Work Permission to live and work in Europe

The increasing number of foreigners coming to Europe every year proves that it has become an attractive European job market. In order to pursue a professional career here, a work permit is needed. Learn all about this document and other requirements.

Every country requires a work visa or visit Visa if you plan to travel abroad. So is the requirement of Europe. You should have a work visa to enter and work in Europe.

The European work visa, called the National visa, allows citizens of non-EU to work in Europe. EA/EEU or Swiss citizens may not need work permission. But if you want to stay in Europe for more than three months, you will need to register at the local registration office. Registration is not included in the process of a work visa, but it only helps the authorities to know about your longer stay.

If you are planning a career opportunity in Europe, you need to read this post. In this article, we will explain and cover all the details and types of Europe Work Visas.

Do I Need a Visa to Work in Europe?

Everyone who is not an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen needs a visa to work in Europe. If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen and want to work in Europe for longer than three months, you only have to register your stay in a local registration office. Registering your stay is not a visa application process; it is more of a notifying method to let Government authorities know that you would like to stay and work in Europe for longer. I want to work in Europe. Work Permit document allows any foreigner to undertake legal work in this country. It is issued for one job only, so if you obtain a work permit, you are legally obliged to use it only for performing tasks indicated in the application form. While changing jobs, you will need to apply for a new work permit. Please bear in mind that this document is valid only for a fixed period of time.

Do I even need it?

Not always. There are a lot of different scenarios for people willing to work in Europe, but we will discuss the most common ones. First and foremost, foreigners are not obliged to obtain work permits if they come from the European Union (plus Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland). This also applies to individuals holding an EU long-term residence card issued by the Public authorities. Moreover, if you possess a permanent residence permit, you can rest assured that you will not need any work permits. When it comes to temporary residence permits, the situation is similar as long as it is specified in your document that you can start legal work in Europe. Many of our Eastern neighbours will be relieved to hear that the Pole's Card’s holders also are not obliged to obtain work permits. The same applies to citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine who wish to work in Europe for a short period of time (up to 6 months in a year).The list includes also victims of human trafficking, refugees and other individuals protected by the Republic of Europe on special grounds. If you still have doubts about your status in this case, go ahead and contact your relevant voivode's office.

Which one to obtain?

Before applying for a work visa, you need to know about which work permit you should apply for. The types of Europe work permits are:

  • Type A – if you are employed either on the basis of employment contract or civil law contract by an employer with an office registered in Europe. This is the most popular work permit.
  • Type B – if you are performing a board member function and residing in Europe for a total period that exceeds 6 months within a period of 12 subsequent months.
  • Type C – if you are delegated to Europe by a foreign employer for a period that exceeds 30 days in a calendar year to work for the foreign employer’s subsidiary or branch.
  • Type D – if you are delegated by a foreign employer to work in export services in an occasional and temporary manner. It is important that the foreign employer does not have a branch or subsidiary of its own in Europe.
  • Type E – if you are undertaking work-related tasks which do not fall into any of the four categories above. This is, as you presume, the rarest type of a work permit.

Europe Work Visa Requirements

The documents required for a Europe work visa application are:

  • Valid passport. Make sure your passport is valid for at least another six months; more if the embassy requires.
  • Visa application form. You must fill out the form via the online system or VFS where applicable, print it, and sign it.
  • Colored photos of yourself. Photo dimensions and requirements should fulfill the Schengen visa photo guidelines.
  • Flight itinerary. You must submit proof that you have purchased or at least booked a flight to Europe.
  • Proof of travel health insurance. Once you arrive in Europe, you will have to register for long-term health insurance, either with the national health fund or a private insurance company. However, for the initial work visa application, you will be required to submit proof of travel health insurance covering at least €30,000.
  • Proof of accommodation. You must submit proof that you have a place to live in Europe during your stay.
  • Original and copied version of the work permit. Your employer will send you the work permit which they applied for on your behalf.
  • Employment letter. You must submit the original letter of employment, signed by your employee and stating your position, salary, and other details of your employment.
  • Work experience certificate or CV. Submit an updated copy of your CV and any certificates that attest to your work experience in the position you are applying for.
  • Police clearance certificate. You must prove that you do not have a criminal background.

Remember: The consulate or embassy may ask you to provide additional documents, depending on each specific case, for example cover letter for work visa.

How to Get a European Work Visa?

The steps for applying for a European work visa are:

  • Your employer applies for a work permit on your behalf. 
  • You apply for a work visa at the European embassy.
  • Enter Europe and start working.

Applying for a Europe Work Permit

If you plan to start working in Europe, a European employer needs to apply for a work permit on your behalf at the local Voivodeship office (Governor’s Office in Europe). The employer must submit documents, such as

  • The application form. 
  • Proof of paid application fees.
  • Proof of the legal status of the employer. The documentation should be issued from the NCR (National Court Register).
  • Records of the employer’s economic activity.
  • Copy of the employee’s passport pages.
  • Proof of the employee’s health insurance.
  • Deed for the company.
  • Statements that show profits or losses made by the employer.
  • Copy of the work contract.

After the work permit has been granted, your employer will forward it to you, along with your work contract and any other documents, so you can apply for a work visa.

Applying for a Europe Work Visa

  • Once you receive authorization to work in Europe, you can then apply for a work visa from the Embassy in your country. This visa will allow you to travel to Europe for work purposes and then apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit. To apply for a Europe work visa, you need to follow these steps:
  • Locate the nearest Embassy or Consulate. You can determine which embassy to apply to through the e-Konsulat website (the consular services website), as well as complete an application form.
  • Make a visa appointment. You can set up an appointment through the e-Konsulat website or by contacting the embassy or consulate directly. Make sure you set up an appointment sufficiently in advance.
  • Collect the required documents.
  • Submit the application. On the date of your appointment, you have to show up on time, submit the required documents, and (if required) attend a visa interview.

Europe Work Permit Validity

The validity of your work permit depends on the employment contract given to you by the employer. If for example, your employer wants to employ you for two years, then your residence and work permits will be valid for that time.

Extending a Europe Work Visa

Your employer can extend your Europe work visa by renewing your contract. If you want to extend your work visa, you must do so 30 days before your work visa expires. Your employer may apply for an extension of your work permit at the local Voivodship Office or online via the praca.gov.pl portal.

What If I Want to Change My Job?

If you have a temporary residence permit and want to change your job, then your new employer will have to apply for a new work permit at the Voivodeship Office. Your temporary work and residence permit is tied to an employer.

If you are a permanent resident of Europe, then you can change your job without the need for your new employer to obtain a work permit on your behalf.

Can I Bring Family Members in Europe?

If you are working in Europe with a temporary work permit of at least two years, then your family members can apply for a family reunification visa. If your family members are granted a family reunification visa, they can live with you in Europe for the duration of your work permit.

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