Europe continues to nurture talent and promote entrepreneurship through its job-seeker visa programs. Many European countries, such as Austria, Germany, Sweden, Portugal, etc., offer job seeker visas that allow non-EU nationals to enter Europe to seek job opportunities for a specific duration.  

Job Seeker Visa- A Gateway to Live, Work, and Prosper in Europe

For the past few years, many European countries have transformed into a global hub of opportunities, entrepreneurship, and innovation hubs. Countries like Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands are thriving as an economic powerhouse in Europe, attracting thousands of skilled professionals worldwide.

So, what is a job seeker visa?

A job seeker visa, like Austria job seeker visa, allows a non-EU citizen to enter any European country to seek employment opportunities. The pathway is meant for highly educated persons looking for jobs in Europe as highly skilled migrants. Once the applicant succeeds in grabbing an employment contract, they can apply for a residence permit to live and work in the host country. 

Since most countries have strict requirements of having a prior job offer before applying for a work permit, a job seeker visa is a ray of hope for individuals who don’t have a job offer but can move to Europe and look for a job. 

Listed are a few European countries that offer a job seeker visa without a job offer:

Germany

Germany job seeker visa allows highly-qualified and talented foreign nationals to live in Germany for six months and search for a job. If you are able to find employment within this six-month duration, you can apply for a work visa that permits you to legally live and work in Germany.

Eligibility requirements:

The German job seeker visa is for non-EU citizens with five years of experience, sufficient financial funds, and proof of completion of an advanced degree/vocational degree. Their degrees and certifications should also be recognized in Germany.

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

• A valid passport.
• Proof of funds and accommodation details.
• Documents related to their education and work experience.
• Copy of their health insurance coverage.

Austria

Like Germany, Austria also has a job seeker visa but only for non-EU nationals who are considered “highly qualified workers”. These individuals must achieve a minimum of 70 points to be eligible for the visa. These points are based on factors such as education, work experience, language skills, age, etc.

Eligibility requirements

• Must secure at least 70 points out of 100 based factors such as Age, Education Qualification, Relevant Work Experience, English Language Skill, Studies in Austria.
• You must be a highly-qualified worker in a shortage occupation.
• The Public Employment Service (Arbeitsmarktservice – AMS) must confirm to the Austrian representative authority that you have reached the points required for admission.

• Show confirmation of German or English language skills in the form of an internationally recognized diploma.
• A job seeker visa can be obtained if you have sufficient funds to manage your initial expenses in Austria.

Netherlands

Netherlands has a job seeker visa program for non-EU citizens who have graduated/ hold a Ph.D. degree/or doing a scientific research can search a job or set up their business in the Netherlands. This program is known as Orientation year for highly educated persons, meant for meant for highly educated persons aspiring to seek employment in the Netherlands.

The job seeker visa is different from Netherlands startup visa as it only allows you to search for an employment, whereas the startup visa opens up the opportunity of establishing a unique business with the possibility for a quick permanent settlement in the country. 

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