Schengen Work Visa: a complete guide for foreign professionals

A short-stay Schengen visa does not allow working in the Area, as it is granted for tourism, visiting family, medical treatment, and business. To be able to work in Europe, you will need an EU work visa.

In this article, you will learn about the types of EU work visas, their benefits, the required documents, and the application process.

Types of work visas for Europe

There are different types of work visas in Europe, but the two most common ones are the long-stay work visa, also known as a national or type D work visa, and the EU Blue Card.

National work visa is designed for a wide range of professionals without specific categorization. It is usually issued to non-EU citizens who have a work contract with an employer in Europe and meet the criteria set by the host country. 

Typically, work visas are valid for around 4 months and allow their holders to obtain a 1-year residence permit, which later can be extended. In other cases, the visa is valid for one year and allows multiple entry to its holder.  

EU Blue Card targets non-EU nationals who possess high professional skills, academic qualifications and great experience in chosen fields of work, as well as a salary that exceeds the minimum threshold. Blue Card is valid for one to four years and can be renewed.

The benefits of obtaining a Schengen work visa

A European work visa allows foreigners to obtain a residence permit and citizenship. It also gives non-EU nationals working in Europe the right to be treated equally to EU citizens in many aspects, including:

• freedom of movement across the EU;
• working conditions;
• social security;
• access to social benefits, including healthcare;
• education in European schools and universities;
• family reunification conditions.

The EU Blue Card also has additional advantages.  It is easier for Blue Card holders to renew their residency or obtain permanent residence status. While a regular work permit usually requires the holder to stay in the country of issuance for at least half a year, a Blue Card allows professionals to travel across the EU without restrictions and renew their residency card. You can accumulate the time spent in different EU countries instead of staying primarily in one country.

Blue Card allows holders to travel across and outside the EU for longer periods, as long as they don’t exceed 12 consecutive months. In contrast, a standard EU residence permit requires holders to stay in the host country for at least 183 days a year and forbids leaving the country for longer than 6 consecutive months.

Requirements for applying for a Schengen work visa

Each country in the Schengen Area has its immigration policies and unique rules governing who gets issued a work visa and under what circumstances. Some nations may require approval from federal employment agencies before issuing their version of a European work visa. In contrast, others might demand additional documentation, such as proof of qualifications or skills.

These are the general documents that you need to submit when applying for an EU work visa:

• completed application form;
• valid passport;
• copies of the passport’s data page;
• two passport-size photographs;
• previous passports and visas, if applicable;
• health insurance;
• proof of visa fee payment;
• proof of accommodation;
• travel itinerary confirmation;
• employment contract with an employer from the EU;
• academic and professional qualifications;
• proof of language proficiency.

EU Blue Card requires some additional documents, such as:

• work contract with an EU employer valid for at least one year;
• proof of high professional qualifications — university degree and at least five years of relevant work experience;
• evidence that your gross salary exceeds the national average wage by at least one and a half times;
• written declaration by your employer on the employment relationship;
• updated CV;
• proof that you pose no threat to the public policy, security or health of the country you will work in.

Extending your stay with an EU work visa

The European work visa or the residency permit is initially valid for one year. However, in most countries, you can extend your residency. You will need to maintain employment during your initial stay and demonstrate continued necessity for your skills or services. Some countries may also require evidence showing financial stability and accommodation arrangements.

To renew a work and residence permit, its holder is required to stay in the host country for at least 183 days a year. 

EU Blue Card is issued for the duration of your work contract plus three months. You can renew it if your work contract gets extended, and after your contract ends, you have three months to look for another job and continue to live in Europe. 

5 EU countries where it is easy to obtain a work visa

Certain European nations stand out when it comes to the variety of work visas and ease in obtaining work permits due to factors like streamlined processes or less strict requirements: 

1. Germany. The Federal Employment Agency has various programs to attract skilled foreign workers such as engineers, scientists, IT specialists, and health professionals, making it one of the most accessible places to secure an employment permit, especially if you fall under these categories.
2. Ireland. The country’s Critical Skills Employment Permit targets highly skilled individuals working in sectors deemed critical to the Irish economy, such as ICT, health, engineering, science, and finance, thus facilitating a smoother application process.
3. Denmark. It operates a Positive List with professions experiencing a shortage, and foreigners with qualifications matching those find it easier to get a Danish permit.
4. Portugal. Portugal issues temporary-stay visas that allow foreigners to work there for up to one year. It can be granted for seasonal work, independent work, highly qualified activities, and remote work. Besides, Portugal even has a special job-seeking visa.  
5. Finland. Last year, Finland launched a new fast-track service for immigration to enable highly skilled workers and start-up entrepreneurs and their families to gain a Finnish residence permit in a maximum of 14 days.

This list isn’t exhaustive but gives insight into some favourable options.

Key points about Schengen work visa

A Schengen work visa is mandatory for foreigners who wish to work in Europe. The long-stay work visa and the EU Blue Card are the main routes, each offering unique benefits. The long-stay work visa accommodates a wide range of occupations. On the other hand, the EU Blue Card caters to high-skilled professionals.

The application process entails gathering required documents, paying fees, and attending appointments at relevant embassies or consulates. The processing times can vary significantly by country and visa type, so careful planning is essential. 

The extension of your stay under the EU work visa involves demonstrating the ongoing need for your skills or services, maintaining employment, and often showcasing financial stability and accommodation arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions