The post The Ultimate Guide to Work Permits Across Europe first appeared on Relocate.me.
]]>Moving to a new country can be a stressful plan to carry out. If youâre planning to relocate to Europe, though, it can be much simpler than it seems. This article will show you how. Hereâs 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.
Youâll learn what permits each European country requires so that you can start a new working life as an expat more easily. Youâll 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.
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 EUâs 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:
To get an EU Blue Card, you basically need three things:
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 donât participate in the Blue Card program.
Itâs important to understand that the European Union Blue Card doesnât 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, youâve already proven you have a university degree or equivalent qualification.
Having cleared this up, letâs have a look at each countryâs work permits in detail.
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 youâre a tech professional, Germany is an excellent option for you to relocate as they offer a special visa for IT professionals. Letâs discuss each of them in detail:
To work as a non-EU citizen in Austria, there are three options:
Keep in mind that currently, itâs 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 doesnât experience boom-and-bust cycles. So, if youâre a non-EU citizen seeking employment there, keep a backup plan in sight.
Explore Other Available Visa Options for Austria â
As a non-EU citizen in the Netherlands, you can get what they call a âResidence permit for work as a highly skilled migrantâ. Hereâs a quick overview of what it consists of:
Moving to the Netherlands for a Tech Job: The Ultimate Guide â
There are three types of visas in case you want to relocate to Spain. Letâs see what sets them apart:
Explore Other Available Visa Options for Spain â
The Blue Card program doesnât 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. Letâs see its implications and requirements:
Youâre eligible if:
Its benefits:
Take into account that the application process takes time, so apply well in advance.
Moving to London for a Tech Job: Mahdiâs Relocation Story â
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.
Letâs explore them both in more detail:
Explore All Available Visa Options for Ireland â
Northern Europeans will confirm that Portugal is a great country to relocate to, as the Portuguese are incredibly friendly and welcoming towards immigrants, and itâs a very affordable country. Itâs easy to move around there even if you donât speak their language. Portuguese usually have no trouble making themselves understood and making an effort to understand you as well. Also, Portugalâs significant economic advantage 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, youâll need:
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.
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 âŹ250,000 in the country. Still, if you read the details on the governmentâs official website, the Article 90 visa is for highly qualified activities, not for investors. Itâs 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.
Digital Nomad Visa Countries in Europe â
While Switzerland might seem closed off to immigrants, thereâs 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.
Hereâs 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 canât find suitable personnel locally or from EU/EFTA member states.
The Permit Process:
Depending on your nationality, you might also need a visa alongside the work permit. For more information, check the State Secretariat for Migrationâs website.
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 youâre a worker looking to relocate and be hired internationally, take a look at our job board.
The post The Ultimate Guide to Work Permits Across Europe first appeared on Relocate.me.
]]>The post The Best European Countries for Easy Work Visas first appeared on Relocate.me.
]]>Are you dreaming of a fresh start in the heart of Europe? Perhaps youâre looking for a change, to start a new job offer youâve secured, or youâre simply interested in immersing yourself in rich cultural history, but for a little longer than a holiday.
Youâre not alone.
Many are discovering the appeal of these glorious countries, either swapping life on another continent or simply crossing borders within Europe for a new beginning.
However, while navigating paperwork, understanding the difference between a studentâs temporary work permit, residence permit, athletes temporary permit, and temporary residence permit agreement, (and the rest), and all the immigration procedures might seem daunting, weâre here to guide you through with this guide â your guide to the most accessible European country to get work visa in, plus many of the other top contenders.
So, letâs get into it!
Perhaps surprisingly, the easiest European country to get a work visa in 2024 is Estonia, a small coastal country south of Finland. Rapidly evolving as the ultimate digital nomad hotspot, thereâs a beautiful blend of history, digital innovation, and culture that has turned the heads of many.
Whatâs more, in just a simple two-step dance, your work visa awaits.
Start with a D work visa for short gigs of working abroad or apply for a residence permit for those nomadic plans with staying power. Accompanied by a registered Estonian employer, a valid work contract, and a clean bill of health, youâre all set.
And thatâs all there is to it! See what we mean about it being easy? The stats actually back this up, too, with a staggeringly high approval rate of 87%, signalling a robust welcome to global talent.
Find out more information here on the official website.
Not feeling Estonia? Donât worry; there are plenty more opportunities out there in some pretty great countries.
France is a beloved country for a reason.
Culture. History. Music. Beautiful urban and rural spaces. Connectivity. Opportunity. The list of what makes France such a great country to live in just keeps going, and actually doing just that is easier than you may think.
To start with, if you only plan for your trip to last below 90 days, France rolls out its short-term work visa, complete with flexible exemptions reflecting your work nature.
However, there are working holiday Visa programs that can cover you for up to a yearâjust look for the âTravailleur Temporaireâ visa. As youâll find with most of these work visa programs, you will need a valid contract of a confirmed job already, and youâll be good to go.
Oh, and another reason why France is so attractive, the real belle of the ball, so to speak.
The inclusive family provisions. Franceâs work visas extend to your family, giving them a residence and work permit to your spouse and kids on the spot.
Find out more information here on the official website.
Ranked as the 5th happiest nation globally, itâs no surprise that The Netherlands is as magnetic as it is flourishing, attracting job seekers and foreign workers from around the world. And with cities like Amsterdam, access to some of the best schools in the world, and being one of the tech hubs of Europe, thereâs a lot going for this relatively tiny country.
Thankfully, itâs pretty easy to get a work visa to enjoy all this.
If youâre in the exceptionally smart crowdâthink recent grads from top universities or those who have delved into profound scientific researchâthe Orientation Year visa is your golden ticket.
It grants you the freedom to work and live in The Netherlands for a year, bypassing the need for separate work or temporary residence permits. Itâs an open field for the worldâs brightest to sow their seeds of expertise.
Entrepreneurs, especially from the US, also listen up: The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is practically a direct invitation to the Dutch market, boasting some interestingly minimal barriers to entry.
You can basically establish and operate a business with more ease than youâd find in a tulip field.
But, if youâre looking for something a little less niche, there are TWV and GVVA work permits suited to a range of professions and intended work durations. Whether your plans are brief or as long as a Dutch winter night, there are plenty of easy opportunities to sink your teeth into.
Find out more information here on the official website.
As long as you have a job offer in hand, navigating the Swedish professional arena is akin to a breezy sail across Lake Siljan. Thatâs right, to get a work visa in Sweden is pretty simple on your part, but there are some requirements.
Most importantly, you need a contract, and your future employer needs to have explored local and EU/EEA markets by the countryâs regulations. However, if this is all fine, what follows is the employer-initiated application with employment and potential employee detailsâmeaning you donât have to worry about the details â itâs all taken care of on your behalf.
Post-acceptance, itâs relocation time!
As youâd expect, Sweden sweetens the deal with family permits processed simultaneously, which is great for family moves.
Find out more information here on the official website.
Lithuania, a Baltic gem, is launched by a local job offer and propelled by employer initiative, significantly reducing your workload, handling nearly everything on your behalf. Thus, itâs a pretty simple process as long as you can get the job.
The work visa type will depend on the job you get and will break down into one of the following:
Once the permit is granted, youâll need to apply for the permit in your own country. However, if youâre from inside the EU or the EEA, you can work in the country for free as long as you register your stay within three months of being there.
Find out more information here on the official website.
Iceland, with its breathtaking vistas and treasured work-life symmetry, is transforming into a hotspot for global highly skilled professionals. But itâs more than just the raw natural beautyâwhatâs endearing is the organized, supportive work immigration framework that rolls out the carpet for those with the right skill set.
The sturdy foundation here is a signed employment contract with an Icelandic firm. Get your hands on one of those, and youâre all set to apply for a work permit and then to start your work abroad. Itâs your passport to a career in the Land of Fire and Ice.
Whether youâre carrying a briefcase filled with expertise for high-skill occupations or a similar potent skill set, Icelandâs door is open.
Work-life harmony, a progressive work culture, unparalleled safety, coupled with incredible landscapesâwhat weâve got here, folks, is a 360° lifestyle experience, truly setting Iceland apart as a work destination.
Find out more information here on the official website.
Latviaâs meteoric economic ascent has cultivated a work permit ecosystem thatâs flexible and caters to myriad professionalsâlocal employers and visiting business mavens alike.
Here, work permits are crafted around individual job role requirements. To live and work in Latvia, you need to secure a Type D visa and a residence permit.
Though the process might involve a few checks, it culminates in a custom work permit for employment and residency. Itâs Latviaâs way of embracing global talent and nurturing a diverse workforce that fortifies the nationâs economic backbone.
Find out more information here on the official website.
Slovakia isnât just your next travel destinationâitâs becoming the go-to for career explorers globally. Imagine settling in an evolving European economy full of thrilling opportunities, and youâll see why itâs grabbing the international limelight.
Search âLiving the Slovakian dreamâ online, and youâll stumble upon the âsingle permitâ. Bingo! Well, thatâs your golden ticket, allowing you to live and work under the backdrop of Slovakiaâs beautiful vistas, all based on a job prospect. This magic permit does double duty, replacing your old-school separate work and residence permits.
And donât forget about the seasonal work stint. Yes, itâs a thing in Slovakiaâdesigned for gigs that donât cross the 180-day mark annually. Itâs their way of keeping things interesting, offering roles from short flings to long-term commitments.
So, why choose Slovakia? Youâre part of an exciting economic growth story woven with both work and wanderlust. One day, youâre pitching business proposals, and the next, youâre hiking in the High Tatrasânow, thatâs living!
Find out more information here on the official website.
Sitting atop a high standard of living and a stable economic climate, Luxembourg is a magnet for immigrant workers. But thereâs more to the storyâits work visa process is flexible, efficient, and tailored to suit different job seekers.
Work Visa Options:
Luxembourg also boasts Europeâs highest minimum wage, making it a workerâs paradise. With a consistently low unemployment rate over four decades, itâs hard not to see Luxembourg as a bountiful job market.
So why consider Luxembourg? Youâre stepping into a world of outstanding work prospects, all within a supportive socio-economic backdrop.
Find out more information here on the official website.
Nestled in the heart of Europe, Czechiaâs booming economy and strategic spot on the map make it a must-consider work destination. Whether youâre a savvy professional seeking new career horizons or a global business exploring expansion, Czechiaâs irresistible vibe is calling.
Right, work visa wise, you could best describe Czechiaâs work immigration system as a versatile mesh of permits designed to flex around different professional needs.
Youâll find options such as the Employee Card, EU Blue Card, business visa, and the intra-company Employee Transfer Card. Thatâs just Czechia for you.
The Employee Card, an exclusive option for non-EU citizens, is tied to a specific job and employer and doubles up as both a work permit and a residency permit. Mix in the EU Blue Card for those top-tier talents or the ETC as an option for those transferring in, and youâve got some pretty simple options.
Find out more information here on the official website.
And there we have it â your complete lowdown on some of the easiest countries to get a work visa from. As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities out there, and it really depends on the country you want to go to, the value you can provide to said country, and the kind of job you can secure.
Of course, each country has its own working holiday visa website, so you should definitely check that out for the most up-to-date information and your preferred next steps, but aside from that, the worldâs your oyster!
The absolute best way to move overseas is with a job. Being sponsored by a company provides you with access to work visas and long-term stay. Itâs even better when the company covers the cost of your move with relocation support. You can find relocation jobs in Europe and the US on our niche job board.
The post The Best European Countries for Easy Work Visas first appeared on Relocate.me.
]]>The post Spainâs Digital Nomad Visa: A Gateway to Remote Work in Europe first appeared on Relocate.me.
]]>As the world becomes more connected and remote working becomes more accepted, the digital nomad lifestyle has emerged as an attractive option for many.
To draw remote workers from around the globe, Spain has introduced the Digital Nomad Visa, offering digital professionals a unique opportunity to live and work in Spain while enjoying the many benefits the country has. In this article, weâll explore the specifics of the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, including the requirements, application process, and advantages.
Spainâs Digital Nomad Visa, officially part of the broader Startup Law, is a significant initiative aimed at attracting non-EU nationals who wish to live in Spain while working remotely. This visa is specifically designed to meet the needs of freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote employees by providing them with a legal framework to reside in Spain for extended periods.
The Digital Nomad Visa offers a practical solution for remote professionals who want to experience the Spanish lifestyle while maintaining their employment with companies outside of Spain. This visa represents a shift in immigration policy, recognizing the contributions and economic potential of digital nomads to the local economy. By offering this visa, Spain aims to attract a diverse pool of talent, fostering an environment of innovation and creativity.
The initiative aligns with Spainâs broader goals of becoming a hub for startups and tech-savvy professionals, contributing to the countryâs economic growth and global competitiveness.
To qualify for Spainâs Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet several criteria:
The process of obtaining the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa involves several steps.
Start by gathering all necessary documents, including proof of employment, income statements, health insurance, and accommodation details.
You can apply from either your home country or Spain while on a student visa. If youâre applying from your home country, youâll need to visit the Spanish consulate there.
Youâll receive a one-year visa, renewable for a three-year residence permit. However, if you apply from Spain, youâll directly receive a three-year residence permit.
The Digital Nomad Visa follows a fast-track process and a positive administrative silence. This means that you should have your resolution within 20 days. If you donât have it by then, you can assume the resolution is positive.
With a positive resolution for the three-year residence permit, you will have to go to a police station in Spain to have your fingerprints taken for the physical card. The card should be ready to pick up in about a month.
To be able to renew your digital nomad visa, you will need to become a tax resident in Spain, which means staying in the country for more than 183 days.
Spainâs Digital Nomad Visa offers several significant benefits. Firstly, it grants legal residency in Spain, allowing digital nomads to live and work without worrying about visa overstay issues.
The visa also expands travel opportunities, as residency in Spain allows digital nomads to travel freely within the Schengen zone and explore many European countries with ease.
Furthermore, this visa offers favorable tax conditions. For example, if you are a digital nomad working for a company based outside of Spain, you can apply for the Beckham Law tax regime. Instead of paying a progressive income tax rate of up to 45%, you will pay a flat rate of 24%.
In addition, major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia have vibrant communities and coworking spaces, making them ideal for remote workers. Being part of Spainâs growing community of digital nomads and entrepreneurs offers numerous networking opportunities and the potential for professional growth. By the way, a good way to stay connected while working as a digital nomad in Spain is using eSIM.
Spainâs Digital Nomad Visa provides remote workers with professional flexibility and an enriching lifestyle. By meeting the criteria and applying, digital nomads can live in one of Europeâs most welcoming countries, enjoying sunny beaches, historic cities, and vibrant cultural scenes.
The post Spainâs Digital Nomad Visa: A Gateway to Remote Work in Europe first appeared on Relocate.me.
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