Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa 2025

List of Countries that offer Job Seeker Visas (No Job Offer Needed)

A Job seeker visa is a temporary visa that allows people to enter a country specifically to search for employment. I have prepared a List of Countries that offer Job Seeker Visas. This visa doesn’t require a job offer in advance from the employer. Many countries started offering a Job seeker visa such as Portugal, Sweden, Austria, Germany, UAE, Netherlands, France, Ireland etc. This visa also allows individuals Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa to Explore the job market, and secure a job offer.

However, it is Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa important to note that once you find a job, you must obtain a Work Permit to be able to stay in the country. A Job seeker visa does Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa not automatically grant you the right to work. If you’re considering applying for a Job seeker visa, then please check Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa this below you will find a list of countries that are offering Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa Job seeker visa, their requirements, and an application link.

List of Countries that offer Job Seeker Visas

There are currently 5 countries that offer Job seeker visas to foreign applicants. Each country has its requirements and application Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa methods.

Germany
Austria
Sweden
United Arab Emirates
Portugal
United Kingdom (New)

1) Germany Job Seeker Visa

The German job seeker visa comes Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa with two types:

Job seeker (Academic): You need a recognized university degree.
Job seeker (Vocational training): Requires vocational qualification.
Job offer Required: No
Stay Duration: Six Months
Visa Cost: €75
German Language Required: No

1.1) Germany Opportunity Card (New Initiative)

The Opportunity card is another type of Job seeker Visa and is valid for one year. It allows individuals to search for employment in Germany. Applicants can also start a Part-Time Job on this permit. The Opportunity card is based on the Point System and you only need 6 Points to qualify.

2) Austria Job Seeker Visa

Austria offers a Job Seeker Visa, also known as the Red-White-Red Card – Jobseeker, for highly qualified professionals to look for Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa suitable employment. To be eligible for the Job seeker visa, applicants need to score Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa a minimum of 70 points.

Job offer Required: No
Stay Duration: Six Months
Visa Cost: €150
Selection Method: Points-Based System

3) UAE Job Seeker Visit Visa

UAE offers Job seeker visas for up to 60,90,180 days to look for employment. It was launched on October 3, 2022. It has several requirements Countries that Offer Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa Job Seeker Visa to meet. And Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa you need to be a graduate of any 500 universities in the world.

Job offer Required: No
Visa Cost:
- 60-day visa will cost: AED 555.75
- 90-day visa will cost: AED 685.75
- 120-day visa will cost: AED 815.75
Selection Method: Must hold a bachelor’s degree

4) Portugal Job Seeker Visa

The Portugal Job seeker visa is popular among all other countries that have job seeker visas. It is valid for 6 months and if you can find a job during Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa this time, then you can apply for Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa a residence permit.

Job offer Required: No
Stay Duration: 180 Days
Visa Cost: €75

5) Sweden Job Seeker Visa

The Swedish government has introduced this visa in June 2022. And it allows you to stay in the country for 9 months to look for employment. Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa Please check the requirements set by the Swedish Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa Migration Agency.

Job offer Required: No
Stay Duration: 9 Months
Visa Cost: €190
Selection Method: You must be educated and have an advanced degree such as (a master’s degree, Ph.D., or advanced vocational degree/professional degree).

6) UK HPI Visa (Job Search Visa)

This new visa was launched by the UK Govt Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa in May 2022. It is called a High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa. This visa allows Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa international applicants to stay in the UK for 2 or 3 years to look for work.

List of Countries that offer Residence Permit for Orientation Year

Several countries offer residence permits for an “orientation year”. This allows graduates of those countries and skilled professionals to explore career opportunities and potentially secure employment.

Many countries in Europe offer “Residence Permits for Orientation Year” to foreign applicants who have completed studies there and now looking for Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa employment.

1) France Job seeker Residence Permit

The France Job Seeker Visa is known as a “Job seeker/new Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa business creator” residence permit. It allows you to look for a Job or set up your own company in France. This permit is only available for those who have graduated from a French university.

2) Netherlands Residence permit for orientation year

It is known as a “Residence permit for orientation year”. On this Visa, you can search, and work in the Netherlands for one year. To be Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa eligible your educational institution must have been in the top 200 rankings.

3) Finland Residence Permit to Look for Work

You can apply for this permit if you have completed Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa a Degree in Finland or Research completed in Finland.

Note: Like the Job seeker visa, many countries have Visa options that do not require a Job offer. Countries like Canada, New Zealand, and Australia have several options.

Tips for Securing a Job Seeker Visa

Do Good Research: Before applying check the requirements Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa of each job seeker visa. Check whether is it suitable for you. What types of jobs are in demand in that country? What are the expenses?

This will help you to determine if the country is a good Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa fit for you and if you meet the requirements for the visa.

Make a Strong Resume and Cover Letter: Your resume and cover letter are important documents that will help you to get a job seeker visa. Make sure it is well written and follows the specific template that is required for that country. For example in Europe that follows a Europass CV Format.

Be patient: The process of getting a job seeker visa can be time-consuming. Be patient and don’t give up. Work hard. If you fail, then Restart!

Remember to share this post with others. And don’t Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa forget to subscribe to our blog for more fully funded opportunities.

Countries that Offer Job Seeker

As a result of Covid-19 but not only, many countries have experienced labor shortages. The pandemic has had a significant impact on countries’ workforce and economy. Therefore, governments of different countries have launched the Job Seeker visa. This visa allows foreign nationals to enter the country, search for jobs and Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa carry out work activities for a specific period of time i.e., until their visa expires. Once they find a job, they must obtain a Work Permit to be able to stay in the country.

The list of countries that offer a Job Seeker visa are:

Germany
Austria
Sweden
United Arab Emirates
Portugal

1. Germany

The Job Seeker visa in Germany was introduced Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa back in 2012, and since then it has become one of the most common types of visa. The Job Seeker visa is a German national long-stay visa that allows qualified professionals to stay in Germany and explore job opportunities. The duration of the Job Seeker visa in Germany is six months.

Eligibility Requirements for the Job Seeker Visa in Germany

In order to be eligible for the Job Seeker visa, you must:

Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a German university or an equivalent foreign degree.
Have at least 5 years of experience in your related field.
Provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during the time you are in Germany.
Obtain travel or medical insurance. It should be valid for your entire stay in Germany or until you get the Work Permit.

How to Apply for the Job Seeker Visa in Germany

You must apply for a Germany Job Seeker visa at the German embassy/consulate in your country. Once you are confident that you Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa fulfill the criteria to apply, the application process is as follows:

Gather all the required documents.
Fill out the application form online.
Schedule an appointment.
Submit the application form in person along with the rest of the documents at the embassy/consulate nearest to you.
Attend the interview at the embassy or consulate.

See German Missions Abroad to find out which embassy or consulate you should apply to in your home country.

2. Austria

Austria offers the Job Seeker visa (category D visa) for highly qualified workers provided that they are eligible, i.e., reach a minimum of 70 points according to specific criteria. The duration of the visa is six months.

Eligibility Requirements for the Job Seeker Visa in Austria

The criteria are divided into special qualifications and skills, work experience, language skills, age, and studies in Austria.

Special qualifications/skills Points (maximum 40 points)

Graduation from an institution of higher education, the minimum duration of programme: four years 20
In the subjects: mathematics, informatics, natural sciences or technology 30
Post-doctoral qualifications or PhD 40
Research and innovation activities 20
Awards (recognized prizes) 20
Work experience Points (maximum 40 points)
Work experience (per year) 2
Six months of work experience in Austria 10

Language skills Points (maximum 10)

German or English language skills (A1 level) 5
German or English language skills (A2 level) 10

Age Points (maximum 20)

Up to 35 years of age 20
Up to 40 years of age 15
Up to 45 years of age 10

Studies in Austria Points (maximum 10)

The second part of the diploma programme or half of the required total ECTS points 5
Completed diploma programme or Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programme 10

For more, refer to the Criteria Data Sheet.

How to Apply for the Job Seeker Visa in Austria

In order to apply for a Job Seeker visa in Austria, you must visit the embassy or consulate in the country you reside. The application process, then, is as follows:

Gather all the required documents.
Fill out the application form. Application forms are available at the Austrian representative authority.
Submit the documents along with the application form personally to the competent Austrian representative (embassy or consulate). All documents must be submitted as originals and copies. If the documents are not in German or English, translations into German or English must be provided.
See Austrian Representations to find out which embassy/consulate you must apply to in your home country.

3. Sweden

Sweden has recently introduced the Job Seeker visa, allowing highly qualified people to search for a job while in Sweden. The visa is valid for 3 months, however it can be issued for up to 9 months.

Eligibility Requirements for the Job Seeker Visa in Sweden

To qualify for a Job Seeker visa, you must fulfill the following conditions:

You must hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or another advanced degree.
You must be able to support yourself during your time in the country.
You must be willing to look for jobs or start your own business. This includes having a well-laid-out plan to do so.
You must have comprehensive health insurance.
You must own a passport that is valid for the whole time you will be there.
You must be living out of Sweden.

How to Apply for the Job Seeker Visa in Sweden

To apply for the Job Seeker visa in Sweden, you need to visit the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process is as follows:
Gather all your documents. You must include the letter of consent to the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) proving that they can contact higher education institutions in your country to verify your educational documents.
Download your documents from the official website
Fill out your application form online.
Submit your application form, along with the documents and the letter of consent to a Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country.

See Sweden Embassies Abroad to find out which embassy or consulate you must apply to in your home country.

4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The United Arab Emirates has stated that there is a stream of people who are going to the UAE to look for employment opportunities. The job market in the UAE is continuously growing and attracting highly skilled and talented people. A Job Seeker visa in the UAE is single-entry and valid for 60, 90, or 120 days.

Eligibility Requirements for the Job Seeker Visa in the UAE

In order for your application to be admissible, you must meet the following requirements:

You must hold a Bachelor’s degree (this is the minimum educational level required).
You must be able to support yourself during your time in the country.
You must be classified in the first, second, or third skill level per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and to the latest graduates of the top 500 universities in the world.
You must have a valid passport.

How to Apply for the Job Seeker Visa in the UAE

To apply for a Job Seeker visa in the UAE, you are required to visit the UAE embassy or consulate in your home country. In general, the application process of applying for a Job Seeker visa in the UAE is fairly simple and straightforward. The process is as follows:

Register on the website www.gdrfad.gov.ae (if you don’t already have an account).
Select the required service.
Attach/upload all necessary documents.
Pay the fee.
Submit the application and wait on a decision.
See here the list of UAE Missions abroad to see which embassy/consulate you must apply to in your home country.

5. Portugal

In order to reduce labor shortages and increase employment of youth and under-represented groups, Portugal has become one of the few countries in Europe to introduce the Job Seeker visa. This visa will allow foreign nationals to come to Portugal and explore job opportunities. The visa is single-entry and is valid for a period of 120 days and can be renewed for a further 60 days.

Eligibility Requirements for the Job Seeker Visa in Portugal

There are no detailed qualifications yet, as the visa has recently been launched. However, you must:
Have a valid passport for the entire duration that you are in the country.
Have health insurance.
Have purchased a ticket that shows the date of departure and the date of the return (in case you cannot get a job).
Have enough funds to support yourself while you are in Portugal.

How to Apply for the Job Seeker Visa in Portugal

In order to apply for a Job Seeker visa in Portugal, you must visit the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country. You must gather all your documents, namely:

Your passport. It should be valid for at least 3 months after your date of return.
Two photos. Must be recent and in good condition.
Request for criminal record inquiry.
Criminal record certificate. It is only accepted if issued by the relevant authority.
Valid travel insurance.
Transport document.
Proof of financial resources.
Once you have collected all documents, you must submit those at an embassy or consulate in your home country and pay the fees.

Refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to see which embassy or consulate in your home country you should apply to.

Conclusion

Exploring job seeker visas can open up a world of opportunities for professionals looking to advance their careers internationally. Countries like Germany, Austria, Sweden, UAE, and Portugal offer these visas to attract skilled workers and fill labor market gaps. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application processes, and benefits of each visa, you can make an informed decision and take the first step towards your global career journey.

FAQs

Can I bring my family with me on a job seeker visa?

Generally, job seeker visas are issued to individuals, and family members cannot accompany you on this visa. However, once you secure employment and obtain a work visa, you may be able to bring your family.

What is a job seeker visa?

A job seeker visa allows individuals to enter a country for a specified period to search for employment.

Which countries offer job seeker visas?

Countries like Germany, Austria, Sweden, UAE, and Portugal offer job seeker visas.

What are the eligibility requirements for a job seeker visa?

Requirements vary by country but generally include a valid passport, proof of qualifications, sufficient financial means, and sometimes language proficiency.

How long is a job seeker visa valid?

The validity period varies by country, typically ranging from six months to one year.

Can I work on a job seeker visa?

No, a job seeker visa allows you to search for a job, but you must obtain a work permit or employment visa to start working.

What happens if I don’t find a job during the visa period?

If you don’t find a job within the visa period, you will need to leave the country unless you apply for an extension or another type of visa.

How do I apply for a job seeker visa?

The application process varies by country but generally involves submitting an application form, supporting documents, and attending an interview at the consulate or embassy.

Is there an age limit for applying for a job seeker visa?

Age limits vary by country, but many countries do not have a strict age limit as long as you meet other eligibility criteria.

Do I need health insurance for a job seeker visa?

Yes, most countries require proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.

Countries that Offer Job Seeker Visa 2025 | Comprehensive Guide