Best Countries for Obtaining a Work Visa

If you wish to relocate and start working immediately, you must apply for a work visa. The process itself can be challenging. However, some countries issue visas much more accessible than others. A work visa allows you to live and work in a country other than yours. Additionally, there are multiple different types of work visas that you can apply for depending on your situation.

What is the Easiest Country to Get a Work Visa?

Here is the list of the easiest countries to get a work visa:

• Estonia
• Lithuania
• Iceland
• Latvia
• Slovakia
• Luxembourg
• Czechia
• Germany

Estonia

Estonia is known for its high rate of accepted work visa applications, making it the most accessible country to obtain a work visa. On the other hand, it receives a relatively small request compared to other countries. Therefore, Estonia might be your best choice for working abroad. Applying for a D visa is beneficial if you wish to work on a short-term project and also if you want to start working as soon as possible, and you will apply for a residence permit once you are in Estonia.

New job opportunities are posted daily, and you can find them on the Work in Estonia webpage.

Lithuania

Lithuania is one of the most attractive countries for immigrant workers. To work in Lithuania, you must first obtain a job offer from an employer. After you have successfully submitted all the relevant documents to your employer, they will be responsible for submitting the work permit application to the Lithuanian Labor Exchange. The Labour Exchange issues the work permit. Additionally, there is a chance for non-EU citizens to work in Lithuania without a permit. If the job demands high-level professional qualifications, the employee can obtain a decision on compliance with labour market needs. If approved under this decision, you must apply for a temporary residence permit instead of a National visa (D) or a Lithuania Work Visa.

Iceland

Ideally located between Europe and North America, Iceland is one of the most breathtaking places known for having a healthy work-life balance. The average Icelandic workweek is 40 hours and is very flexible. As a result, the country attracts thousands of foreigners looking to relocate and work abroad. All that you need to do is secure a contract before applying for a visa. There are multiple different work permits that you can apply for. These are some of the most common:

• Temporary Work Permit For a Job that Requires Expert Knowledge
• Temporary Work Permits Due to Labour Shortages
• Temporary Work Permits For Athletes
• Temporary permit based on family reunion
• Temporary work permits for students
• Temporary Work Permit for Specialized Employees Based on a Service Contract
• Temporary Work Permits Granted for Special Reasons.

Latvia

Foreign nationals who wish to work in Latvia can obtain a residence permit, a type D visa, and a work permit. This, though, doesn’t apply to shareholders in Latvian companies, foreign nationals who have a permanent residence permit, and managers of foreign companies who represent a Latvian firm in the country. EU nationals do not need a permit to work in Latvia. However, they must still apply for a residence permit to stay longer than 90 days. Latvian work permit types are:

• A Type is issued if you want to work for a Latvian employer.
• C and E type is issued if you are being transferred to Latvia through an intra-company transfer.
• D type is issued if you are a foreign businessman looking to visit Latvia for a meeting.
• Seasonal Work Visa – is issued if you will be in Latvia for a specific period, i.e. for tourism or agricultural purposes.

Slovakia

Slovakia’s transition to a market economy and the likelihood of a 3.4% economic increase in 2023 make Slovakia one of the most attractive countries for job seekers. To work in Slovakia, in general, you must obtain a single permit to reside and work; a work permit and a temporary residence for employment; a temporary residence for family reunification and within the first 12 months, also a work permit; a temporary residence of a third-country national who has the status of a person with long-term residence in another Member State and within the first 12 months also a work permit.

Types of Slovakia work visas include the following:

• Slovakia Single Permit. You must apply only for temporary residence for employment, and you do not need to apply for a work permit. Additionally, to be able to work in Slovakia with a single permit, your future employer must report a job vacancy to the competent Office of Labour. They should do this 20 days before you apply for temporary residence.
• Work Permit. A work permit is issued to foreign nationals who have obtained a temporary residence permit for family reunification etc., and wish to work in the country. Your future employer must report the vacancy to the competent Office of Labour.
• Seasonal employment. Seasonal employment is a temporary work permit issued if your activity won’t exceed 180 days in a year. Different rules apply to those needing a Schengen visa to enter Slovakia.
• EU Blue Card. This type of permit is issued to highly skilled professionals who meet the basic requirements.

Luxembourg

Getting a work visa in Luxembourg is relatively easy, and the country offers several short-term and long-term options. Although a small European country, Luxembourg has had Europe's highest minimum wage and lowest unemployment rate for the past 40 years.

Visa types are the following:

• Short-stay Schengen Visa (c) is generally issued for business purposes. A short-stay visa is ideal if you want to participate in a conference, meeting, or other business activity.
• Long-stay National Visa (D) is designed for foreign nations who wish to work for longer than 90 days, i.e. specifically salaried, self-employed, or highly-skilled people.
• EU Blue Card is designed for highly skilled and qualified foreign nationals who meet the basic requirements and will work longer than 12 months.

Czechia

The Czech Republic is attractive for job seekers and international businesses because of its location and growing economy. The workforce is highly skilled and educated. Therefore, it appeals to foreign nationals who wish to work abroad.

Work visa types include the following:

• Employee Card is issued to specific employers for a specific job position. It is issued for two years and may be extended.
• EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for university graduates (bachelor’s or higher).
• Intra-Company Employee Transfer Card is for managers, specialists, or trainees who will be internally transferred from a company outside the EU for three months to 3 years.
• Business Visa – type D. The Long-term visa for business is intended for citizens of third countries who intend to run a business in the Czech Republic, operate a trade, be self-employed, etc.
• Foreigners with free access to the labour market. Some foreigners may have free access to the labour market (e.g. family members of Blue Card holders, foreigners with permanent residency, or some international students).

Germany

Germany’s workforce comprises 42 million people, making it Europe's largest pool of skilled labour. Moreover, its job market is multicultural and multilingual. Germany welcomes immigrant workers and recently launched a new ‘opportunity card’ (“chance karte” in German). The opportunity card allows foreign nationals to go to Germany and look for work even if they do not have a job offer. You can apply for a Long-Stay Visa in Germany and work for the following:

• If you already have a job offer in Germany.
• Self-employment. If you wish to establish a business in Germany or work as a freelancer.
• Working as a Freelancer. Freelancing is also a type of self-employment.
• If you will be looking for a job once you are in Germany.
• Working as an Au Pair. Issued to young adults who wish to learn more about German culture and language.
• Working Holiday Visa. Issued to young people whose countries have signed a Working Holiday Visa agreement with Germany.

Our Job Search Services Include The Following 

• Job Search Strategy Report: With the help of experts, we create a comprehensive report based on your profile and decide on positioning it in your target country
• Opportunity Research: We identify industry trends and job sources to get you more job offers. We help you modify your profile to present it on different platforms
• Job Applications: We register your profile on various portals and job sites and even apply to relevant job postings on your behalf

Why Work Abroad?

Working abroad can dramatically transform your life and career. Working abroad is the perfect option for you if you plan to:

• Grow your career and have international mobility
• Earn Euro salaries leading to higher saving
• Live in well-developed countries
• Have access to world-class education & healthcare
• Gain access to citizen benefits
• Get a powerful passport that facilitates international travel
• Transform your family’s life

How Can AtoZ Serwis Plus Help You?

Thousands of professionals approach AtoZ Serwis Plus yearly to help them realise their overseas career ambitions. Our suite of services includes:

• Resume Writing Services: Ensure your resume is read with a resume that meets international standards and showcases your strengths
• LinkedIn Marketing: Improve your chances of getting discovered online by recruiters and companies with our LinkedIn marketing solutions
• Resume Marketing: Be present in your target country’s job market with our Resume Marketing services that apply for jobs on your behalf through overseas job boards, classifieds & job postings

With AtoZ Serwis Plus, you discover opportunities best suited for you and get the tools and experience to help you apply them with the highest chances of success. Could you talk to us today to begin your journey to working abroad?