Facing challenges landing a job abroad? You’re not alone. Using the jobseekers pathway, here are 5 European countries you can relocate to without a job offer.
Moving to Europe without a job is indeed possible. Here's the scoop: While certain countries traditionally required a job offer for relocation, recent adjustments to their foreign policy have been influenced by labor shortage.
Let’s explore these 5 European Countries you can relocate to without a job offer and what the jobseekers pathway has to offer.
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5 European countries you can relocate to without a job offer
1. Portugal
Portugal offers a visa known as the “Job Seeker Visa, that allows job seekers to come to the country without a job offer.
It entitles its holder to enter and remain only in Portugal for the purpose of looking for a job, for a period of 120 days.
2. Sweden
If you’re considering relocating to Sweden without a job offer, you may be pleased to know that Sweden also offers a visa for job seekers.
The “Residence permit for highly qualified persons,” allows individuals to come to Sweden for up to nine months to search for employment opportunities.
3. Austria
Austria offers the “Red-White-Red Card” which is designed to attract highly skilled workers to the country’s growing economy.
Austria uses a point-based system for this visa and you will have to reach a minimum of 70 points based on certain criteria.
4. Slovakia
Another great option is Slovakia, located in Central Europe. This country offers a visa for job seekers, called the “Temporary Residence for the Purpose of Employment.”
This visa allows individuals to come to Slovakia for up to six months to search for employment opportunities.
5. Germany
While in Germany, you have the opportunity to engage in a trial work period of up to ten hours per week as part of the application process via the jobseekers pathway. And this visa remains valid for up to 6 months.
Of all the 5 European countries you can relocate to without a job offer, choosing Germany has a peculiar benefit attached. Once you secure a job in line with your qualification, you are able to apply for the E.U Blue card. To learn more about the E.U Blue card, click here.
Documents required for this pathway
Now that you know the 5 European countries you can relocate to without a job offer, here are the specific documents required for the jobseeker visa application;
- Valid international passport
- Completed visa application form
- Statement of purpose
- Develop a polished CV thoughtfully tailored to match the stylistic preferences of your host country
- Copies of academic certificates and diplomas
- Documentation of professional certifications or qualifications relevant to your field
- Bank statements or other evidence to show that you have the financial means to support yourself during your job search
- Proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay
- Proof of language proficiency, such as language test results or certificates, depending on the language requirements of the host country
- Letters of recommendation from previous employers or academic institutions
- A detailed plan outlining your strategy for finding employment in the host country
- Document proving a clear criminal record
- Confirmation of accommodation
Application process for this pathway
- Understand the specific requirements and conditions of the jobseeker visa for the country you are applying to.
- Gather all required documents, ensuring they meet the specifications outlined by the immigration authorities.
- Fill out the visa application form accurately and completely.
- Submit the application along with all required documents to the appropriate embassy or consulate.
- Pay any applicable fees. Some countries may require a fee for processing jobseeker visa applications.
- Attend an interview if required by the immigration authorities. Not all countries conduct interviews for jobseeker visas, but some may.
- Wait for a decision on your visa application. Processing times can vary.
- If your visa is approved, make necessary travel arrangements to the host country.
- Abide by the regulations of the host country during your job search period.
Benefits of this pathway
- The primary benefit is the opportunity to actively search for employment opportunities in the host country.
- Jobseeker visas aim to facilitate the integration of skilled professionals into the local labor market and society.
- In many cases, if a person secures employment during the jobseeker visa period, they can transition to a work visa or a similar long-term visa.
- Being physically present in the country allows individuals to network with potential employers, attend interviews, and gain a better understanding of the local job market.
- Some countries with specific skill shortages use jobseeker visas as a means to attract skilled workers to fill those gaps.
Looking for other European countries you can relocate to without a job offer? here’s an article on how you can move to New Zealand permanently in just 60 days.
