Five countries now let you get a work visa without having a job first.
This is great for people who want to look for a job while living in another country.
According to DAAD Scholarships, these visas help skilled workers find jobs when they get there, making it easier to work abroad.
Countries with Job-Seeking Visas
DAAD found that several countries have made special visas to attract skilled workers. Let’s see what each one offers:
1. Germany: Job Seeker Visa
Germany’s Job Seeker Visa allows skilled people to enter and stay for six months to find a job.
Germany Visa.Org says the country has made different ways for foreign workers to fill job gaps. This visa is one way to enter, find a job, and stay for a longer time.
If you are from Nigeria and want this visa, check if it’s right for you and if you meet the requirements.
To qualify, you need a degree that Germany recognizes or a skill in a high-demand job like Healthcare, Engineering, Sales, Dentistry, Law, Bus & Tram driving, Architecture & Civil Engineering, etc.
You also need to show you have money to support yourself.
After finding a job, you can turn the visa into a work permit for long-term residency. This visa lasts up to six months.
Apply here
2. Portugal: Job Seeker Visa
According to Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this visa lets you enter and stay in Portugal to find a job. You can work until the visa expires or until you get a residence permit.
This visa is good for 120 days and can be renewed for 60 more days. It allows only one-time entry into Portugal.
If the visa expires and you don’t have a job or a residence permit, you must leave. You can reapply one year after your last visa expiration.
This visa is for skilled people and needs you to show qualifications and financial proof.
Portugal’s tech and tourism jobs make it a good place to look for work. A job offer can lead to a work visa or residency.
Apply here
3. Czech Republic: Long-Term Visa for Job Seeking
This visa lets you stay in the Czech Republic while you look for a job. It’s for those with qualifications in high-demand fields and enough money to support themselves.
OECD Skills For Jobs says, “In the Czech Republic, there are many job shortages in areas like Judgement and Decision Making, Engineering, Mechanics, Mathematics, and Computer skills.”
This visa helps you move within the EU and search for jobs. Czech Republic’s tech and manufacturing jobs make it ideal for job seekers. The visa lasts 6 to 12 months.
Apply here
4. Austria: Red-White-Red Card (Job Seeker Visa)
OEAD says the Red-White-Red Card allows you to stay and work with a specific employer. This is for skilled workers from non-EU countries who want to settle in Austria permanently.
Applicants are evaluated on education, work experience, and language skills using a points system.
Jobs in demand in Austria include computer programming, engineering, teaching, construction managing, nursing, and more.
This visa gives you six months to find a job and can be converted to a long-term residency permit.
Apply here
5. Canada: International Experience Canada (IEC)
Canada’s IEC lets young people travel and work for up to 2 years. It’s not strictly a job-seeking visa but offers flexibility to work in many roles.
In-demand jobs in Canada include Electrical Engineer, Computer Programmer, Project Manager, Registered Nurse, Truck Driver, Customer Service Representative, Pharmacist, Accountant, Human Resources, and more.
This visa is for people 18 to 35 from participating countries and helps them find long-term employment.
Apply here
What You Need to Know:
Before applying, gather these documents:
- Passport: Make sure it’s valid for at least 6–12 months.
- Proof of Education: Degree certificates or diplomas.
- Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements showing you have money to support yourself.
- Health Insurance: Required by some countries.
- Proof of Qualifications/Work Experience: Show your skills in a high-demand job.
- Travel Itinerary: A plan that shows you are committed to finding work.
- Motivation or Cover Letter: Explain why you want the job and your plans.
- Employment Letter: Optional.