For those, who want to go abroad particularly in Europe and like to stay there, often think how to get Europe work permit, how to get an EU visa, how to get Europe work visa and how to settle there along and with dependents (if they have family members)? For their questions, the answer is ‘yes’ provided that they meet the criteria and requirements set by the countries in Europe. They can also work there, if they meet the working conditions (requirements) in Europe.
Details about How to Get Europe Work Permit
Foreign labor or foreign workers are attracted to European countries through various programs (which have been generated by the counties in Europe). With these programs, foreign professionals and labor are taken onboard to fill the shortage in different fields. Since majority of European countries are in Schengen zone, there is a hefty demand about the Schengen work visa as well. The article will explain comprehensively about getting complete details for European work permit matter.
Is Work Allowed on Schengen Visa in Europe?
To get it straight, the Schengen work visa does not exist. A Schengen visa can be obtained for other various purposes (except work) such as business, on medical grounds, tourism, visit, etc. Thus, a Schengen visa is not issued to work in Europe or in Schengen states. If you hold a Schengen visa, you are not permitted to work there.
Now, come to the point if there is an exception or option to work in the Schengen states? Well, yes, there is an option allowing you to work in Schengen countries legally. You need to apply for a National (D) Visa for employment purposes. This visa is issued by any country enlisted in the list of 26 Schengen countries (member of Schengen zone).
Employment Visa of Europe
Although the 26 Schengen countries have mutual borders, but each country has its own visa policies. The programs for employment (work visa) in EU countries have been launched to cover the needs of the labor and fill the shortage of jobs. Thus, the requirements and criteria along with the process of applications largely depend on the labor needs of each European country.
Who is Eligible for a Work Visa to Europe?
Explaining more on how to get Europe work permit, more clarification is presented so that you have a better view of the information. Talking about the eligibility of the nationalities whom citizens can apply and get the work visa to Europe, well, the nationals of Canada, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Japan, Switzerland and the citizens of European Union are not required to apply for work visa to Europe. All they have to do is apply for a residence and work permit upon arriving to the country in Europe they want to work.
The citizens of the rest of the world are required to obtain an employment visa (work visa) prior to entering the Europe/Schengen states for work purposes.
Requirements for Europe Work Visa
There are standards requirements needed to be fulfilled by the applicants mentioned as under:
Application Form: The applicants need to fill up the form completely and should print it twice. Put your signature on both copies at the end.
Two Photos: The applicants are required to provide two identical photos taken within the last 3 months (follow instructions of the common Schengen visa photography criteria).
Valid Passport: The passport, you hold, must be valid for at least 3 months, and should not be older than 10 years. It should at least have two blank pages.
Flight Reservation: The applicants need to provide roundtrip flight reservation showing the dates and flight numbers of entry and exit (from the Schengen states).
Accommodation Booking: You need to provide a proof of accommodation showing your residence in Europe/Schengen areas such as hotel booking, apartment or hostel booking, etc.
Medical Insurance (Travel Insurance): The applicants are required to take medical insurance covering medical emergencies up to 30,000 Euros. The insurance plan has to be valid in all Schengen states. It has to be taken before applying to visa.
Academic Proofs: The applicants need to provide all certificates, degrees, diplomas and transcripts, etc.
Language Proficiency: Many of European countries require to provide basic or specific level of knowledge of their official language. Thus, you need to prove it.
Employment Contract: You need to provide the employment contract signed by both parties – you and your future employer (who has taken you onboard in his or her company) living in Europe/Schengen country.
Note: Above mentioned are only basic requirements to obtain work visa to Europe. As mentioned earlier that each Schengen country and other countries in Europe (which are not a part of Schengen zone) may require additional documents from you.
How to Obtain a Work Visa for Europe?
There are standard steps, you need to follow to obtain a work visa for Europe. They are mentioned as under:
- First the applicant needs to check what type of employment visas the country where he or she in interested to work offers.
- Check carefully if the applicant can qualify for the work visa to Europe.
- The applicant needs to meet with the criteria set for an EU work visa. There are certain countries in Europe where the applicant first needs to acquire a job in a country he or she wants to work before applying for the visa.
- Get an employment contract.
- Collect all required documents for your employment visa.
- The applicant needs to schedule an interview for visa at the concerned embassy or consulate.
- Attend your interview at the embassy or consulate with all supporting and require documents.
- If succeeded, the applicant then needs to wait for the visa.
Note: Above-mentioned are only standard steps, there may be extra steps or procedure to be done for a work or an employment visa. The visa process may differ from country to country. For exact information, you may ask the embassy or the concerned authorities.
Where to Submit Work Visa Application?
The work visa application may be submitted at:
- An embassy
- A consulate
- A visa application center
Validity of a Work Visa to Europe
Well, the standard validity of a Europe work visa is one-year. The majority of the European countries offer the work visa holder the chance to extend their visas (the holders are entitled for visa extension in majority of European countries) upon expiration of their work visas. When your visa is affixed on your passport, you may read the details mentioned on the visa sticker, as it carries validity and other details.
How to Get Extension in Work Visa?
For visa extension, you need to provide an application for extension along with required documents. The application with documents can be submitted at the designated offices (at the offices of competent authorities) in the European country where you are working and residing. It must be done well before time (prior to the expiration of residence permit). It is better to check the process and time for application with the authorities to avoid problems and hassles.
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