As a result of Covid-19 but not only, many countries have experienced labor shortages. The pandemic has had a significant impact on countries’ workforce and economy. Therefore, governments of different countries have launched the Job Seeker visa. This visa allows foreign nationals to enter the country, search for jobs and carry out work activities for a specific period of time i.e., until their visa expires. Once they find a job, they must obtain a Work Permit to be able to stay in the country.
The list of countries that offer a Job Seeker visa are:
Germany
Austria
Sweden
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Portugal
1. Germany
The Job Seeker visa in Germany was introduced back in 2012, and since then it has become one of the most common types of visa. The Job Seeker visa is a German national long-stay visa that allows qualified professionals to stay in Germany and explore job opportunities. The duration of the Job Seeker visa in Germany is six months.
Eligibility Requirements for the Job Seeker Visa in Germany
In order to be eligible 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.
Provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during the time you are in Germany.
Obtain travel or medical insurance. It should be valid for your entire stay in Germany or until you get the Work Permit.
How to Apply for the Job Seeker Visa in Germany
You must apply for a Germany Job Seeker visa at the German embassy/consulate in your country. Once you are confident that you fulfill the criteria to apply, the application process is as follows:
Gather all the required documents.
Fill out the application form online.
Schedule an appointment.
Submit the application form in person along with the rest of the documents at the embassy/consulate nearest to you.
Attend the interview at the embassy or consulate.
See German Missions Abroad to find out which embassy or consulate you should apply to in your home country.
2. Austria
Austria offers the Job Seeker visa (category D visa) for highly qualified workers provided that they are eligible, i.e., reach a minimum of 70 points according to specific criteria. The duration of the visa is six months.
Eligibility Requirements for the Job Seeker Visa in Austria
The criteria are divided into special qualifications and skills, work experience, language skills, age, and studies in Austria.
Special qualifications/skills Points (maximum 40 points)
Graduation from an institution of higher education, the minimum duration of programme: four years 20
In the subjects: mathematics, informatics, natural sciences or technology 30
Post-doctoral qualifications or PhD 40
Research and innovation activities 20
Awards (recognized prizes) 20
Work experience Points (maximum 40 points)
Work experience (per year) 2
Six months of work experience in Austria 10
Language skills Points (maximum 10)
German or English language skills (A1 level) 5
German or English language skills (A2 level) 10
Age Points (maximum 20)
Up to 35 years of age 20
Up to 40 years of age 15
Up to 45 years of age 10
Studies in Austria Points (maximum 10)
The second part of the diploma programme or half of the required total ECTS points 5
Completed diploma programme or Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programme 10
For more, refer to the Criteria Data Sheet.
How to Apply for the Job Seeker Visa in Austria
In order to apply for a Job Seeker visa in Austria, you must visit the embassy or consulate in the country you reside. The application process, then, is as follows:
Gather all the required documents.
Fill out the application form. Application forms are available at the Austrian representative authority.
Submit the documents along with the application form personally to the competent Austrian representative (embassy or consulate). All documents must be submitted as originals and copies. If the documents are not in German or English, translations into German or English must be provided.
See Austrian Representations to find out which embassy/consulate you must apply to in your home country.
3. Sweden
Sweden has recently introduced the Job Seeker visa, allowing highly qualified people to search for a job while in Sweden. The visa is valid for 3 months, however it can be issued for up to 9 months.
Eligibility Requirements for the Job Seeker Visa in Sweden
To qualify for a Job Seeker visa, you must fulfill the following conditions:
You must hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or another advanced degree.
You must be able to support yourself during your time in the country.
You must be willing to look for jobs or start your own business. This includes having a well-laid-out plan to do so.
You must have comprehensive health insurance.
You must own a passport that is valid for the whole time you will be there.
You must be living out of Sweden.
How to Apply for the Job Seeker Visa in Sweden
To apply for the Job Seeker visa in Sweden, you need to visit the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process is as follows:
Gather all your documents. You must include the letter of consent to the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) proving that they can contact higher education institutions in your country to verify your educational documents.
Download your documents from the official website
Fill out your application form online.
Submit your application form, along with the documents and the letter of consent to a Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country.
See Sweden Embassies Abroad to find out which embassy or consulate you must apply to in your home country.
4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates has stated that there is a stream of people who are going to the UAE to look for employment opportunities. The job market in the UAE is continuously growing and attracting highly skilled and talented people. A Job Seeker visa in the UAE is single-entry and valid for 60, 90, or 120 days.
Eligibility Requirements for the Job Seeker Visa in the UAE
In order for your application to be admissible, you must meet the following requirements:
You must hold a Bachelor’s degree (this is the minimum educational level required).
You must be able to support yourself during your time in the country.
You must be classified in the first, second, or third skill level per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and to the latest graduates of the top 500 universities in the world.
You must have a valid passport.
How to Apply for the Job Seeker Visa in the UAE
To apply for a Job Seeker visa in the UAE, you are required to visit the UAE embassy or consulate in your home country. In general, the application process of applying for a Job Seeker visa in the UAE is fairly simple and straightforward. The process is as follows:
Register on the website www.gdrfad.gov.ae (if you don’t already have an account).
Select the required service.
Attach/upload all necessary documents.
Pay the fee.
Submit the application and wait on a decision.
See here the list of UAE Missions abroad to see which embassy/consulate you must apply to in your home country.
5. Portugal
In order to reduce labor shortages and increase employment of youth and under-represented groups, Portugal has become one of the few countries in Europe to introduce the Job Seeker visa. This visa will allow foreign nationals to come to Portugal and explore job opportunities. The visa is single-entry and is valid for a period of 120 days and can be renewed for a further 60 days.
Eligibility Requirements for the Job Seeker Visa in Portugal
There are no detailed qualifications yet, as the visa has recently been launched. However, you must:
Have a valid passport for the entire duration that you are in the country.
Have health insurance.
Have purchased a ticket that shows the date of departure and the date of the return (in case you cannot get a job).
Have enough funds to support yourself while you are in Portugal.
How to Apply for the Job Seeker Visa in Portugal
In order to apply for a Job Seeker visa in Portugal, you must visit the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country. You must gather all your documents, namely:
Your passport. It should be valid for at least 3 months after your date of return.
Two photos. Must be recent and in good condition.
Request for criminal record inquiry.
Criminal record certificate. It is only accepted if issued by the relevant authority.
Valid travel insurance.
Transport document.
Proof of financial resources.
Once you have collected all documents, you must submit those at an embassy or consulate in your home country and pay the fees.
Refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to see which embassy or consulate in your home country you should apply to.
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