Guide to Work: Europe

As a major hotspot for roles in the creative arts, Europe is unsurprisingly a major destination to work for graduates globally. If you are looking to work on major contemporary issues in the creative industries, like climate change, ethical practices, design innovations or the digital economy then working in Europe would place you at the centre. Competition for roles is fierce.

As a bonus, working in Europe gives you even more opportunities to explore many of the unique countries across the continent and immerse yourself in many differing ways of life.  The countries within this region vary in different sizes, cultures, languages, and climates. These countries include:

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Republic of Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Ukraine

While the job market situation is not the same in all of Europe, many countries want to attract international graduate talent, so facilitate the integration of non-EU and EEA graduates into the local labour market. A grasp of the language of the country you are wanting to work in is not always required, but would always be beneficial for your job search and daily life.

Working visa requirements

If you are already from a country which is a member of the European Union (EU) or part of the European Economic Area (EEA), generally you can work in any of the other member countries. In addition, thanks to free movement specified within the policies of Schengen Area Countries, citizens of these countries are able to stay and travel in the territories of Schengen states for a maximum of 90 days in any six month period.

However if you are from outside of the EU (including the UK) you are highly likely to need a visa to work and live in Europe. In most cases, you’ll need a job offer from your chosen country to be able to get a visa to move there. The duration of your work visa depends on the country that issues the visa, however most last for 12 months and can be extended further.

We have provided further detail on the most common countries in Europe for graduates to travel to. However, it is advisable to visit the Embassy website of the country you are wishing to travel to, to confirm and apply for the relevant visa. Read the instructions, processes, and requirements fully before accepting a job.

EU Blue Card:

An EU Blue Card is a residence permit for qualified non-EU foreign nationals to work in an EU country and is a common visa option for a lot of European countries. It allows you to stay in the country that has issued it for employment. It is used by many of the countries within the EEA and by holding an EU Blue Card you are entitled to freedom of movement within the EU to work in your designated sector. After 18 months of regular employment under the EU Blue Card, you can move to another EU member state which are part of this programme to take up employment.

The application process for an EU Blue Card differs from one EU country to another, so it is important to investigate what the process is for the country you wish to work in. Find out more about the EU Blue Card at VisaGuide.World

Austria:

With a strong economy, good scores in quality of life studies and a reputation for high culture, Austria is an attractive prospect for graduates. While English is widely spoken, German is Austria’s official language, so you’ll need it to succeed in the workplace. It will always be easier to find work In Austria in an area where they are experiencing a skills shortage. Those outside the EU will need a visa to work in Austria. However, if you’re a EU or (EEA) citizen, you probably won’t need a work permit or visa. If you are coming from Croatia, you may face restrictions. There are a number of types available:

  • The EU Blue card 
  • The Red-White-Red card: A points-based immigration system that enables you to work for up to 12 months if you are: highly qualified, a skilled worker in an occupation facing shortages, a self-employed key worker.
  • The Jobseeker visa: Allows highly-qualified non-EU citizens to look for work in Austria for a period of six months.

Contact your local Austrian embassy or consulate to find out more about visa requirements. Find out more about working in Austria at PROSPECTS.

Denmark:

Denmark attracts many graduates with its generous salaries and holiday allowance, and a lifestyle that champions work-life balance like no other. Employers will tend to prefer Danish candidates to those from abroad, but there are ways to improve your chances of success. For example, Denmark, like much of Europe, is facing a shortage expertise in certain fields, showing you can fill these gaps may make you a desirable candidate. Knowledge of Danish will also improve your chances of getting hired.

If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you do not need a residence or work permit to enter Denmark and look for work. If you are a citizen of the UK, EEA, Switzerland or any other non-EU country and are planning to live and work in Denmark, you will need to apply for the appropriate residency permit. As part of your application, you will need to provide a written contract of employment or evidence of your job offer. Find out more about working in Denmark at PROSPECTS.

France:

Renowned for its luxury goods, fashion and cosmetics industries, France offers a high standard of living, beautiful scenery and good career opportunities for UK graduates – especially if they a speak French. With work/life balances protected in many ways, France is high on the list of desirable countries for graduates seeking employment, so there is tough competition for jobs.

EU citizens do not need a visa or residence permit to visit, live or work in France. If you are not an EU national you will need a ‘French Long-Stay Work Visa‘, which is managed by your employer. This means you need to have a job confirmed in the country before you can apply. You’ll also need to apply for a residence permit, valid for up to 5 years within 3 months of your arrival in France. There are different categories of the French Long-Stay Work Visa, You will need to research which one is most appropriate for you:

  • French Salaried Employees Visa
  • French Work Visa for Creating and running a business or company
  • French Work Visa for Professionals and independent workers
  • French long stay Sports visa
  • French long stay visa for Volunteer work
  • French International Organization work visa

Find out more about working in France at PROSPECTS.

Germany:

Germany has many attractive career opportunities available, making it one of the most popular destinations in Europe for job seekers. As with other EU countries, EU citizens and those from the EEA, you have the same access to the German job market as German nationals. You just need to register your residence at your local registration office within 3 months of your arrival.

Coming from all other countries, including the UK, it’s likely you’ll need to obtain a visa and/or residence permit to move to Germany. The most common visa for this would be the Germany D Visa, and there are a variety of the German Long Stay D Visa:

Germany also uses the EU Blue Card, but you can find out more about their other visas and the entry requirements at the Federal Foreign Office – Visa. If your visa is granted, upon arrival in Germany you will have to get a German residence permit. Find out more about working in Germany at PROSPECTS.

  • Follow the step-by-step guide to working in Germany at deutschland.de.
Ireland:

Ireland has become and increasingly popular destination for graduates, especially since BREXIT. Ireland has one of the highest standards of living in Europe and a large number of multinational companies have European headquarters in the country, providing a wealth of opportunities.

There is a lot of competition for jobs as UK, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals are entitled to work in Ireland without an employment permit. In general work will be easier to come by in major towns and cities such as Cork, Dublin and Galway. If you are a non-EU citizen you may need a visa to work in the country. You should apply for this online before you enter the country at the Irish Nationalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). There are nine different types of permit including a general permit and a critical skills permit. Find out more about working in Ireland at PROSPECTS.

Italy:

Textiles and fashion remain core industries for Italy, making it a popular destination for fashion graduates globally. Contacts and connections play a very important part in gaining employment, but you’ll also need a strong application and grasp of the language to succeed in the job market. English may be used for business, but you’ll need fluent Italian to work in most sectors. Graduates are more likely to find work in large northern towns and cities such as Milan, Turin and Genoa.

If you’re an EU citizen, or come from Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you won’t require a permit to work in Italy. However, to remain in the country for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for residency. For non- EU citizens, you can travel and stay in Italy visa-free, but for long-term work, you will need a visa, residence and work permit to live and work in the country.

There are different types of visa available depending on the purpose of your stay, but it is most likely you would need a form of the ‘Long-Stay Visa’ (also known as a D-Visa or a National Visa). The most relevant types of Italian long-stay visas are:

  • The Italy Work Visa – available to foreign nationals who want to move to Italy to engage in salaried work. You already need to have a job in Italy before you can apply.
  • The Italy Self-Employed Visa – which is available to entrepreneurs who wish to open a business or self-employed individuals wanting to work in Italy.
  • The Italy Working Holiday Visa – which is a type of visa available only to nationals aged 18-30 from countries who are part of a working holiday program along with Italy.

Find out more about working in Italy at PROSPECTS.

The Netherlands:

The Netherlands is one of the richest countries in the world and offers a variety of job opportunities within the many large companies you use the country as their headquarters. This makes The Netherlands an attractive base for international businesses across many sectors, and an interesting place for graduates to explore employment.

If you are unable to transfer roles to work in the Netherlands from another branch of a multi-national company, you may need to take on a temporary roles or one-year contracts before an offer of permanent employment is made. To get a job you’ll need general Dutch work permission, but for non-EU/EEA nationals, it’s likely you’ll only be hired if there are no national candidates to fill the position.

You may be able to do business-related activities without a visa if you’re only there for 90 days in an 180-day period. The procedure varies depending on whether you’re an employee, self-employed or highly skilled. If you want to remain in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, even if you are exempt from a visa, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa, also known as the MVV visa:

Once registered you’ll be issued with a Citizen Service Number (BSN), which you’ll need to perform tasks such as opening a Dutch bank account and paying taxes. Find out more about working in the Netherlands at PROSPECTS.

Norway:

Norway has a thriving economy and a low unemployment rate but international workers can sometimes struggle to find employment. Norwegian employers are often reluctant to hire international workers, preferring to give jobs to able nationals. While Norway isn’t a member of the European Union (EU), it is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and a Schengen listed country – so you can travel there for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. All EU/EEA citizens are allowed to live and work in Norway without a visa for 3 months, but need to register with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) to stay longer.

However all nationals from all other countries need to apply for a Norway Work Visa to live and work in Norway. Although it is called a Work “Visa”, what you are actually applying for is a Norwegian Residence Permit for Work, which allows you to live and work in Norway legally. There are different types of permit depending on your circumstances and the type of work you will be doing, so check with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) before applying. The main types of working visas for Norway are:

  • Norway Work Visa. This is a long-term visa. You have to apply for this visa if you have found employment with a Norwegian company.
  • Norway Digital Nomad Visa. This is a long term visa issued to freelancers who want to work remotely while living in Svalbard.

Find out more about working in Norway at PROSPECTS.

Poland:

Poland has a thriving economy and its workers enjoy a good work-life balance. There are plenty of jobs available for foreigners who are considering Poland as a work destination. If you’re a citizen of a country within the EU, you can move to Poland and work without needing a work permit. If you are there more than 3 months, you will need to get a temporary residence permit, which lasts for up to three years. If you are a non-EU citizen you will need a work permit, which will usually need an official employment offer from a Polish company. Find out more about working in Poland at PROSPECTS.

Portugal:

Competition for graduate jobs in Portugal is fierce – especially in major cities such as Lisbon and Porto. If you learn Portuguese, even more opportunities will open up for you, setting you apart from other candidates. With such strong competition for jobs, EU and EEA nationals should start looking for work as early as possible. If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need to look for and secure a job before moving to the country. Find out more about working in Portugal at PROSPECTS.

All non-EU/EEA citizens (including UK nationals) need a long-stay visa, also known as a Portugal National Visa, to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days in any 180-day period. The visas are long-term visas, which lead to residency in Portugal. Non-EU nationals can only secure a residence permit if they have a formal offer of employment from a Portuguese employer. The main types of Portuguese National Visas relevant to graduates want to work in the country are:

  • Portugal Work Visa. This type of visa is issued for non-EU nationals who have found employment with a Portuguese company. Usually, in a skilled position.
  • Portugal passive income visa. This type of visa if issued to freelancers who want to work for a foreign employer while in Portugal.

Visit the Consulate General of Portugal in London to find out more about types of visas and where to apply.

Spain:

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for UK graduates wanting to work abroad, so it can be tough to compete for the graduate jobs available. Securing work in the country can be a challenge as you’ll be competing against Spanish graduates for jobs, so it is advisable to learn Spanish.

Citizens from countries in the EU and Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are entitled to live and work in Spain without a visa or work permit. However, if you are planning to stay for more than 3 months, you need to register in person for a residence certificate. As Spain is included in the countries in the Schengen Area UK nationals can travel in Spain for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. You can attend business meetings, seminars, conference or trade shows or meet clients, but you must not receive payment from a Spanish company for these activities or it may be classed as work.

If non-EU/EEA nationals plan to work in Spain, or stay for more than 3 months, you must apply for a long-stay visa and work permit. There are different types of Spanish work visa depending on the kind of work you do and the length of your employment:

  • Spain Work Visa. All qualifying persons who wish to work in Spain must apply for this visa.
  • Spain Au Pair Visa. You can apply for this visa if you will be working for a family in Spain, under certain conditions.
  • Spain Entrepreneur Visa. This is a visa for entrepreneurs who wish to invest in Spain.
  • EU Blue card.

Find out more about working in Spain at PROSPECTS.

Sweden:

Sweden is known as one of the world’s most innovative nations. Graduates may find good job opportunities in Sweden’s thriving tech and manufacturing businesses. If you are able to get employment here, the Scandinavian country offers a high standard of living, with subsidised public services and a generous holiday allowance. However, many employers require you to have a working knowledge of the country’s official language.

EU passport holders do not need work permits or residence permits to enter Sweden to work. However, if you’re planning to stay for a year or more you need to visit an office of the Swedish Tax Agency to provide notification that you have moved to Sweden. If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need to apply for a work permit prior to your arrival. To apply for a work permit, among other requirements, you’ll need to have received an official offer of employment from a Swedish employer.

There is also a one-year working holiday visa scheme for citizens of the following countries who are aged between 18 and 30: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, New Zealand and South Korea. Find out more about working in Sweden at PROSPECTS.

Switzerland:

Switzerland has a high demand for specialist workers, and your decision to work there will reward you with high wages and low taxes. Many foreign workers, especially highly-skilled ones, successfully find work in Switzerland, the relatively small labour market it can be difficult for foreign graduates.

If you are from a country in the EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) you can come to Switzerland without a visa, look for work for up to 90 days, and start work without the need for a work permit. After 90 days they need to register for a residence permit. There are strict quotas for citizens from other countries seeking jobs in Switzerland, and employers have to apply for work permits on their behalf.

If you are a non-EU/EFTA citizen (including UK nationals) and plan to work in Switzerland, or stay for more than three months, you must apply for the correct visa and work permit. The Swiss work visa is one of the types of the Switzerland long-stay visas (also known as national or D-visa). It allows the holder to work in Switzerland for the duration that the visa is issued. Citizens of most countries have to apply for a long-stay visa for Switzerland, although some, including the Schengen countries, are exempt. As a non-EU/EFTA citizen, you are eligible to apply for a Switzerland work visa if you meet the following conditions:

  • You are a skilled and qualified worker (manager, specialist) and you have a university degree, several years of work experience, and specific expertise.
  • You already have a job waiting for you.
  • There is no EU/EFTA citizen who could take the job instead.
  • Accounting records, if you intend to become self-employed.
  • The annual quotas for Swiss work visas allow it.

If you meet those requirements, and your employer is applying for your residence permit, then you can apply for your Switzerland work visa. Find out more about working in Switzerland at PROSPECTS.

Embassy websites:
Foreign Commonwealth office (from UK):

Provides advice on risks of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of rules currently in place. This information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport. If you are unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements for countries in Europe, or you need further assistance, you need to contact the relevant Embassies, High Commissions or Consulates.

Job searching links

As with anywhere in the world, it is often easiest to find work in European countries through a secondment or permanent transfer with a company you already work for, particularly if their head office is based in the EU. However, if you are looking for a job the application process in many European countries is very similar to in the UK. Always research the company you’re applying to and tailor your CV and cover letter to suit the organisation, demonstrating a keen interest in the company and your relevant work experience will help you to stand out. Many companies in Europe also use psychometric or technical testing, assessment centres, phone and video interviews for screening.

  • For certain countries, you should be prepared to produce your application and relevant documents in both English and the language of the country you are applying too.

Countries across the EU also heavily use social media tools, particularly LinkedIn. Building connections and showcasing your profile can increase your chances of finding employment. A polished online presence can make a significant difference in your job search. European employers often look favourably on speculative applications and networking, so be proactive and contact the companies you’d like to work for directly.

Recruitment Agencies:
Job boards and networking sites:
International Brands with Franchisee Companies: 
  • H&M (clothing retail)
  • Spotify (entertainment; music, podcast and video streaming)
  • Inditex (clothes/shoes retailer)
  • Chanel (fashion)
  • L’Oreal (cosmetics)
  • LVMH (luxury goods conglomerate – brands include Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior)
  • Adidas
  • Hugo Boss
  • Zalando
  • Bestseller
  • Retail Mind Group – Works with brands like Terra Nova, Vera Moda, Jack&Jones, ESprit and the United Colours of Benetton across Europe.
  • Authentic Brands Group – Has a portfolio of world-renowned brands like Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, Ted Baker, Sports Illustrated and Nautica.

Useful links