5 Countries Offering Job Seeker Visas Without Job Offers

Job Seeker Visas serve as a bridge for individuals aspiring to work in foreign countries. In today’s interconnected world, the pursuit of career opportunities often transcends borders. As globalization continues to shape our economies, many individuals seek employment beyond their home countries, drawn by the promise of better living standards, educational opportunities, and professional growth. One avenue through which aspiring professionals can explore job opportunities abroad is the Job Seeker Visa, offered by several countries worldwide, including select European Union (EU) member states and other nations like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Portugal.

The Significance of Job Seeker Visas

The job seeker visa is one of these immigration opportunities that allows you to enter the country, look for employment, and settle down. These visas typically grant temporary residence to applicants, allowing them to explore employment opportunities and potentially transition to long-term work permits or residency status. They offer a pathway for skilled professionals to immerse themselves in a new job market, contribute their expertise, and enrich the host country’s workforce diversity.

Exploring Job Seeker Visa Opportunities in the European Union

1. Austria

With its Red-White-Red Card scheme, Austria welcomes highly qualified workers through its Job Seeker Visa program. Candidates must meet stringent eligibility criteria, including possessing specific qualifications and earning a minimum score on the points-based assessment.

Eligibility Requirements for the Job Seeker Visa in Austria

To be eligible for the Job Seeker Visa in Austria, candidates must meet specific criteria, which are divided into various categories such as special qualifications and skills, work experience, language proficiency, age, and studies conducted in Austria. Each category carries a certain number of points, and applicants need to accumulate a minimum number of points to qualify for the visa.

Special Qualifications and Skills (Maximum 40 Points)

• • Graduation from an Institution of Higher Education: 20 points. Minimum program duration of four years. Kindly note that graduation from a recognized institution of higher education is essential to earn points in this category.
  • Subjects: 30 points. Mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, or technology: Candidates with degrees in these fields are awarded additional points due to their relevance and demand in the job market.
  • Post-Doctoral Qualifications or PhD: 40 points. Applicants with post-doctoral qualifications or a Ph.D. receive maximum points, reflecting their advanced level of education.
  • Research and Innovation Activities: 20 points. Engagement in research and innovation activities enhances candidates’ eligibility and earns them additional points.
  • Awards (Recognized Prizes): 20 points. Candidates who have received recognized awards or prizes are awarded points, reflecting their exceptional achievements.

Work Experience (Maximum 40 Points)

• • Work Experience: 2 points per year of work experience. Candidates earn points based on the number of years of relevant work experience they possess.
  • Six Months of Work Experience in Austria: 10 points. Applicants who have gained work experience in Austria receive additional points, indicating their familiarity with the Austrian job market.

Language Skills (Maximum 10 Points)

• • German or English Language Skills (A1 Level): 5 points. Proficiency in German or English at the A1 level earns candidates points in this category.
  • German or English Language Skills (A2 Level): 10 points. Higher proficiency, demonstrated by achieving the A2 level in German or English, results in additional points.

Age (Maximum 20 Points)

• • Up to 35 Years of Age: 20 points . Applicants below the age of 35 receive maximum points in this category.
  • Up to 40 Years of Age: 15 points. Candidates aged between 36 and 40 receive fewer points compared to younger applicants.
  • Up to 45 Years of Age: 10 points. The maximum age limit to earn points in this category is 45, with decreasing points awarded as age increases.

Studies in Austria (Maximum 10 Points)

• • The Second Part of the Diploma Programme or Half of the Required Total ECTS Points: 5 points. Candidates who have completed the second part of a diploma program or achieved half of the required total ECTS points in Austria are awarded points in this category.
  • Completed Diploma Programme or Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programme: 10 points. Completion of a diploma program, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree program in Austria earns candidates maximum points in this category.

2. Germany:

Germany’s Job Seeker Visa is particularly popular, attracting applicants with its strong economy and diverse job market. Candidates with recognized qualifications and work experience can explore job opportunities for up to six months, with the potential to secure long-term work permits. The Opportunity card is based on the Point System and you only need 6 Points to qualify.

Eligibility Criteria for a Germany Job Seeker Visa:

To qualify for the job seeker visa in Germany, you must meet the following requirements:

• • Third-country national: You must be a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, requiring a visa to enter Germany.
  • Professional experience: You should have a minimum of five years of experience in your related profession or field.
  • Financial resources: You must demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Germany.
  • Academic or vocational training: You need to provide proof of completed academic or vocational training relevant to your profession.
  • Recognized qualifications: Your qualifications should be recognized in Germany or be equivalent to a diploma received in the country.

See Also: Unskilled Visa Sponsorship Job in Germany in 2023.

Requirements for a Germany Job Seeker Visa:

When applying for a Germany job seeker visa, you must fulfill the following requirements:

• • Job seeker visa application form: Complete and sign the application form for the job seeker visa.
  • Valid passport and a copy: Provide a valid passport issued within the last ten years, with at least two blank pages and a minimum of three months validity after leaving Germany.
  • Identity pictures: Submit passport-sized photographs according to the specifications provided by the German embassy or consulate.
  • Proof of accommodation: Include proof of accommodation during your stay in Germany, such as hotel reservations, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from a friend or family member.
  • Proof of financial means: Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. You can do this by providing proof of a blocked account (Sperrkonto) with a minimum balance, a declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from your inviter, or other means of financial support.
  • Valid health insurance: Submit proof of valid travel health insurance meeting the requirements, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses.
  • Proof of academic qualifications: Provide evidence of your academic and professional qualifications, including university degrees, transcripts, and vocational training certificates.
  • Proof of degree recognition: Ensure that your degrees are recognized in Germany. You can check the Anabin database or submit a declaration of comparability from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).
  • Resume: Include a detailed copy of your CV, outlining your personal information, academic background, and professional experience.
  • Cover letter: Write a cover letter or motivational letter explaining your reasons for applying for a job seeker visa in Germany and your plans upon receiving the visa.

By meeting these requirements and submitting the necessary documents, you can increase your chances of obtaining a Germany job seeker visa and embarking on your professional journey in Germany.

READ ALSO: Studying Abroad on Student Loans: A Comprehensive Guide

3. Portugal

As one of the few countries in Europe to introduce the Job Seeker Visa, Portugal aims to address labor shortages and boost employment among youth and underrepresented groups. The visa allows foreign nationals with the Portugal Job Seeker Visa to enter and remain in Portugal solely for the purpose of searching for employment opportunities. While holding this visa, the individual is authorized to engage in subordinated work activities. This typically refers to employment where the individual works under the direction and supervision of an employer.

Duration and Renewal:

• • Initial Validity: The visa is initially granted for a period of 120 days, allowing the visa holder to stay in Portugal and conduct their job search activities.
  • Renewal Option: The visa is renewable for an additional 60 days. This extension provides the visa holder with more time to continue their job search efforts.
  • Single Entry: The visa allows for only one entry into Portugal. If the visa holder exits the country, they cannot re-enter using the same visa.

Residence Permit Application:

1. Employment Contract Formalization: If the visa holder successfully secures employment during the validity period of the visa, they have the right to apply for a residence permit. This application is based on the formalization of an employment contract.
2. Temporary Residence Permit: The residence permit application must meet the general conditions outlined in Article 77 of the Law. These conditions likely include factors such as financial stability, health insurance coverage, and adherence to immigration laws.

Requirement for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa

• • Filled application form by applicant

• • Passport or other travel document, valid for 3 months after the estimated date of return. Photocopy of passport (biographical data);

• • 2 Photos, even, passport type, recent and in good condition to identify the applicant (1 for this form);

• • Proof of regular status, if you are of a nationality other than that of the country where you are applying for a visa, valid for more than the date of expiry of the visa you are applying for;

• • Criminal record certificate, issued by the competent authority of the country of the applicant’s nationality or of the country where the applicant has resided for over a year (except for applicants under sixteen), with the Hague Apostille (If applicable) or legalised;

• • Valid travel insurance, covering necessary medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation;

• • Copy of return transport title;

• • Proof of financial resources equivalent to at least the sum of three guaranteed monthly minimum salary.

4. Sweden

•  Sweden’s Job Seeker Visa targets highly qualified individuals, offering them a three-month window to explore job opportunities in the country. With a focus on attracting skilled migrants to address labor shortages, Sweden emphasizes the importance of qualified labor immigration. This job seeker visa will be valid for minimum 3 months; however, can be granted for a maximum of 9 months. The visa does not allow you to work in Sweden, but only to look for work or explore the possibility of starting your own business.
  If you find a suitable job or start a business during your stay, you can apply for a work permit or a residence permit for self-employed persons without leaving Sweden. However, if you do not find a job or start a business within the validity period of your visa, you will have to leave Sweden.

Requirements For The Sweden Job Seeker Visa?

To be eligible for the Job Seeker Visa Sweden offers, you must meet the following criteria:

• • You must be a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland.
  • You must have a valid passport.
  • You must have an advanced degree (master’s degree, PhD, advanced vocational degree/professional degree) that corresponds to one of the following 1. A 60-credit Master’s degree 2. A 120-credit Master’s degree3. A professional degree worth 60-330 credits 4. A postgraduate/PhD-level degree.
  • You must have the intent of seeking a job or looking into the possibility of starting your own business in Sweden.
  • You need to be financially independent and not rely on others for your living costs in Sweden. The Swedish Migration Agency recommends a minimum of SEK 16,806 (approximately USD 1,850) per month for the duration of your stay.
  • You must also have enough money to pay for your travel back to your home country.
  • You must have a comprehensive health insurance that covers you in Sweden.
  • You must be located outside of Sweden when you apply for the visa.

How to Apply for Sweden Job Seeker Visa

• • Check your eligibility: Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the Sweden job seeker visa. You must have a valid passport, proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay, and a bachelor’s or higher degree from a recognized university.
  • Prepare your documents: You will need to gather the required documents for your application, including a completed application form, passport-sized photos, a cover letter explaining your purpose of visit and career goals, proof of education and work experience, and proof of financial means.
  • Fill in Your Details: Fill in the details and upload the documents that are required, such as:
    • • A copy of your passport
      •  A copy of your degree certificate. A copy of your academic performance report.
      • A copy of your bank statements or other proof of funds .
      • A copy of your health insurance policy .
      • A letter granting the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) the right to contact your educational institution to verify your degree
  • Application Fee: Pay the application fee of SEK 2,000 (approximately USD 220).
  • Schedule an appointment: You will need to schedule an appointment at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country to submit your application and biometric data (such as fingerprints).
  • Pay the application fee: The application fee for a Sweden job seeker visa varies depending on your country of residence. You will need to pay this fee when you submit your application.
  • Wait for a decision: After you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for a decision from the Swedish Migration Agency. Processing times can vary, but you can check the current processing times on their website.

5. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The United Arab Emirates offers a six-month job seeker visa for individuals seeking employment in the country. This visa will now be available for single or multiple entries and will be valid for 60 days from their date of issuance. They can also be renewed for similar periods.

Eligibility for United Arab Emirates jobseeker visa

To get a visit visa for the purpose of exploring job opportunities, the applicant must fulfill the following conditions:

• is classified in the first or second, or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation professional levels of jobs
  • Level 1: Legislators, managers, and business executives
  • Level 2: Professionals in scientific, technical, and human fields
  • Level 3: Technicians in scientific, technical, and humanitarian fields
• is a fresh graduate of the best 500 universities in the world
• is able to support themselves during the time they are in the country
• has a minimum educational level of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
• graduated a maximum of two years before the year of application.
• He/she must fulfil the prescribed financial guarantee

Required Documents

1. A coloured photo
2. A copy of the applicant’s passport
3. Qualification certificate (attested)
4. Government-authorized identity card.

In conclusion, the job Seeker Visas present a valuable opportunity for skilled professionals seeking to explore job opportunities abroad. Whether within the European Union or beyond, these visas offer a pathway to enter foreign job markets, contribute expertise, and pursue professional growth. By streamlining the application process and providing support to applicants, countries can attract talent and address labor shortages, ultimately fostering economic development and cultural exchange on a global scale.