prestige Model Agency handles all the arrangements—from tickets and visas to checking the club or booking agency’s terms and conditions. No “gray schemes”: only transparent contracts and official payments.

Switzerland – luxury only

Switzerland isn’t just a country; it’s an atmosphere of luxury, taste, and impeccable style. Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne are top locations for models, hostesses, and dancers working at private events and premium clubs. Pay is above the European average, and contracts are signed only with reputable venues.

Prestige Model Agency helps women invited to Switzerland navigate all the application processes stress-free, from visas to acclimation. If you’ve ever dreamed of a shoot in a hotel with a view of the Alps, here it can become a reality.

Why do different countries pay differently?

It’s simple: market levels and brand budgets vary. In Turkey, you can quickly get started and build a portfolio, but the fees will be lower than, say, in Switzerland, where luxury brands and exclusive venues operate.

In Italy, the pay is above average—it’s the center of the fashion industry, where every show or shoot is priced according to European standards. In Spain and Greece, where models are often needed for hotel ads, seaside shoots, and club events, the rates are slightly more moderate, but the atmosphere is more relaxed.

• • Pay is also affected by the type of shoot. Catalog, lookbook, campaign, magazine—these are all different levels.

• • The catalog is paid hourly and is suitable for starting out. Beginners earn less, while experts earn more.

• • The lookbook is already valued higher because the brand uses photos to advertise and promote the collection.

• • The campaign is absolutely top-notch: it presents the brand itself, is everywhere, and the fee can reach hundreds of thousands of rubles per day of shooting.

Magazines like Vogue or Glamour are prestigious, but not always profitable. They pay less, but the shoot provides powerful PR and raises the model’s profile for the future.

The fee is also affected by where and for how long your image will be used. If your photo is only going to an online store, that’s one thing. But if your image is featured on banners all over the city, the fee immediately increases by 50% to 200%.

How an agency helps models land high-paying contracts

If you work with a professional agency, like Prestige Model Agency, the risks are reduced to zero. The agency:

• • checks clients and signs only official contracts,

• • ensures that the model does not transfer her rights to the image “permanently” (which is a common mistake for beginners),

• • helps to obtain visas, housing, flights and insurance,

• • controls payments and resolves all legal issues,

• • maintains contact with the model abroad and, if necessary, intervenes in conflict situations.

The agency pays more because Prestige Model Agency works directly with brands and booking agents who work exclusively under white contracts. This gives models access to higher-paying shoots and stable bookings.

The agency understands the true cost of work, prevents clients from undercharging, and helps them build their careers strategically—from catalogs to campaigns and covers.