With a job seeker visa, you can stay in a country that offers job seeker visas for three to six months to look for a job. This is another Japa route you can consider.
Is finding a job abroad one of the things on your wish list? You have several countries that are wooing skilled people like you, and they are making it easy to find a job. Yes, it is about job seeker visas.
These visas are typically given for a short period. In addition, you can also apply for permanent residence once you get a job.
What is a Job Seeker Visa?
It is important to note that these visas do not allow you to reside in the country and look for work indefinitely. Instead, they have some months during which you can look for work and be able to do so. This means that while you cannot stay indefinitely, you can present a job offer before the expiration date.
One of the best routes to getting a long-stay visa with a foreign employer is to travel to your country of choice using a job seeker visa. Some countries understand the specific nature of job seekers and now offer job seeker visas—long-stay visas in a country that are valid for longer than 90 days.
Job seeker visas are intended to allow talented job candidates to explore the local labor market and secure a job offer. However, not all foreign labor markets and countries have recognized this, so this visa is only available in a few countries.
Top 5 Countries Offering Job Seeker Visas
1. Germany
Every year, Germany invites young foreign professionals to work. The residence permit for job seekers allows promising specialists to find a suitable job within 6 months. If a person finds a job within 6 months, then the permit is transferred to the Blue Card or another type of residence permit.
However, if the job seeker does not find a place of work, then the residence permit expires without the right to re-obtain it. The German job search visa is valid for 6 months.
General Requirements
Filled online application form
Passport
Biometric passport photo
Proof that you can cover your living expenses.
Adequate knowledge of German to work in your area (usually B1)
Proof of recognition of your vocational training
How to apply
Check the site of the German Embassy or Consulate General in your country of residence for additional requirements in your country, https://www.diplo.de/addresses, and book an appointment.
Bring your application form and supporting documents with you to your appointment.
After approval from the Embassy or Consulate General, get your visa sticker in your passport.
Apply for your Blue Card at your local foreign office after your arrival.
Fee: Around €75. This fee is subject to change, so it’s always best to check the latest information on the official German consulate or embassy website in your home country.
2. Austria
The Austrian Job Seeker Visa is a Type-D visa. The Job Seeker Visa, in particular, serves as a visa for people who are neither citizens of the European Union (EU) nor of the European Economic Area (EEA) and wish to temporarily live in Austria.
With the Austrian Job Seeker Visa, the person should be able to live there for a maximum period of 6 months legally. This visa is usually issued for people whose primary goal is to search, apply for, and receive a job offer from an Austrian employer.
This visa route uses a point-based system, in which a person must secure at least 70 points out of 100 to be eligible to apply for this visa. After an individual manages to get a job offer, they should apply for a Red-White-Red card, which is a card created for such scenarios.
Note that the primary requirement for a Red-White-Red Card is a concrete employment offer. This job must match your qualifications while offering adequate pay.
As a qualified worker, you may move to Austria in two ways:
Job Seeker Visa:
Applying for a Red-White-Red Card, which is an Austrian work permit, if you have a job offer from an Austrian employer.
Eligibility Requirements for the Austria Job Seeker Visa
Must secure at least 70 points out of 100 based on factors such as age, education qualification, relevant work experience, English language skills, and studies in Austria.
You must be a highly qualified worker in a shortage occupation.
The Public Employment Service (Arbeitsmarktservice) (AMS) must confirm to the Austrian representative authority that you have reached the points required for admission.
Show confirmation of German or English language skills in the form of an internationally recognized diploma.
Financial Means: Show means of sustenance during the stay in Austria (currently €948.64 per month).
Austria Job Seekers Processing Fee: €150.
3. Sweden
In recent years, Sweden has become a significant player in the global economy. As a result of that, many young and talented individuals from non-EU nations (like Nigeria) are choosing Sweden as their next placement region.
Among these, a lot of people go in quest of employment, while others consider it an ideal nation to live in. To accomplish all such dreams, one can apply to the Sweden Job Seeker Visa.
This job seeker visa will be valid for a minimum of 3 months; however, it can be granted for a maximum of 9 months. Take note: You cannot bring your dependents on this permit.
Sweden Job Seekers Requirements:
You must be educated and have an advanced degree, such as a master’s degree, a Ph.D., or an advanced vocational or professional degree.
You must come to Sweden with the intent of seeking a job or looking to start a business.
You should have enough money to support yourself during your stay.
You cannot bring your family.
Must be located outside of Sweden.
If you find employment, you can apply for a work permit, which will allow family members to join you in Sweden.
Required Documents
A valid passport
Official transcripts and educational documents
Copies of bank statements
Health insurance proof
A digital copy of a signed letter of consent
You must be able to prove that you have enough money for yourself during your stay in Sweden (a minimum of SEK 13,000 per month).
Visa Cost: Application Fee: SEK 2,000 (subject to change).
4. UAE Job Seeker Visit Visa
Foreigners are granted a visit visa to search for a job in UAE without requiring a host or sponsor in the country for one trip. You can apply for a job-seeker visa with a validity of either 60, 90, or 120 days.
UAE Eligibility for a Jobseeker Visa
To get a visit visa for exploring job opportunities, the applicant must fulfill the following conditions:
He or she must be either:
in the first, second, or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) professional levels of jobs,
He or she must hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
He or she must fulfill the prescribed financial guarantee.
Required Documents
A colored photo
A copy of the applicant’s passport
Qualification certificate (attested)
How to apply online for the UAE job seeker visa
The UAE job seeker visa, or job exploration visa, can be applied for online from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) website by following the steps given below:
As stated by the ICP website, the visa fee for different categories of the UAE job seeker visa is as follows:
60-day visa
The cost of a 60-day UAE job seeker visa is as follows:
Request fees: AED 100
issue fees: AED 200
security deposits: AED 1,025
e-Service fees: AED 28
ICP fees: AED 22
Smart service fees: AED 100
Visa insurance fees: AED 80
90-day visa
The cost of a 90-day UAE job seeker visa is as follows:
Request fees: AED 100
issue fees: AED 300
security deposits: AED 1,025
e-Service fees: AED 28
ICP fees: AED 22
Smart service fees: AED 100
Visa insurance fees: AED 100
120-day visa
The cost of a 120-day UAE job seeker visa is as follows:
Request fees: AED 100
issue fees: AED 400
security deposits: AED 1,025
e-Service fees: AED 28
ICP fees: AED 22
Smart service fees: AED 100
Visa insurance fees: AED 120
5. Portugal Job Seeker Visa
Announced in 2022, Portugal is one of the countries that offers job seeker visas. With the visa, non-EU nationals can enter Portugal without a job offer.
The visa holder can stay in Portugal for 120 days (4 months) while they look for employment in the area where they are skilled.
If the visa holder finds a job within those 120 days, they can apply for a work and residence permit. However, if the visa holder does not get a job within that time frame, they can apply for a 60-day (2-month) extension.
After the extension, if the visa holder cannot secure a job, they must leave the country immediately.
The visa holder can do menial jobs while looking for a job or waiting for the work or residence permit to be granted.
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must be non-EU, EA, or Swiss citizens.
Proof of financial means to support themselves during the job search period.
Next, start your application at the website of the Portuguese consulate. You can also do so at any visa application center. For Portuguese visas, VFS Global is in charge of processing their visa applications.
Documents Required for a Job Seeker Visa
Visa application form
A valid passport
Two recent passport-sized photos
A criminal record certificate
Valid travel insurance
Return flight ticket
Proof of means of subsistence equivalent to three minimum monthly salaries
Proof of accommodation for the entire minimum stay
SOP (statement of purpose)
Attested educational, technical, or academic qualification documents.
CV/resume
IEFP registration: declaration of expressions of interest
Cost of the Job Seeker Visa Portugal
€80 for your entry visa application at the Consulate/embassy in your country
€170 to submit and receive your resident permit from the SEF in Portugal.
Here are five solid tips to help you secure that job seeker visa for Germany, Austria, Sweden, Portugal, and the UAE:
1) Get Your Documents in Order
Make sure you have all the necessary documents. Your passport, school certificates, and proof of funds should be intact. In addition, get your certificates attested if needed.
2) Show Financial Proof
You need to convince them that you have enough money to sustain yourself while you look for a job. Present recent bank statements or any financial documents showing you have the funds.
Don’t joke with this one. Get comprehensive health insurance that covers your entire stay in the country. Ensure the insurance meets all the requirements of the country you’re applying to.
4) Craft A Strong Statement of Purpose
Take your time to write a compelling statement explaining why you want to work in Germany, Austria, Sweden, Portugal, or the UAE. Highlight your qualifications, experience, and seriousness about finding a job.
For further assistance on how to start the process for any of these Job Seeker Visas, contact us through the channels below.
I’m Precious, a passionate business developer who enjoys traveling and discovering the world. I love sharing information and advices that help can you navigate the exciting world of travel!
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