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).

You can read special guides (and instructions on how to apply) for the EU Blue Card for many countries, including:

• Germany EU Blue Card
• Belgium EU Blue Card
• France EU Blue Card
• Sweden EU Blue Card
• Austria EU Blue Card
• Finland EU Blue Card
• Cyprus EU Blue Card

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.
• Employer involvement is always required: Even if you submit the application yourself, it is impossible to apply for an EU Blue Card without a binding and valid job offer from an EU company. This is an advantage because it means you’re doing the process with someone else and not just by your own.

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).

 

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

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly qualified professionals in the EU country that issues it. It’s a single, standardized permit that allows a non-EU national to live and work in the country under specific conditions. You do not need a separate national work permit in addition to the EU Blue Card. Card to do the specific highly-skilled job for which you were hired. (If you’re, let’s say, a doctor, you’ll inevitably need an additional permit!)

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.

 

If you’re an American citizen who wants to work and live in the Netherlands, you should check out the special DAFT visa.

 

Moving to the Netherlands for a Tech Job: The Ultimate Guide →

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.

 

Moving to London for a Tech Job: Mahdi’s Relocation Story →

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 cover 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.
• You can also request an Ireland Employment Visa if you’ve secured a job offer.

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.

If you want to work and live in Portugal, you can consider the following visas:

• Job Seeker Visa: Specifically for non-EU nationals to enter Portugal to look for employment. You need to score a job in the timeframe that the government allows you to stay. Otherwise, you’ll have to hop on a plane back home!
• Entrepreneur Visa (D2): For entrepreneurs who plan to start or invest in a business in Portugal.
• Digital Nomad Visa (DR/D8): For remote workers who can support themselves through a professional activity or active income from outside Portugal.

 

You may read that these visas are only good for 120 days, or four months. This may seem strange, but it’s how these visas work. Their system is set up in steps. At first, you’re only allowed to stay in the country for 120 days. You then have to apply for a longer permit.

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. You can also subscribe to The Global Move, our newsletter for expats who want to relocate.

FAQs

What is the EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly skilled non-EU professionals. It accelerates the process of getting permanent residency and reuniting families. Many European countries have their own version of the EU Blue Card.

 

How can a company help me get a European work permit?

An employer that offers a relocation-friendly job will help you get your permit if you effectively get the job with them. So the best approach is to seek out companies that hire expats and try to relocate with their help.

 

What is the best website to find a job with relocation support in Europe?

Relocate.me connects tech job seekers with international companies that offer relocation-friendly jobs. Relocate.me can also connect you with immigration experts who can help you take your next steps in your relocation process.

What is a work visa?

A work visa is an official document stamped in your passport that lets you enter and work in another country for a certain amount of time. Many countries in Europe have it.

Working holiday visa Europe: The best working holiday visas in Europe

Many countries in Europe don’t have a “working holiday” visa, but expats can live and work there with an arrangement that looks quite like a working holiday. The best country for a “working holiday” visa in Europe is still Estonia.

A work visa is usually sponsored by a specific employer, while a tourist visa is usually not. You can’t just go to a country, get a work visa, and then look for work (that’s actually what a jobseeker visa allows, and some countries, like Portugal, have it). In some countries, like Spain, a company must first offer you a job and then show the government that they had to hire you because they couldn’t find a good local candidate.

A work visa is different from a residence permit

A visa often allows you to enter the country. But the residence permit allows you to live there for an extended period. In many European countries, the work visa process grants you both, but they might be separate documents.

Do you need a visa for remote work? European countries with remote work visas

You don’t need a visa for remote work, because you can work as a contractor from your home country. If what you want is to stay living where you are and work for a company in Europe, then you might not need a visa, but might still need to arrange it with your employer.

So seeking out for “European countries with remote work visas” is a bit of a mistake. Those don’t exist. You might actually want a Digital Nomad visa instead!

What is the best way to get a work visa in Europe?

The best way to get a work visa in Europe is still to find a job from an employer who wants to help you relocate. In that scenario, it won’t really matter if the country is easy or tricky to obtain work visas from because your employer will be walking you through the process.

Read on to learn which is the easiest country to get a working holiday visa in Europe in 2025.

What is the Easiest European Country to Get a Working Holiday Visa Agreement?

The easiest country to get a work visa in 2025 is Estonia. Estonia has a very transparent, albeit a bit long-winded, process to become a European citizen, and as such it’s one of the best countries to relocate to if you’re an expat who wants to get the EU passport.

The Easiest European Countries to Get a Working Holiday Visa

These countries have the best options to score a working holiday visa or a working visa in 2025. Read on and learn:

 

Estonia

Perhaps surprisingly, the easiest European country to get a work visa in 2025 is Estonia, a small coastal country south of Finland. This country adopted a digital governance model years ago and is the birthplace of KaZaA and Skype.

What’s 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, you’re all set.

And that’s 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%.

Estonia has a very clear (albeit lengthy) pathway to becoming

Find out more information here on the official website.

 

France

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 year—just look for the ‘Travailleur Temporaire‘ visa. As you’ll find with most of these work visa programs, you will need a valid contract of a confirmed job already, and you’ll 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. France’s 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.

 

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the best nations to get a working visa and also one of the best places to move into to work. That’s what testimonials sourced by Relocate.me confirm. And with cities like Amsterdam, access to some of the best schools in the world, and being one of the tech hubs of Europe, there’s a lot going for this relatively tiny country.

Read Oscar’s Relocation Story: Moving to the Netherlands →

Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to get a work visa to enjoy all this.

If you’re in the exceptionally smart crowd—think recent grads from top universities or those who have delved into profound scientific research—the 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. It’s an open field for the world’s brightest to sow their seeds of expertise.

Entrepreneurs, especially from the US, also listen up: The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT visa) is practically a direct invitation to the Dutch market.

You can basically establish and operate a business with more ease than you’d find in a tulip field.

But, if you’re 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.

 

Sweden

Getting 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 country’s regulations. However, if this is all fine, what follows is the employer-initiated application with employment and potential employee details—meaning you don’t have to worry about the details – it’s all taken care of on your behalf.

Post-acceptance, it’s relocation time!

As you’d expect, Sweden sweetens the deal with family permits processed simultaneously, which is great for family moves.

Sweden has recently become stricter with their immigration policies, so make sure you’re relying on experts or websites (like this one!) that provide updated, 2025 information.

Find out more information here on the official website.

 

Lithuania

Lithuania is one of the best places to live in Europe (which, to be fair, is something you can say of all the Baltic states!). You can get started by finding a job there, and your employer will take care of almost everything else. So, the process is pretty easy 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:

• Work visa for highly skilled workers (EU Blue Card)
• Work visa for intra-company transfers.
• Work permit for employment in Lithuania.
• Seasonal work visa.

Once the permit is granted, you’ll need to apply for the permit in your own country. However, if you’re 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

Iceland is one of the best European countries for an easy work visa, The sturdy foundation here is a signed employment contract with an Icelandic firm. Get your hands on one of those, and you’re all set to apply for a work permit and then to start your work abroad.

You can balance your work and personal life, work in a progressive environment, feel safe, and see beautiful scenery. This is a 360° lifestyle experience that really makes Iceland stand out as a place to work.

Find out more information here on the official website.

 

Latvia

Latvia’s meteoric economic ascent has cultivated a work permit ecosystem that’s flexible and caters to myriad professionals—local 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. It’s Latvia’s way of embracing global talent and nurturing a diverse workforce that fortifies the nation’s economic backbone.

Find out more information here on the official website.

 

Slovakia

Slovakia is becoming the place where career-minded people all over the world want to go. Search ‘Living the Slovakian dream’ online, and you’ll stumble upon the ‘single permit‘.

It’s a very affordable country with a well-earned reputation as a hub for developers. It usually ranks along with Poland as one of the best countries to hire developers in Europe.

So if you’re planning to build a reputation as a dependable software engineer, their easy work visa is a good starting point.

Find out more information here on the official website.

 

Luxembourg

People from other countries want to work in Luxembourg because it has a stable economy and a high standard of living. There’s more to the story, though. The process for getting a work visa there is flexible, quick, and made to fit the needs of different job seekers.

• Catering to short-term and long-term job aspirations
• Requiring job contracts to kick-start the permit process
• Employer-led registration through the National Employment Agency (ADEM)

Luxembourg also has the highest minimum wage in Europe, which makes it a great place to work. Since Luxembourg’s unemployment rate has been low for 40 years, it’s hard not to see it as a job market with lots of openings.

Find out more information here on the official website.

 

Czechia

The best way to describe Czechia’s work immigration system in terms of work visas would be as a flexible web of permits made to fit the needs of different professionals.

There are choices like the Employee Card, the EU Blue Card, the business visa, and the Employee Transfer Card for employees within the same company. The Employee Card is only available to people who are not from the EU. It is linked to a specific job and employer and can be used 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 you’ve got some pretty simple options.

Find out more information here on the official website.

 

Ireland

With Ireland’s Working Holiday Authorization (WHA), people from certain countries can come to the country for a vacation and live and work there for up to a year. To be eligible, you must be between the ages of 18 and 30 (or 35 for some nationalities), have enough money (about €3,000), and be in college or have just graduated.

Applications are submitted through the relevant Irish Embassy or Consulate in your home country, so head directly to their website. It appears that the Irish government has set up websites for each consulate!

Get a Work Visa with a Job in Europe and Relocate

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.

The absolute best way to move overseas is with a job. Being sponsored by a company provides you with access to work visas and a long-term stay. It’s 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.

You might also need support from immigration experts who can help you plan out your next move. At Relocate.me, we can connect you with specialists for any of the countries we mentioned here.

Meanwhile, consider subscribing to The Global Move, our newsletter with curated tech jobs and content for relocation seekers.

FAQs

 

What is the cheapest country to live in in Europe in 2025 if you want to get a working holiday visa?

The cheapest country to live in in Europe in 2025 if you’re an expat is tied between Hungary and Croatia, but if you want an easy work visa, then you should take a peek at Estonia, which is a very affordable nation.

 

What’s the difference between a work visa and a residence permit?

As a general rule, you need a visa to enter the country. On the other hand, the residence permit lets you stay there for a long time. The process of getting a work visa in many European countries gives you both, but they may be different documents.

 

Do you need a visa for remote work? European countries with remote work visas

As a contractor, you can work from home without a visa if you want to work from home. In this case, you might not need a visa if you wish to stay where you are and work for a company in Europe. However, you may still need to get one through your employer. You should check the Employer Not Required series if you hope to work remotely and then relocate to Europe.