Still looking to move abroad without a job offer? There are many ways to relocate when you don’t have an employment offer in the country you’re moving to. Now that we’ve discussed how you can move to the UK without a job, let’s explore other options.
The job seeker visa is another viable route to entering a country without a job offer. Not all countries offer this type of residence permit, but you can check it out and see if it’s what you need.
What is a Job Seeker Visa?
The job seeker visa is a temporary residence permit that allows you to enter a country and work without an offer letter for a specific period. In most countries, you need an employment letter to apply for a work visa. But in this case, you can find a job after entering the country using a job seeker visa.
Fortunately, some countries offer job seeker visas to professionals who want to move abroad but don’t have a job offer yet. Think about this: most employers find it easier to employ someone who’s already based in the country. Many immigrants who are aware of this route, travel using the job seeker visa, intending to use it to obtain a job.
Remember that the job seeker visa has a validity time limit, after which proof of financial requirement is needed. If the visa holder doesn’t find employment before this visa expires, they must leave the country.
4 European Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa
Let’s highlight the 4 countries in Europe offering professionals a chance to come to their country without a job offer.
Germany
A German Job Seeker Visa lets you live and work in Germany for a maximum of six months. However, you must satisfy these requirements to be qualified for this visa.
- An adult of 18 years or older
- Holds a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a German university, or a foreign equivalent
- Minimum of five years of work experience
When you have satisfied the requirements, you must provide these documents for your visa application:
- Two completed, printed, and signed application forms
- Valid passport
- Three identical passport-format photographs according to biometric specifications
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of travel health insurance
- Proof of financial capability
- Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of single/marital status
- Cover letter for your visa application explaining your intent and course of action in finding a job
- Proof of academic qualification
- Visa fees
Austria
Austria also offers a job seeker visa that’s valid for six months. The Austrian Job Seeker Visa holder is allowed to stay and find work legally in Austria. To be qualified, you must score at least 70 points out of a possible 100 points in the point criteria system. Here are other requirements:
- Graduate of a higher educational institution
- Have a qualification and skill in mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, or technology.
- Activity involving research, innovation, language abilities, age, and study in Austria.
Here are the documents you need to get a job seeker visa in Austria:
- Passport
- Proof of sufficient financial resources (single: 1000 Euros; couples: 1700 Euros)
- Proof of accommodation in Austria
- Proof of completion of a degree course at a university or educational institution
- Evidence of health insurance
To also qualify for the Austrian job seeker visa, applicants must also receive over 55 points on the MPC for Austria. These points are based on experience, age, ability to enrol in a higher institution. Once the applicant gets a job offer, they must submit an application for a work permit, such as a Red-White-Red Card.
Sweden
You can use the Sweden job seeker visa to stay and find work in Sweden for up to nine months. Requirements to apply:
- Advanced degree (masters or Ph.D)
- Intent to seek employment or start your own business in Sweden
- Financially capable to support yourself through the waiting season
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Valid passport throughout the period of stay
- Not living in Sweden yet
When submitting your visa application, including a letter approving the Swedish Council of Higher Education (UHR) to contact your educational institution and validate the educational documents you submitted. You’ll also need these for your visa application:
- Digital copies of the pages in your passport
- Digital copies of your exam certificate
- Copies of your official transcript
- Copies of bank statements and other documents showing proof of funds
- Ability to pay fees using a credit or debit card
Portugal
Anyone who obtains the Portugal job seeker visa can enter and look for work in the county for up to 120 days. This visa is, however, renewable for another 60 days, but only allows one entry. You’ll need to provide the following documents for this visa:
- Fully completed and signed visa application form
- Two identical photos valid for at least three months after the anticipated return date
- Passport, travel insurance, proof of legal status
- Travel health insurance
- Criminal record certificate
- Copy of return ticket
- The presentation of a term of responsibility signed by a Portuguese citizen or qualified foreign national may substitute proof of funds throughout the period of stay)
- The citizen who signs the Term of Responsibility must have three times the funds required for minimum monthly remuneration.
