1. Know Which European Country You Want to Work In

As I have mentioned this with the opportunities I have shared before, It will be to your best advantage if you identify where you are needed the most. There are several countries with different needs so research shortage occupations of various contries in Europe as this will boost your chance by ensuring you are at proper place to seek job. Europe is not one unified system. Every country has different visa rules, timeline, costs, and requirements.

There are three groups you must understand:

A. Schengen EU Countries (Work Visa Required)

Germany, Italy, Finland, France, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Luxembourg, etc are some of those.

B. Non-Schengen EU Countries

Ireland, Cyprus

(They are EU members but follow different visa rules.)

1. Non-EU Countries but in Europe UK, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland.

As I have mentioned, before applying, ask yourself:

• Which country matches my job skill set currently? 
• Which countries are open to hire foreign workers?
• Do I need language skills and meet requirements?

 2. Find a Job That Offers Visa Sponsorship

You will find some of the good sources in here at globemove under the work and visa opportunity section and explore them properly. The process is job offer.You cannot apply for most European work visas without being hired first. You can check out the one’s we have published on this website with full information.

Top platforms for sponsored jobs:

Germany

• EURES
• Indeed Germany
• LinkedIn

Finland

• Work In Finland
• EURES Finland

Malta

• JobsInMalta
• EURES Malta

Luxembourg

• lu
• Moovijob

Netherlands

• Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant List
• Indeed NL

Ireland

• JobsIreland
• IrishHealthCareJobs

You don’t have to be there as you can apply from your home country and If selected, the employer begins the visa sponsorship process.

As I always suggest, type this word on search bar to narrow down the results and find the proper one’s. “Visa sponsorship/available/provided”, “Relocation support provided”, “Work permit provided”.

3. Get a Job Offer & Employment Contract

If the selection is succesfull, you will be provided with the following;

• A job offer letter of job you applied to
• A signed employment contract which is extremely vital as it involves very important information
• Proof they need you which is fairly complicated for employers even before publishing v.s jobs
• Documents for your visa application from personal to education and experience Salary confirmation and more relevant information.

Furthermore, Different countries have different salary minimums for visa eligibility which means your employer or your job has to meet a salary required to hire foreign worker with visa sponsorship.

 4. Prepare the Required Documents (General Checklist)

This is another very crucial aspect of the process and it can be specific or it can vary but generally speaking, here are documents required to finalize the process of visa sponsorship for foreign candidate.  

• Valid identity document which is passport
• Signed job contract
• Visa application form you have to fill
• Proof of qualifications when it comes to your education or experience
• CV/Resume, which I always talked about (Europass)
• Passport photos of yourself
• Police clearance certificate
• Proof of accommodation which could be provided by employer for you or not
• Travel insurance as European countries are known to require that

Additional Depending on Country

• Language certificate such as toefl, ielts and more
• Health certificate that shows your status
• Degree authentication (apostille or embassy stamp)
• Work experience letters of past jobs
• Proof of funds for other living costs

Always be proactive and start collecting police clearance, degree verification, and passport renewal early as these cause most delays.

 5. Employer Requests Work Authorization (If Required)

Even though this depends on the country, In many EU countries, the employer must first apply for your work permit before you apply for a visa which can have various forms and timeline.This step confirms that the employer is legally allowed to hire a foreign national.

6. Apply for the Work Visa at the Embassy/Consulate

After the employer gets approval (or once your contract is ready in countries where approval is not needed), you apply either of these:

• The embassy of the country
• VFS Global center
• TLS contact
• Migration agency online portals

You’ll submit crucial things as followings;

• Biometrics
• Originals & copies of documents
• Your application fee
• Interview (not always)

Processing time: it can vary but for some countries you can see down below

Finland — 1 month

Malta — 2–4 months

Germany — 2–6 months

Netherlands — 2–4 weeks

Ireland — 4–10 weeks

Always ensure to checking your email for updates.

7. Receive Your Visa & Travel to Europe

After you are done with above, If approved, the embassy issues:

Entry visa of the relevant type and Work permit or residence permit card (either collected abroad or on arrival)

When you land, you must:

• Register your address
• Collect your residence/work permit
• Complete medical tests (depending on country) Begin work according to your contract

8. How to Increase Your Chances of Visa Approval

1. Apply for jobs that clearly mention sponsorship

As I have stated on other blogs and European opportunities, don’t waste time on positions for EU nationals only.

2. Ensure your CV matches the European format

As I repeatedly say, Europass or a clean modern version should be utilized.

3. Avoid gaps in your documentation

Ensure you have all that’s required from you and avoid problems prior of them occurring as they might delay the process of your relocation.  

4. Show strong communication with employer

Embassy sometimes calls them so ensure you are connected and informed.

5. Apply to countries facing shortages

It can be Germany, Finland, Sweden, Malta, Ireland, Netherlands for your job.

6. Prepare finances

Even fully sponsored visas may require proof of funds for initial arrival or some aspect of living costs so be prepared.

9. Common Mistakes When Applying for EU Work Visas

•    Applying for jobs that don’t sponsor visa for foreigners or you won’t meet requiremnt
•    Submitting documents in the wrong language (translations could be required!)
•    Not following embassy instructions properly and neglecting things
•    Using informal CV formats and not Europass for Europe
•    Ignoring salary thresholds as they are requirements
•    Not preparing for embassy questions and interview
•    Travel history issues not explained
•    Not checking embassy updates as there might be a change relevant to the case

Conclusion

It Is not hard to acknowledge that getting a job offer from European country while living abroad is difficult not even visa sponsorship. But with careful attempt, proper information and proactive mindset it is something that could be achieved. Regardless of which European country you are looking to move to, you will need to make proper dedication in preparing documents, researching in demand jobs while conducting study information helpful for successful visa sponsorship process. So take action now as with appropriate preparation you can make the dream of working there a reality.