12 Easiest Countries in Europe To Get a Working Visa (So You Can Finally Make That Move)

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The easiest European countries to get a working visa make it possible to explore the continent while making a living. Whether you’re dreaming of a fresh start, looking for somewhere exciting to explore, or want to experience life in another country, Europe is an excellent destination.

However, getting a working visa is not always easy. Long processing times, political instability, and high unemployment rates make it harder for workers to obtain a working visa.

Luckily, some countries issue work visas much easier than others, allowing us to experience life somewhere new. To learn more, here are 12 European countries that make obtaining a working visa easier.

Iceland

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If you love the great outdoors, you’ll be pleased to hear that Iceland is one of the easiest countries in Europe to get a working visa. Iceland is well known for its breathtaking volcanic landscapes and healthy work-life balance, so thousands of people hope to relocate to the country yearly.

To secure a working visa in Iceland, you must secure a contract and apply for a working visa. There is a selection of working visas and permits to choose from, but there is a good chance your employer in Iceland will help you apply for the visa that suits your requirements. When you’re not working in Iceland, visit Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, the Blue Lagoon, and Gullfoss.

Estonia

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For several reasons, Estonia is one of Europe’s easiest countries to get a working visa. Firstly, obtaining an Estonian visa to live and work in the country can take as little as two weeks. Secondly, the long-stay (D) visa will enable you to stay in Estonia for over a year when extended.

Better yet, Estonia receives fewer requests for working visas than other European countries, so you should have no trouble obtaining a visa. It might also be worth noting that you can apply for a residence permit once you’ve arrived in Estonia.

If you work in the capital, Tallinn, you can spend your free time exploring historic sites, getting lost down the medieval streets, and walking along Stroomi Beach.

France

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Famed for its rich history, vibrant culture, elegance, and beauty, France is one of the best places to live and work for many reasons. Luckily for us, it’s also one of the easiest countries in Europe regarding getting a working visa. For starters, if you plan to work in France for less than 90 days, you can apply for a short-term work visa.

Meanwhile, if you need to stay in France for more than 90 days, you can easily apply for a long-term work visa. Impressively, in some circumstances, the France working visa also allows people who travel to France to work to bring their family along with them. There are also favorable provisions in place for young employees.

Germany

One of the best things about applying for a work visa in Germany is that there are several options to choose from, making it easier for you to find a visa that suits your situation. A quick look at the Federal Foreign Office reveals all the options you have regarding working visas in Germany.

Two of the most popular options are the Blue and Opportunity Cards. These working visas allow citizens from abroad to find and obtain work in Germany. There are also visas for academics, skilled workers, and those with placement agreements. It is also convenient that obtaining a German working visa only takes approximately 15 days. A visa can cost up to $90 (€75).

Sweden

As long as you’ve been offered a job, Sweden is one of the easiest countries in Europe to get a working visa. You’ll find that navigating Sweden’s visa process is as easy as a relaxed sail around the Stockholm archipelago. Firstly, you don’t even have to start the application yourself.

Instead, your new employer in Sweden will initiate your working visa application. They’ll provide the government with all the necessary information. You only need to wait for an email detailing what to do next.

Your application will be reviewed once you’ve completed the essential information and attached the required documents. It’s as simple as that. You can find out more about the application process on the official website.

Lithuania

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Like Sweden, the working visa application process in Lithuania is straightforward, with most of the workload handled by your employer. To kickstart your journey in Lithuania, you must first find a job. Once you receive a job offer, you can begin the visa application process. Simply give your employer the necessary details, and they’ll apply for your visa.

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The Lithuanian Employment Service will review your application and grant you a visa. Once you have your visa, you can apply for a national visa (D) or a residence permit. A Lithuanian working visa usually costs $131 (€121) for one year, with a $56 (€52) renewal fee. It typically takes two weeks to obtain a Lithuanian working visa.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg makes our list of the easiest countries in Europe to get a working visa because there is much to like about the visa application process. To start, globetrotting workers can apply for various types of visas. This includes the short-stay Schengen Visa (C), the long-stay National Visa (D), and the EU Blue Card.

All three of these visas make it much easier for workers to be granted permission to live and work in Luxembourg. The process of obtaining a working visa in Luxembourg is also swift. You can receive a valid working permit in less than three weeks. Finally, a one-year working visa only costs $87 (€80). What’s not to like?

Czech Republic

Another European country that makes it super easy for citizens of other countries to live and work there is the Czech Republic. This fascinating nation is home to magnificent destinations like Prague, Brno, and Pilsen.

The Czech Republic is an attractive proposition for globe-wandering workers because of its strategic location, well-developed infrastructure, and growing economy.

It only takes 30 to 60 days to obtain a Czech Republic working visa, and there are several types to apply for. Some of the most popular types of visas workers apply for in Czechia include the Employee Card, the EU Blue Card, the Business Visa—Type D, and the Special Work Visa. Most work visas in the Czech Republic are valid for 90 days to one year.

Ireland

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Generally speaking, getting a working visa in the British Isles is considered time-consuming and difficult. Still, Ireland is an excellent example of how it’s easy to get a working visa in the region. There are several visas to choose from in Ireland, ranging from short-term to long-term.

Better yet, the country is actively seeking migrant workers to fill vacancies in sectors experiencing shortages. Therefore, workers can also apply for the Critical Skills Employment Permit.

This visa is aimed at skilled workers who are qualified in professions with a shortage of workers. Meanwhile, the General Employment Permit covers a broader range of jobs. According to Irish Immigration, you should apply for your working visa three months before.

Denmark

Denmark is another country that has experienced worker shortages in various fields. Therefore, like Ireland, this Scandinavian nation has made it easier for foreign workers to get a working visa. Denmark has a Positive List for People with a Higher Education and a Positive List for Skilled Work.

You can easily apply for a Danish residence and work permit if you’re offered a job in either field. Your residence permit will be valid for as long as your period of employment.

Furthermore, Denmark also offers a fast-track visa scheme, as well as visas aimed at researchers and PhD students. According to New to Denmark, obtaining a working visa in Denmark only takes a month.

Slovakia

Like many countries on our list, Slovakia makes it easier for traveling workers who wish to live and work there by offering several types of visas that vary depending on the desired length of stay and profession.

A valid application form, passport, proof of education, proof of residence, and a clear criminal record can be all that’s needed to apply for a Slovakia working visa.

Popular visas include the Slovakia Single Permit, a Work Permit, Seasonal Employment, and the EU Blue Card. However, you should apply well in advance because obtaining a Slovakian working visa can take three to six months.

The Seasonal Employment visa is an excellent option if you plan to stay in Slovakia for 180 days or less.

Finland

Finland is one of the easiest countries in Europe to get a working visa because it offers a fast, reliable, and straightforward visa process. Furthermore, Finland also offers a 14-day fast-track visa process that allows workers to obtain the necessary visa to work and live in Finland within 14 days.

According to the Enter Finland website, workers can complete the Finnish visa application in five steps: create an account, fill out the necessary application, attach your documents, pay the processing fee, and submit your application.

Workers who want to stay in Finland permanently will be pleased to hear that you can apply for permanent residency after living there for four years.