Get Your Work Visa on Arrival in These 12 Countries
Imagine this: You’ve been dreaming about working abroad, exploring new cultures, and possibly finding a place where you feel you truly belong. But then reality hits you—the endless paperwork, the months-long waiting times, the uncertainty of whether you’ll even get approved for a work visa.
What if there was a way to sidestep some of that hassle, to get a taste of a country’s job market and lifestyle before committing to a full-on work visa? Well, you’re in luck! Some countries offer a visa on arrival (VOA) that allows you to enter, explore, and even dip your toes into the local job market. And the best part? You can often convert that VOA into a work visa if you find a job and decide to stay.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of visa on arrival, explore which countries offer this golden opportunity, and explain how you can turn a short visit into a long-term career move. So pack your bags (and your CV)—let’s get started!
Is It Possible to Get a Work Visa on Arrival?
In most cases, a work visa requires you to have a job offer before you even set foot in a country. However, the concept of a visa on arrival allows you to enter a country without the lengthy application process that standard work visas require. The primary purpose of a VOA is typically tourism or short-term business activities, but it can be a gateway to something more permanent.
While a visa on arrival isn’t usually granted explicitly for work, it provides a valuable opportunity to network, attend job interviews, and get a feel for the local job market. After securing a job, many countries allow you to convert your visa on arrival into a standard work visa, making it a perfect first step in your international career journey.
12 Countries Offering VOA for Work or Business Activities
Following are the top 12 countries where you can fly and obtain your visa on arrival in 2024:
1# Qatar
- Visa on Arrival: Qatar offers a visa on arrival to citizens of many countries, including the U.S., U.K., and most EU nations. This visa is primarily for tourism and short-term business activities, giving you a chance to explore the Qatari job market.
- How to Convert: If you secure a job while on your VOA, your employer can help you convert it into a work visa. The process involves medical exams, background checks, and the submission of various documents, but it’s a straightforward transition once you have a job offer.
- Apply here: https://e-visa-qatar.com/
2# United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Visa on Arrival: The UAE is a popular destination for expats and offers a visa on arrival to citizens of certain countries. While initially intended for tourism, this visa allows you to attend business meetings and explore employment opportunities.
- How to Convert: After landing a job, your employer will typically sponsor you for a work visa. The conversion process involves applying for a residency visa, undergoing a medical test, and obtaining a labor card.
- Apply here: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/do-you-need-an-entry-permit-or-a-visa-to-enter-the-uae/visa-on-arrival
3# Thailand
- Visa on Arrival: Thailand’s visa on arrival is available to citizens of several countries and allows for short-term business activities. It’s an excellent option for those wanting to explore job opportunities in the vibrant cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket.
- How to Convert: To transition to a work visa, you must first secure a job offer. Your employer will then apply for a work permit on your behalf, followed by a visa extension to cover the length of your employment.
- Apply here: https://thaiconsulatela.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/visa-exemption-and-visa-on-arrival-to-thailand
4# Malaysia
- Visa on Arrival: Malaysia offers a visa on arrival to citizens of several countries, mainly for tourism and business purposes. This gives you a chance to explore the local job market and network with potential employers.
- How to Convert: Once you have a job offer, your employer can help you convert your VOA into an employment pass. This involves a more detailed application process, including background checks and document verification.
- Apply here: https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/evisa/evisa.jsp
5# Indonesia
- Visa on Arrival: Indonesia’s visa on arrival is available to many nationalities and allows for short-term business activities. Jakarta and Bali are popular destinations for expats, offering numerous job opportunities in various sectors.
- How to Convert: If you secure employment, your employer will sponsor you for a work permit. The process involves obtaining a KITAS (temporary stay permit) and a work permit, allowing you to stay and work in Indonesia legally.
- Apply here: https://www.kemlu.go.id/oslo/en/pages/visa_kunjungan_saat_kedatangan/3241/etc-menu
6# Turkey
- Visa on Arrival: Turkey offers a visa on arrival to citizens of several countries, allowing for tourism and short-term business activities. The bustling cities of Istanbul and Ankara are key business hubs with numerous job opportunities.
- How to Convert: After finding a job, you can apply for a work permit, often with the assistance of your employer. The process includes background checks, a residence permit application, and work authorization.
- Apply here: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
7# Georgia
- Visa on Arrival: Georgia is an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Citizens of many countries can enter visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival, allowing for business activities.
- How to Convert: If you decide to work in Georgia, you can apply for a work visa or residence permit. The process typically involves securing a job and having your employer submit the necessary documentation.
- Apply here: https://www.evisa.gov.ge/
8# Armenia
- Visa on Arrival: Armenia offers a visa on arrival to citizens of various countries, which can be used for tourism and business purposes. Yerevan, the capital, is emerging as a hub for tech and innovation, attracting professionals from around the world.
- How to Convert: If you find employment, you can apply for a work permit or residence visa. Your employer will usually guide you through the application process, including document submission and background checks.
- Apply here: https://www.mfa.am/en/visa/
9# Bahrain
- Visa on Arrival: Bahrain offers a visa on arrival to citizens of several countries, allowing for short-term business activities. The country is known for its business-friendly environment and growing job market in finance and technology.
- How to Convert: Once you secure a job, your employer can help you convert your VOA into a work visa. This involves applying for a work permit and residence visa, typically requiring medical tests and background checks.
- Apply here: https://www.evisa.gov.bh/list-of-onarrival-visa-country.html
10# Sri Lanka
- Visa on Arrival: Sri Lanka offers a visa on arrival to citizens of several countries, primarily for tourism and business activities. The island nation has a growing economy with opportunities in sectors like tourism, IT, and manufacturing.
- How to Convert: If you secure employment during your stay, you can apply for a work visa through your employer. The process involves obtaining a work permit and extending your visa for the duration of your employment.
- Apply here: https://www.immigration.gov.lk/pages_e.php?id=14
11# Singapore
- Visa on Arrival: Singapore offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry for citizens of several countries. While this is typically for tourism or short-term business purposes, it provides a chance to explore job opportunities in one of Asia’s most dynamic economies.
- How to Convert: After securing a job, you can apply for an Employment Pass, typically sponsored by your employer. The process involves meeting certain salary and educational qualifications, along with background checks.
- Apply here: https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore/visa_requirements
12# Australia
- Visa on Arrival: Australia offers an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to certain nationalities, allowing for short-term visits for tourism and business purposes. This provides an opportunity to explore job opportunities in Australia’s diverse job market.
- How to Convert: If you find employment, you can apply for a work visa such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. Your employer must sponsor you, and the process involves meeting specific skill and health requirements.
- Apply here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-australia/can-i-go-to-australia
Conclusion
Applying for a standard work visa can be a daunting and time-consuming process. But with a visa on arrival, you can explore a new country, experience its culture, and test the job market before making a long-term commitment. The countries listed above offer fantastic opportunities for those looking to take the leap into international work.
By converting your VOA into a work visa, you can not only secure your dream job but also lay the foundation for a new life abroad—maybe even bringing your family along for the adventure. So why wait? Start packing, and who knows, you might just find the perfect place to build your career and your future
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