The Covid-19 pandemic has stirred labor market crisis in many European countries. Consequently many of them are finding it difficult to hire skilled workers across several industries. The advent of Germany Job Seeker Visa has paved the way for many European countries to launch their own job seeker visas to invite skilled foreign workers to seek job opportunities in Europe. The job seeker visa allows overseas workers to move to a specific European country, look for jobs, and live there for a specific period of time. Once they land a job opportunity, they need to apply for a Work Permit to continue to stay in the country.
Below is a list of countries that offer job seeker visas to non-EU/EEA nationals
- Germany
- Austria
- Sweden
- Portugal
German Job Seeker Visa
Germany launched its job seeker visa in 2012, and since then it continues to garner the attention of skilled workers worldwide. The job seeker visa in Germany is one of the most popular immigration pathways allowing third-country nationals to move here and look for employment for six months. If they succeed in getting a job offer within this duration, they can apply for a work visa and a residence permit. This type of visa is a gateway to Germany EU Blue Card.
To qualify for the Job Seeker visa, you must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a German university or an equivalent foreign degree.
- Have at least 5 years of experience in your related field.
- Submit proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during the time you are in Germany.
- Obtain travel or medical insurance.
Austria
Also known as Category D visa, the Austria Job Seeker Visa is designed for highly-skilled individuals who wish to live and work in Austria. The visa follows a point-based system that gives points based on an individual’s age, work experience, education, etc. One must obtain at least 70 points to apply for this visa. Please note that the job seeker visa is not a work permit. Once you have received a job offer, you must apply for a work permit, like a Red-White-Red Card.
To be eligible for the Job seeker visa, applicants need to score a minimum of 70 points out of a maximum of 100 points based on the point criteria system which includes:
- Graduation from an institution of higher education
- Special qualifications and skills
- Special qualifications and skills in the subjects of mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, or technology
- Post-doctoral qualification or PhD
- Research and innovation activities
- Awards
- Work experience
- Language skills
- Age
Sweden
Sweden has recently introduced its Sweden Job Seeker Visa program for skilled professionals. The pathway permits foreign nationals to move to Sweden without a job offer and seek jobs or explore possibilities for setting up a business for nine months.
To qualify for a residence permit to seek employment or start a business in Sweden, you must:
- have completed studies corresponding to an advanced-level degree
- plan to seek employment or explore the possibilities of starting your own business
- be able to support yourself during the period for which you are applying for a permit and have money to cover the cost of your journey home
- have comprehensive health insurance valid for care in Sweden
- have a passport valid for the entire period you intend to be in Sweden (if your passport is about to expire, you should extend it because you cannot get a permit for longer than your passport is valid)
- Currently be located outside of Sweden.
Portugal
Portugal introduced its job seeker visa on October 31, 2022 to curb the labor market crisis that allows candidates to live and work in Portugal for three months and search for a job. The job seeker visa in Portugal is valid for 120 days and can be extended to 60 more days.
To be eligible for Portugal Job Seeker Visa, you need:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A valid passport
- A health insurance
- Enough funds to cover for your stay in Portugal
For more information, contact our accredited and reliable immigration advisors at 8595338595 or email us at web@jobsvisas.com.
