Working in Europe is a dream come true for many people. However, trying to figure out the process of getting work visas can be frustrating especially if you have no idea how it all works. However, several EU countries provide straightforward work visa and permit options. This makes it easier for foreigners to live and work in Europe with less stress. Hence, in this article, we’ll be showing you the easiest EU work visas and permits to apply for.
Top Easiest EU Work Visas and Permits You Can Easily Apply For
1. Global Talent Visa – United Kingdom
The Global Talent visa, which was launched in 2020 to replace the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa, has been designed to draw skilled professionals in scientific, digital technology, and the arts to work in the UK. The application process is less strict than some of the other work visas adopted by the UK under its points-based system. In most cases, applicants have to meet the eligibility requirements. Noteworthy, the Global Talent visa does not have a minimum salary or English language proficiency tests as a requirement. However, the endorsing bodies can come up with their own language criteria. The visa can be applied for from abroad or switched from other visa categories within the UK, and dependents can accompany the applicant. The duration of the visa issuance varies from one to five years, with the option to apply for indefinite leave to remain after three or five years respectively, depending on the applicant’s status as exceptional or promising talent.
Global Talent Visa Application Guide
You can apply for a Global Talent visa online from inside or outside the UK. If you’re not in the UK, you’ll need to go to the closest visa appointment centre in your home country to ask for entry clearance. People already in the UK can switch to this visa online if they have legal status under certain visas. These other visas include Start-Up, Innovator, Tier 1, Skilled Worker (Tier 2), Tier 5, or Student (Tier 4) visas.
If you have a prestigious prize, you can fill out the online application right away. However, if you need an endorsement, you can still apply for the visa before you get it. But if your endorsement doesn’t get approved, they’ll turn down your visa application. After you get endorsed, you’ll get an email with your endorsement letter. You’ll then have three months to apply for the visa.
2. Critical Skills Employment Visa – Ireland
Ireland’s Critical Skills Employment Permit program is designed to attract highly skilled professionals from around the world to address the growing labour shortages in key sectors. Unlike typical work permits, this program specifically targets individuals whose expertise is important to the Irish economy, particularly in areas where there is a significant shortage of skills.
To apply, candidates must refer to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) Critical Skills Occupation List, which identifies the professions most in demand. This targeted approach ensures that the skills gap in Ireland is addressed efficiently, allowing for quicker integration of skilled workers into the workforce.
One of the key benefits of the Critical Skills Employment Permit is its streamlined process, which bypasses many of the usual barriers, such as language proficiency tests. This allows skilled workers to secure work permits without needing to prove their language skills through exams like IELTS, emphasizing the importance of their professional abilities.
Moreover, the program is family-friendly, allowing workers to bring their families to Ireland with ease. Additionally, the program does not require a labour market impact assessment, further simplifying the application process and speeding up the time it takes for workers to start their new roles in Ireland.
Critical Skills Employment Permit Application Guide
Your application for a Critical Skills Employment Permit must be made at least 12 weeks before the intended date of employment. Applications are submitted online via the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS). It has a User Guide where applicants are guided in the process through different interlacing docs required for each type of employment permit.
The Critical Skills Employment Permit Checklist (PDF) should be referred to before even starting the application. This checklist is to help you organize what documentation and information will be needed for the application process to be smoother and more efficient.
3. Highly Skilled Migrant Permit – Netherlands
The Highly Skilled Migrant Permit in the Netherlands is perfect for knowledge workers, referred to as foreign nationals who can positively contribute to the Dutch economy. Such individuals range from those in top positions to guest lecturers, scientist-researchers, etc. However, you must bear in mind that an applicant cannot apply for this permit themself, as an employer should do so on their behalf.
The employer must be regarded as an approved sponsor by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) registered in the Public Register of Recognised Sponsors. The candidate must have a valid job contract with a Dutch employer or research institution, and the offer of employment should comply with salary level according to market standards. Aside from specific requirements, applicants need to satisfy general conditions for all residence permits in The Netherlands.
Highly Skilled Migrant Permit Application Guide
The application process for this permit depends on whether or not the applicant needs a provisional residence permit (in Dutch: machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf) to travel to the Netherlands. This permit is simply known as the MVV.
When an MVV is required:
The employer files application for MVV and residence permit at the same time The IND will then process the application, verifying that all documents as well as fees have been submitted properly. Once this is done to satisfaction, then the applicant can take his MVV from the Dutch embassy and travel to the Netherlands in 90 days. Once they arrive, they then pick up their residence permit at an IND desk.
When an MVV is not needed:
After the candidate arrives in the Netherlands, the employer directly applies for the residence permit. The application is then reviewed by the IND, and in case of approval from their side, one can collect his residence card within 2 weeks. In either case, the IND usually decide whether to approve within 90 days, and the employer stays in touch during this period.
4. Red White Red Card – Austria
The Red-White-Red Card is a residence permit card for non-European citizens which permits them to settle in Austria with work from a single and legal employer, considering their application. This is for those intending to stay in Austria permanently. Applicants must show they have a job offer from an employer which meets the requirements of the labour market for their qualification level and salary. Moreover, the job must satisfy certain criteria to be eligible for the permit applied for.
Red White Red Card Application Guide
For the “Red-White-Red Card,” you normally ought to physically file it at an Austrian representative authority in your country of origin. However, if you do not require a visa to enter Austria, then you may register with the competent residential authority in Austria as well. Also, your employer can apply for you at the residence authority in Austria.
The Public Employment Service (AMS) will check if you meet the requirements for a residence permit and notify the confirmation to stay in writing. Once all required documents are submitted, the residence authority may decide on the application within eight weeks.
5. Entrepreneur Visa – Spain
Entrepreneur visas (visas de emprendedor) are residency permits that the Spanish government grants to non-EU nationals who intend on starting up or expanding a business of their own in Spain. These visas seek to attract and facilitate the implementation of innovative businesses in Spain.
This three-year residence permit is available for those creating a business that will serve the public interest with significant benefit to the country’s economy. However, not meeting the criteria for this visa means risking a visa application denial and thus wasting time and money. So, be certain to double-check the eligibility criteria before you continue with your application for it.
Entrepreneur Visa Application Guide
From Outside Spain:
You can start the application process from your home country by presenting all required documents online through Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE) electronic headquarters. These documents can be submitted through this Electronic Office, where you can request initial authorization, attach supporting documents, correct submissions, renew authorizations, and track your application’s progress.
Noteworthy, your business plan is the most important part of your application to this program and must be submitted for evaluation to the General Directorate of Foreign Trade and Investment. If you are applying from your country, a digital certificate is required to present documents and check notifications through the electronic headquarters of the Ministry of Employment, Training and Social Security.
From Spain:
Applying within Spain is much easier if you have a tourist visa, as applications can be made directly from the UGE’s headquarters in Madrid. In this case, you don’t need a visa, and you can go directly to get your residence card. Your business plan will be reviewed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs in just 20 days, following your submission. After approval, you can collect your Entrepreneur Visa in the next 30 days. Lastly, book an appointment to get your fingerprints registered at the Immigration office.
6. Opportunity Card – Germany
The Opportunity Card or Chancenkarte program provides an easy route to help international workers live and join work in Germany. The Opportunity Card offers endless avenues to pursue a successful career in one of Europe’s wealthiest economies and is designed as an initiative for global talent. If you wish to apply for the Opportunity Card, then you must meet certain requirements. Applicants must be 35 or under and score at least a total of 6 points out of 14 points based on their age, language skills and work experience. Also, applicants must show that they have no criminal record and that they can sustain themselves in Germany.
Opportunity Card Application Guide
Before starting your application, ensure you have reached a minimum score of 6 points. Then, start by compiling all the documents you will need, such as your academic records, an international passport, etc. You also have to get in touch with the German diplomatic mission in your country and book an appointment to submit the visa application. For detailed application guidelines, you can also visit the website of the relevant German diplomatic mission in your country.
7. Positive List for Skilled Work – Denmark
The Positive List for Skilled Work in Denmark is also a good work visa option. Upon receiving a job offer in one of the eligible roles, you will be able to apply for a residence and work permit. Noteworthy, your job must comply with Danish salary and employment requirements, and you must have your salary deposited to a Danish bank account. If you meet the above criteria, then apply for a permit, which generally takes a month to get processed. For more details or to get your application underway check this page from the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) site.
Positive List for Skilled Work Application Guide
First, you should generate a case order ID, pay the necessary fees and then submit your application within a calendar year. If you miss any of these steps, your application could be denied. Also, gather relevant documents, including your passport, receipt of payment of visa fee, a copy of your employment contract, etc. Then, complete and submit the application form using either of AR1 or AR6. The AR1 form involves you and your employer filling out separate sections, while the AR6 form allows for an application on behalf of yourself by your employer. Be sure to attach all of the required documents and, when necessary, a signed ‘Sworn declarations and information’ document.
Conclusion
Although applying for an EU work visa can seem complicated, there are various countries that offer these visas without applicants going through the usual stress. If you have been confused on how to go about an EU work visa, we hope this article has made things easier for you.