Easy to Obtain European Work VISA’s in 2024 (Top 5 Countries)

Seeking a work visa in Europe can often be a challenging process due to intricate application procedures and stringent eligibility criteria. To ease this journey, this article has been crafted to offer a comprehensive overview of the top 5 European countries where obtaining work visas in 2024 is significantly easier. It aims to provide valuable insights and clear guidance, simplifying your decision-making process and enhancing your chances of success in securing a suitable work visa.

Here are 3-5 options to consider, along with their highlights:

1# Germany Opportunity Card 2024

Language Requirements: German is preferred, but English is acceptable in many industries.

The German Opportunity Card provides a one-year stay for non-EU skilled professionals under 35 to search for jobs in Germany. It allows work during this period and uses a point-based system for eligibility, requiring at least 6 out of 14 points. Basic requirements include vocational training or a university degree and language proficiency in German (A1) or English (B2). Applicants can apply at the German mission abroad or the Foreigners’ Registration Office in Germany, providing necessary documentation and proof of financial means.

Skill Shortage Professions in Germany in 2024: High demand for engineers, IT professionals, healthcare workers, and skilled tradespeople.

2# Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit

Language Spoken in Ireland: English is widely spoken.

Ireland’s Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed for skilled workers in professions experiencing a shortage of skills in Ireland. To be eligible, you must be offered a job either listed on the Critical Skills Occupation List with a minimum annual salary of €32,000 or a job not on the ineligible occupations list with a salary of €64,000 or higher. The job offer should be for at least two years from an Irish-registered and trading company.

Qualification-wise, you must have a degree or higher for jobs in the €32,000 salary range. For jobs with an annual salary of €64,000 or over, a degree or equivalent experience is required. A labor market needs test is not necessary for this permit, streamlining the application process​​.

The permit offers several benefits, including the ability to bring family members to live in Ireland and a pathway to naturalization. After two years on the Critical Skills Employment Permit, you can apply for a Stamp 4 permission, allowing you to live and work in Ireland without an employment permit. This can be renewed and, after five years of legal residency, you may apply for citizenship by naturalization​.

Skill Shortage: Critical need for chefs, software engineers, doctors, and construction workers.

3# Denmark Work VISA under Positive List Scheme

Language: Danish is preferred, but English is spoken in many workplaces.

The Danish Work Visa under the Positive List scheme is available to international skilled workers in occupations with a labor shortage in Denmark, such as engineering, healthcare, IT, and education. Applicants need a job offer in a listed profession, relevant qualifications, and experience.

Benefits of this Denmark’s work visa include easier work permit acquisition and faster processing times, as employers don’t need to prove the unavailability of qualified Danish or EU applicants. Family members can also obtain residence permits, with spouses or partners eligible to work. The application involves the employer applying through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration, and the worker providing the necessary documents

Skill Shortage: Shortages across various sectors, including engineering, healthcare, and IT.

4# Finland Skilled Worker VISA

Work Visa: Fast-track process for highly skilled workers (14-day decision).
Language: Finnish preferred, but English proficiency is also acceptable.

The Finland Highly Skilled Worker Visa targets individuals with exceptional professional skills, offering an opportunity to live and work in Finland. Eligibility requires a higher education degree or equivalent experience, relevant work experience, a minimum salary, and language proficiency. Benefits include access to Finland’s job market and social welfare system, potential for permanent residency, and family reunification. The application process involves securing a job in Finland, applying for a work permit, and submitting necessary documents at a Finnish mission. The visa is typically valid for one year, with extension options depending on the permit type.

Skill Shortage: High demand for IT professionals, engineers, and healthcare workers.

5# Portugal Job Seeker VISA

Language: Portuguese is preferred, but English is spoken in some areas.

Portugal’s job seeker visa is one of easy to obtain European visas and this is for non-EU nationals to address skilled worker shortages. It allows entry without a job offer, granting a 120-day stay with a possible 60-day extension to find employment. Successful job seekers can then apply for a work and residence permit. The visa application process involves submitting a Declaration of Expression of Interest, completing an online application, and attending an interview at a Portuguese Embassy or visa application center. The process can take a few months, with a typical visa fee of around €9.

Skill Shortage: Opportunities in IT, tourism, and construction sectors.

Useful Links:

• European Union Blue Card: https://immigration-portal.ec.europa.eu/eu-blue-card_en
• Eurostat Skill Shortage: https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=89&furtherNews=yes&newsId=10619