Guide to Getting an EU Visa / Work Permit

On Aug 27, 2023

Getting a European work visa involves several steps and requirements. It is essential to check the specific requirements and procedures of the country you plan to work in, as they may vary. If you meet the criteria and follow the steps carefully, you will be on your way to starting your new job in Europe.

EU VISA – Eligibility for Working in Europe

Anyone who fulfills the criteria and requirements set by European countries can work in Europe. Each European state has its programs to attract foreign professionals and address job shortages in various fields.

Schengen Work Visa

There is no specific Schengen work visa. You can obtain a Schengen visa for purposes like tourism, visiting family and friends, business, and medical purposes, but not for work. However, you can work in the Schengen Area if you hold a National (D) Visa for employment purposes issued by one of the 27 European countries in the Schengen Zone.

Europe Employment Visa

Each Schengen member country has its visa policies, which differ from one country to another. Employment visa programs cover labor needs and fill job shortages. Therefore, employment visa criteria, requirements, and the application process depend on each country’s labor needs.

Who Needs a Visa to Work in Europe?

Citizens of the USA, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and EU citizens do not need to apply for a work visa to Europe. However, upon arrival, they must apply for their residence and work permit. Citizens of other countries must apply and obtain an employment visa before entering the Schengen territories for work purposes.

Requirements for a European Work Visa

The standard requirements for a European employment visa include:

Application Form: Fully completed and printed twice, with both copies signed at the end.
Two Identical Photos: Taken within the last three months, according to Schengen visa photography criteria.
Valid Passport: No older than ten years, valid for at least three more months on the date you plan to exit the Schengen territory, with at least two blank pages for the visa sticker.
Roundtrip Flight Reservation: Indicating the dates and flight numbers of entry and exit from the Schengen area.
Travel Medical Insurance: Covering medical emergencies, hospital care, and travel back to one’s native country due to medical emergencies, up to 30,000 euros, valid in all Schengen countries, and purchased before picking up the visa.
Proof of Accommodation: A document showing where you will be residing in the Schengen Area, e.g., rent agreement.
Employment Contract: Signed between you and your future employer in the Schengen territory.
Proof of Academic Qualifications: Such as diplomas, certificates, grades’ transcript, etc.
Proof of Language Knowledge: Most countries require a specific level of knowledge of their official language, even if you plan to work there for only one year.

Please note that these are only the basic requirements, and each Schengen member country may have additional requirements.

How to Get a European Work Visa

Check the Employment Visas offered by the country where you wish to work.
Determine if you qualify for a work visa to the EU.
Meet the criteria for an EU work visa. Some countries require you to get a job before applying for a visa.
Collect the required documents for an employment visa.
Schedule a visa interview.
Attend the interview with all the required documents.
Wait for your visa to be processed.

Remember that this is only the standard procedure, and the exact process may differ from one country to another.

Where to Apply for a European Working Visa

Submit your visa application at the body representing the country where you will be working, in your country of residence. This body could be their embassy, consulate, or a visa application center.

When to Apply for a Visa to Work in Europe

It is advised to apply for a work visa to Europe at least two months before your trip to the Schengen country where you plan to work. European embassies may take six weeks to process an employment visa application. In extraordinary cases, the processing time may extend up to 12 weeks.

Validity of Work Visa

Most European Work Visas are valid for one year. However, in most countries, visa holders can apply for a visa extension upon the expiration of their visa. The validity of your visa and other details will be written on the visa sticker affixed to your passport.

Extending an EU Work Permit

You can extend an EU work permit in most countries. There is an application process and some required documents, which you must collect and submit at the competent authorities in your European country of residence before your visa/residence permit expiration.