The Ultimate Guide to Work Permits Across Europe

Moving to a new country can be a stressful plan to carry out. If you’re planning to relocate to Europe, though, it can be much simpler than it seems. This article will show you how. Here’s a practical guide on work permits in Europe and how to get a work visa for Europe as a non-EU citizen or an EU work permit for US citizens.

You’ll learn what permits each European country requires so that you can start a new working life as an expat more easily. You’ll also learn about the situation in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Portugal, and Switzerland. Read on to learn how to get a work visa for Europe.

European Union Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a specialised residence permit and work authorisation designed to attract highly skilled people outside the EU and EEA, including US citizens. It aims to address skill shortages and contribute to the EU’s competitive edge by making it easier for qualified workers to migrate. It allows you to reside and work in any of the 25 EU Member States participating in the programme (all 27 except Denmark and Ireland).

These are some EU Blue Card benefits:

• Faster permanent residency:  An EU Blue Card allows you to apply for permanent residency after just 33 months of legal residence in the issuing country — which is significantly faster than the typical timeframe for permanent residency through regular work permits.
• Family reunification: The Blue Card allows you to sponsor family members (spouse and children) to join you in the EU country.
• Reduced sponsorship dependence: With an EU Blue Card, you don’t need Visa sponsorship from a company, while with a regular work permit, companies often act as sponsors, initiating the visa application process on your behalf.

To get an EU Blue Card, you basically need three things:

• High qualifications: A university degree (or equivalent) and often at least 5 years of relevant work experience — Certain EU countries have a “positive list” of professions that are in high demand due to a shortage of qualified workers and jobs on these lists often match well with the EU Blue Card criteria —.
• A solid job offer: A salaried position in the EU that lasts at least a year and pays a high salary (above 1.5 times the national average).
• The essentials, in order: Valid travel documents, health insurance, and proof that you meet any licensing requirements for your profession (if applicable).

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Which countries are in the European Economic Area?

We mentioned earlier that the Blue Card is for non-EU and non-EEA citizens. All 27 European Union countries are also European Economic Area countries. Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are the only countries in the European Economic Area that are not members of the European Union. And remember that Ireland and Denmark don’t participate in the Blue Card program.

Specific Work Permits per Country

It’s important to understand that the European Union Blue Card doesn’t replace the specific work permits each country requires. So, if a country needs a particular work permit for a certain job or industry, someone with the EU Blue Card will still need to get that permit.

However, having the EU Blue Card can make it easier to get these specific permits. With it, you’ve already proven you have a university degree or equivalent qualification.

 Having cleared this up, let’s have a look at each country’s work permits in detail.

🇩🇪 Germany

Germany not only offers visas to qualified non-EU citizens who are already employed but also has one visa for self-employment and another one for jobseekers. Moreover, if you’re a tech professional, Germany is an excellent option for you to relocate as they offer a special visa for IT professionals. Let’s discuss each of them in detail:

• Work visa for qualified professionals: This visa is for people with a job. It has four requirements: a tertiary degree previously recognised in Germany, a specific job offer from an employer in Germany for a qualified position, a licence if your job is a regulated profession, and, if you’re over 45 years old and going to work in the country for the first time, your job must pay at least €49,830 annually or provide adequate pension provision. For your reference, Germany’s average IT salary in 2024 was slightly above €55,000.
• Visa for IT professionals: Even without formal qualifications or a university degree, you can still secure a visa and work as an IT specialist in Germany. This is because IT workers are in high demand in the country.
• Visa for self-employment: Also known as the Freelance Visa, this permit is for those who want to set up their own business or work as freelancers in Germany. To apply, you must present a detailed business plan, demonstrate sufficient funds and have relevant experience.
• Visa for jobseekers: The visa for jobseekers can be granted for a duration of up to six months. To get this visa, you must show your vocational or academic training qualifications, recognised in Germany or equivalent to a German degree. Also, if you have vocational training, you must demonstrate at least B1-level German language skills. Plus, you’ll need to prove you can cover living expenses, as you can’t work during this time. This can be done through a Sperrkonto, which is a “blocked bank account,” or a Declaration of Commitment.

🇦🇹 Austria

To work as a non-EU citizen in Austria, there are three options:

• Work Permit + Residence Permit: This is the general route, but the application process can involve both you and your employer, as this permit is tied to a specific job and employer — who usually has to initiate the application. Its validity can range from months to years.
• Red-White-Red Card (RWRC): This program is aimed at skilled professionals in fields that align with Austria’s economic needs. It’s divided into three categories: Highly Qualified Workers, Graduates, and Shortage Occupations, each with specific requirements. To qualify, you must meet certain criteria and score enough points based on factors like education, work experience, and language skills. You can apply directly via the Austrian authorities if you have a job offer. It’s valid for up to two years and can be renewed, with a chance for permanent residency later on.
• Jobseeker Visa: This temporary visa allows you to enter Austria and search for a job for a limited period, max. 6 months. It doesn't guarantee employment and might restrict your ability to work while searching. However, it can be a starting point if you don't have a job offer yet.

Keep in mind that currently, it’s tough for new foreign workers to find jobs in Austria because there are few openings. This is because Austria wants to make sure its economy stays stable and doesn’t experience boom-and-bust cycles. So, if you’re a non-EU citizen seeking employment there, keep a backup plan in sight.

🇳🇱 The Netherlands

As a non-EU citizen in the Netherlands, you can get what they call a “Residence permit for work as a highly skilled migrant”. Here’s a quick overview of what it consists of:

• Eligibility: You need a university degree, a job offer with a salary higher than €35,736, and sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and those of any dependents. Additionally, your employer must be recognised by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Certain healthcare professions also require registration with the BIG Register.
• Benefits: Live and work legally in the Netherlands, bring your family along, apply for permanent residency after residing for 5 years and access similar social security and healthcare benefits as Dutch citizens.
• Details: Your employer will initiate the application process on your behalf. Remember that fees will be applicable, and specific documentation will be required. And if you don’t add the “The” before the words Netherlands or Hague, you’ll be guilty of a spelling mistake. Those are important details to look out for.

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🇪🇸 Spain

There are three types of visas in case you want to relocate to Spain. Let’s see what sets them apart:

• Highly Qualified Migrant (HQM) Visa: This visa is designed for highly skilled professionals with a university degree, and a minimum salary that varies depending on the specific profession and the region where you’ll be working in. It allows you to live and work in Spain for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of renewing for an additional three years. After five years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
• Intra-corporate Transfer (ICT) Visa: This visa is designed for employees who are being transferred within the same company for international assignments lasting at least three months. It allows you to live and work in Spain for the duration of your assignment, up to a maximum of four years.
• Digital Nomad Visa: Introduced in January 2023, this visa option is designed for non-EU/EEA citizens who want to live in Spain and work remotely for companies outside Spain. It’s initially valid for 1 year, though it can be shorter if your employment contract lasts less than a year. To apply for this visa, you'll need to show you can work remotely, have enough funds, and potentially meet minimum income and experience thresholds in your field.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

The Blue Card program doesn’t exist in the UK, but there are other avenues for obtaining work permits based on your talent. International hiring in the UK can be pretty complex, especially after Brexit.

The Skilled Worker Visa is your ticket to work in the UK for the long term. Let’s see its implications and requirements:

You’re eligible if:

• You have a job offer from a licensed UK company (sponsored by them).
• Your job is needed in the UK (check the Shortage Occupation List), or you earn well (£25,600+).
• You can speak English well enough (basic test).

Its benefits:

• Live and work in the UK for up to 5 years (you can extend this one).
• Bring your family with you (spouse and kids).

Take into account that the application process takes time, so apply well in advance.

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🇮🇪 Ireland

In Ireland, there are two options you can rely on, which depend on your kind of job: the General Employment Permit and the Critical Skills Employment Permit. The first one is very popular among jobseekers because it covers more types of jobs than other permits and can be obtained for a one-year work contract. Any job listed under the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) qualifies for this permit.

Let’s explore them both in more detail:

• General Employment Permit (GEP): The GEP opens doors to work in Ireland for professionals in occupations facing labour shortages. However, your job offer must be in an eligible field and meet a minimum salary threshold. Processing takes around 4–8 weeks, and the permit initially lasts 2 years, renewable for up to 3 more. Employers must sponsor you, and your family may join under certain conditions. While not as fast as the Critical Skills route, don’t sleep on the GEP.
• Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP): Do you possess highly sought-after skills listed on the Critical Skills Occupation List? Then the CSEP could be your express route to working in Ireland. This expedited permit offers faster processing times and is aimed at professionals in critical sectors such as technology, engineering and life sciences. You’ll need to meet a higher minimum salary specific to your occupation, and the initial permit lasts 2 years and is renewable indefinitely.

🇵🇹 Portugal

Northern Europeans will confirm that Portugal is a great country to relocate to, as the Portuguese are incredibly friendly and welcoming towards immigrants, and it’s a very affordable country. It’s easy to move around there even if you don’t speak their language. Portuguese usually have no trouble making themselves understood and making an effort to understand you as well. Also, a significant economic advantage of Portugal is its low taxes. Not to mention the food, which, if you like fish, will fascinate you.

So, willing to live and work in Portugal with advanced skills in your pocket? Consider the Highly Qualified Activity Visa (HQAV). This option, known as the Article 90 visa, is directed to non-EU citizens.

To obtain this permit, you’ll need:

• Qualifications: Hold a university degree.
• Financial stability: Prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself in Portugal. It’s unclear how much they’re asking for in 2024.
• Employment offer: Secure a Portuguese employer’s official employment contract or commitment letter.
• Clean record: Provide a criminal background check.
• Health clearance: Obtain a health certificate for your application.
• Documentation: Assemble necessary documents like your passport, travel insurance and proof of qualifications.
• A bit of cash: This visa could cost you between  €75 and €90.

Initially granted for two years, the visa offers the possibility of extensions in three-year increments, potentially leading to permanent residency after five years. This visa also allows you to bring your family.

Is the Portugal Article 90 visa only for investors?

No, the Article 90 visa is not a golden visa. Some outlets suggest this visa, labelled Article 90 by the Portuguese government, is a golden visa. Allegedly, you obtain this visa by investing more than €250,000 in the country. Still, if you read the details on the government’s official website, the Article 90 visa is for highly qualified activities, not for investors. It’s unclear if other outlets got lost in translation when they claimed this one was for investors. Or they could have mixed this one up with the 90-A visa, which is a golden visa indeed.

🇨🇭 Switzerland

While Switzerland might seem closed off to immigrants, there’s still a path for skilled non-EU/EFTA citizens like managers, specialists, and experienced graduates. The key lies in being highly qualified and finding an employer who recognises your value.

Here’s what you need to know:

Getting the Job: The process is employer-driven. To get your permit, your future employer must prove that hiring you benefits Switzerland economically and that they can’t find suitable personnel locally or from EU/EFTA member states. 

The Permit Process:

• Work permits are mandatory for all non-EU/EFTA citizens, even for short-term work. The government limits the number of permits issued each year.
• If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to take charge of the application yourself.

Depending on your nationality, you might also need a visa alongside the work permit. For more information, check the State Secretariat for Migration’s website.

Get European work permits with the help of an employer

The best way to get your permits is through an employer, and the best way to find that employer might be through Relocate.me, a platform and niche job board that connects tech companies with IT jobseekers who are willing to move abroad. Every company that posts a job ad on Relocate.me will hire internationally and help employees relocate.

What are you waiting for? If you’re a worker looking to relocate and be hired internationally, take a look at our job board.