In 2025, more and more countries are opening their doors to qualified professionals thanks to special visas for job seekers. Find out what a job seeker visa is, which countries offer such programs, who can apply, what documents are required, how long the visa lasts, and what are the specifics of the application process in each country

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In 2025, many countries launched or expanded their job seeker visa programs to attract talent from around the world. These visas allow individuals to look for work in their host country for a specified period of time, often providing greater flexibility and opportunities for international job seekers.

This article looks at what a job seeker visa is, which countries offer it in 2025, the requirements for applicants, and the package of documents typically required to successfully apply.

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What is a job seeker visa?

A job seeker visa is a special type of visa that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside in a country for a limited period of time while they look for work. Unlike a regular work visa, the applicant is not required to have a job offer upon arrival. This visa provides the time and legal status needed to look for work in the country, after which the individual can transition to a work visa or permanent residency, depending on the country’s immigration regulations.

General characteristics of a jobseeker visa

- Duration: Usually granted for a period of six months to one year.

- Purpose: Allows individuals to look for work during their stay.

- Requirements: Varies by country, but often requires a minimum level of education or experience.

- Work permit: Some countries allow jobseekers to work part-time while looking for full-time work, while others prohibit any work until a job is secured.

Countries Offering Jobseeker Visas in 2025

As of 2025, several countries have introduced or continue to offer jobseeker visas to encourage skilled migration. Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular destinations, along with their eligibility criteria, duration, and required documents.

Germany

The Germany Job Seeker Visa is designed to attract professionals in fields such as engineering, IT, healthcare and research. Once you have found a job, you can convert your Job Seeker Visa into a work visa without leaving the country.

- Duration of the German Job Seeker Visa

6 months

- Requirements for the German Job Seeker Visa

1. Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification recognized in Germany.

2. Age over 18 years.

3. Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay (5,604 euros in a blocked account or a sponsorship letter).

4. At least five years of relevant work experience.

5. Health insurance.

- Documents required for a German job seeker visa

1. Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 12 months).

2. Proof of academic qualifications (degrees).

3. Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or sponsorship).

4. Health insurance.

5. CV and motivation letter.

6. Three passport-sized photos.

7. Proof of residence in Germany.

8. Your birth certificate or Aadhaar card.

We have previously reported on the German job seeker visa in detail.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The visa for those looking for work in the UAE was introduced as part of a broader initiative to attract qualified professionals to stimulate the economy. It offers a flexible path for job seekers, with the option of converting to a work visa upon receiving a job offer. The permit is valid for qualified professionals and graduates of prestigious universities.

- UAE Job Seeker Visa Duration

60, 90 or 120 days

- Requirements for candidates to obtain a UAE Job Seeker Visa

1. Hold one of the following positions: legislator, manager, business manager or specialist/technician in the scientific, technical or humanitarian field (1-3 qualification levels according to the MOHRE classification).

OR

2. Be a graduate of one of the world's top 500 universities (as ranked by the Ministry of Education) within the last 2 years, with a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, and meet the financial requirements.

- Documents required for a UAE Job Seeker Visa

1. Valid passport.

2. Color passport-sized photos.

3. Certified copies of diplomas and qualification certificates.

Austria

The Austrian job seeker visa is intended for highly qualified professionals, especially in fields such as engineering, IT and healthcare. After finding a job, applicants can switch to a work permit.

- Duration of the Austrian job seeker visa

6 months

- Requirements for obtaining an Austrian job seeker visa

1. Score the required number of points - to pass Austria's special 100-point assessment system for highly qualified professionals, you need to score at least 70 points. This system takes into account criteria such as academic achievements, awards received, research contributions, academic degrees, past income level and language skills.

2. Higher education or equivalent qualification.

3. Proof of financial means.

4. Health insurance.

- Package of documents for obtaining an Austrian job seeker visa

1. Passport and photo.

2. Proof of qualifications.

3. Proof of sufficient funds for the move.

4. Health insurance documents.

5. Supporting documents for each criterion you meet in the points list (e.g. award certificates, research papers, degree transcripts).

Portugal

Portugal, with its scenic coastline, rich cultural heritage and steadily growing economy, is becoming increasingly popular among those looking for new career opportunities and offers permission to look for work.

- Duration of the Portuguese job seeker visa

up to 120 days with the possibility of an extension for another 60 days

- Requirements for the Portuguese job seeker visa

It is recommended to check the specific eligibility criteria via the Portuguese Government Diplomatic Portal as they are subject to change.

- Required documents

1. Completed visa application form.

2. Passport valid for at least three months after the planned departure.

3. Two recent passport-sized photographs.

4. Certificate of good conduct from the country of citizenship.

5. Proof of medical (travel) insurance.

6. Documents confirming the availability of funds, not less than the equivalent of three minimum monthly salaries in Portugal.

Spain

A job-seeking visa in Spain allows foreign citizens to enter the country, reside there legally for a certain period of time and look for work. Once this is successful, the foreigner must go through certain legal procedures to obtain a permanent residence permit.

- Duration of a Spanish job-seeker visa

Previously, an expat was allowed to look for work for 3 months, in 2025 this period was increased to 1 year.

- Requirements for obtaining a Spanish job seeker visa

1. Appropriate level of qualification

Candidates must have a higher education degree or professional qualification that meets Spain's workforce needs.

2. Have sufficient funds to support themselves during the period of looking for a job in Spain.

3. Health insurance

4. Provide a certificate of no criminal record and evidence of good conduct.

Important! The visa is intended for those who have not previously had a job offer in Spain.

- A package of documents for obtaining a job seeker visa in Spain

1. Valid passport.

2. Completed visa application form.

3. Confirmation of financial capabilities.

4. Health insurance policy.

5. Confirmation of housing.

6. Documents about education.

7. Certificate of no criminal record.

We told you earlier how to apply for a job seeker visa in Spain.

Sweden

The Swedish Job Seeker Visa allows highly qualified professionals to seek employment, especially in sectors such as IT, healthcare and engineering. Sweden offers a work permit to those who have completed their higher education. This is a great opportunity to use their education in a dynamic job market. If a job offer is received within the 6-month period, the applicant can switch to a work permit.

- Duration of the Swedish Job Seeker Visa

from 3 to 9 months

- Requirements for obtaining a job seeker visa in Sweden

1. The applicant must have completed higher education equivalent to a master's degree (60 or 120 credits), a professional degree (60–330 credits) or a doctorate.

2. You must prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself financially during your stay.

3. Health insurance.

- A package of documents for obtaining a residence permit in Sweden to find a job or start a business

1. Valid passport.

2. Official academic transcripts or certificates from your university.

3. Confirmation of finances to cover living expenses.

4. Valid health insurance.

5. Signed digital consent that allows the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) to check your educational documents at the relevant institutions in your country.

Denmark

Denmark is a country with high social standards, a stable economy and a high standard of living. It offers a residence permit for job seekers to both qualified specialists who have lost their jobs and graduates of Danish universities.

- Duration of a Danish job search visa

up to 6 months

- Requirements for obtaining a job seeker visa in Denmark

1. For employees: you must have a valid residence permit under one of the Danish programs and have lost your job due to redundancy or other objective reasons. The application must be submitted no later than two days after dismissal.

2. For students: you must have completed your studies in Denmark with a PhD degree or another level of higher education. During the job search period, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week (in June, July and August - full-time).

- Documents required for a job seeker visa in Denmark

1. Valid passport

2. Proof of payment of the state fee

3. For employees, an official confirmation of dismissal or a document explaining the reason for unemployment

4. Biometric data (fingerprints and photo)

Since 2025, job seeker visas have been a great opportunity for skilled workers to explore employment prospects abroad. Countries such as Germany, the UAE, Spain and others are actively promoting these visas to fill labor shortages in critical industries. The key to successfully applying for a job seeker visa is to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, submit the correct documentation and understand the opportunities each country offers for long-term employment and residence.

If you are considering applying for a job seeker visa, it is important to plan ahead, ensure that your qualifications meet the country's standards, and have sufficient financial support for your stay.

Get advice from a migration lawyer to choose a country for a job seeker visa and fulfill all the requirements for obtaining a permit.

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Reminder! The Henley Opportunity Index 2025 was recently published, which rates countries based on three main indicators: earning potential, career growth and top-level employment opportunities to help professionals choose the best place to develop their careers. We have already talked about the list of the best countries, as well as the benefits and opportunities they offer for professionals in 2025.

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