Relocating for work typically requires a valid work visa, with procedures varying significantly by country.
Several European nations have simplified their visa processes to attract foreign professionals and address labor shortages, making it easier to secure employment permits.
A work visa grants foreign nationals the legal right to live and work in another country, with the specific visa type depending on factors such as job position, skills, and employer sponsorship.
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Applicants must meet eligibility criteria, submit required documents, and comply with immigration regulations.
According to Visa Guide, here are eight European countries where Nigerians can relatively easily obtain a work visa:
- Iceland: Known for its work-life balance and structured visa process, Iceland requires applicants to secure a job contract before applying. It offers various work permits, including those for expert knowledge, labor shortages, athletes, family reunification, students, specialized employees on service contracts, and special reasons.
- Latvia: Foreign nationals generally need a residence permit, Type D visa, and work permit. Exceptions apply for Latvian company shareholders, permanent residence holders, or managers representing Latvian firms. EU nationals are exempt from work permits but need a residence permit for stays over 90 days. Work permit types include A (Latvian employers), C and E (intra-company transfers), D (business visits), and a seasonal work visa.
- Lithuania: This country is attractive to immigrant workers. A job offer is a prerequisite, with the employer submitting the work permit application to the Lithuanian Labour Exchange. Some non-EU citizens with high-level professional qualifications can work without a permit if they obtain a labor market compliance decision, then apply for a temporary residence permit instead of a national or work visa.
- Estonia: Estonia has a high work visa acceptance rate and receives fewer applications than other countries. Applicants can apply for a D visa for short-term projects or start working immediately while applying for a residence permit upon arrival. Job opportunities are often listed on the “Work in Estonia” webpage.
- Slovakia: Due to its economic growth, Slovakia is appealing to job seekers. Applicants typically need a single permit for residence and work, a work permit with temporary residence for employment or family reunification, or a long-term residence permit. Work visa options include a single permit (requiring a job vacancy report 20 days prior), a work permit for family reunification, seasonal employment (up to 180 days), and an EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals.
- Czechia: Attracting job seekers with its robust economy and skilled workforce, Czechia offers various work visa options. These include an employee card (for specific jobs, valid two years), an EU Blue Card (for university graduates), an intra-company employee transfer card, a Type D business visa (for self-employed individuals), and special provisions for foreigners with free access to the labor market (e.g., family members of Blue Card holders or certain international students).
- Luxembourg: This country provides several visa options, such as a short-stay Schengen visa for business, a long-stay national visa for employment exceeding 90 days, and an EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals working over 12 months. Luxembourg is notable for its high minimum wage and low unemployment rates.
- Germany: With a large and diverse workforce, Germany welcomes immigrant workers. Applicants can seek a long-stay visa if they have a job offer, plan to establish a business or work as freelancers, intend to seek employment upon arrival, participate in an au pair program, or qualify for a working holiday visa under specific bilateral agreements. Germany has also introduced an ‘opportunity card’ allowing foreign nationals to enter and look for jobs without a prior offer.
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