Numerous nations offer outstanding prospects for career progression through job seeker visas for Indians, which allow skilled individuals to investigate employment opportunities. Visa requirements, application procedures, and eligibility standards vary by country. A job seeker visa is a temporary visa designed to permit individuals to enter a country to seek employment. It is crucial to understand that upon securing a job, one must acquire a work permit to remain in the country legally.
Top 5 Countries that offer job seeker visas for Indians
Several countries provide job-seeker visas for Indians, enabling Indian citizens to enter their territories and seek employment opportunities without a prior job offer.
Sweden
Portugal
Germany
Austria
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Sweden Job Seeker Visa
Sweden has recently launched the Sweden Job Seeker visa, which enables highly skilled individuals to pursue job opportunities while residing in the country. This visa is initially valid for a period of three months, with the possibility of extension for up to nine months, contingent upon factors such as demand in specific job sectors or employers' urgent need for particular skills.
Job Opportunity: Not Required
Duration of Employment: 9 Months
Visa Fee: €190
Selection Criteria: Candidates must possess an advanced level of education, including a master's degree, Ph.D., or an advanced vocational or professional qualification.
Eligibility Criteria for the Job Seeker Visa in Sweden
To qualify for the Job Seeker visa, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
Hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or an equivalent advanced degree.
Demonstrate the ability to financially sustain oneself during the stay in Sweden.
Show a commitment to actively seek employment or start a personal business, including the submission of a detailed plan for this endeavor.
Maintain comprehensive health insurance coverage.
Possess a valid passport for the entire duration of the intended stay.
Be residing outside of Sweden at the time of application.
Portugal Job Seeker Visa
To tackle labor shortages and enhance employment opportunities for youth and underrepresented groups, Portugal has initiated a program to offer the Portugal Job Seeker visa, positioning itself as one of the few European nations to implement such a scheme. This visa allows foreign nationals to enter Portugal to seek job opportunities. Initially, it is a single-entry permit, valid for 120 days, with the option for a 60-day extension.
Job Opportunity: Not Required
Duration of Stay: 180 Days
Visa Fee: €75
Eligibility Criteria for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa
Although detailed qualifications for the visa are still being finalized due to its recent introduction, certain essential requirements must be fulfilled. The following are some of the criteria that applicants must meet:
A valid passport remains effective for the entire duration of the stay in Portugal.
Proof of health insurance coverage.
confirmed travel itinerary showing both departure and return dates (this is particularly relevant if finding employment proves difficult).
Evidence of sufficient financial resources to support oneself during the stay in Portugal.
Germany Opportunity Card
In 2024, Germany introduced the opportunity card visa (Chancenkarte Visa) aimed at attracting skilled professionals to reside and work within the country. The Germany Opportunity Card replaced the Germany Job Seeker Visa on June 1, 2024. These professionals are afforded significant opportunities to explore a diverse array of job openings across multiple sectors in Germany. The German Government implemented this program to address workforce needs while simplifying the job search process. It operates on a points-based system, allowing candidates who successfully apply to obtain a work permit directly. This initiative also offers a potential pathway to permanent residency in Germany.
Job Seeker (Academic): A recognized university degree is necessary.
Job Offer Requirement: None
Duration of Stay: 1 month
Visa Fee: €75
German Language Proficiency: Yes required.
Eligibility Criteria for Germany Opportunity Card
A recognized academic degree or vocational certification is mandatory.
Relevant professional experience in the applicant's area of expertise improves eligibility.
Proficiency in German or English is advantageous.
Age is a factor, with younger candidates receiving higher scores.
Austria Job Seeker Visa
Austria offers a job seeker visa through its Red-White-Red Card program, enabling highly skilled professionals in technology, science, and research to seek employment for a duration of six months. It operates on a points-based system, making it an excellent option for professionals aspiring to establish their careers in Europe. Points are allocated according to various criteria, including age, qualifications, relevant work experience, proficiency in the English language, and educational background in Austria. Depending on your profile, you may be required to achieve either 65 or 70 points to be eligible for this program.
Job Opportunity: Not Required
Duration of Stay: Six Months
Visa Fee: €150
Selection Process: Points-Based System
Eligibility Criteria for Austria Job Seeker Visa
Applicants must score at least 70 points out of 100 to qualify
Completed higher education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.)
Professional work experience
German language proficiency
Age up to 35 years old
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Job Seeker Visa
The Job Seeker visa for the UAE is a single-entry visa, available for a duration of 60, 90, or 120 days. Those seeking employment opportunities in the UAE will have a timeframe of 2 to 4 months. A 60-day visa is ideal for individuals who intend to conduct swift research, whereas a 120-day visa permits a longer duration for a comprehensive exploration of potential job prospects. The job seeker visa in the UAE permits international workers to enter the country and search for employment within a designated period.
Job Offer: Not Required
Visa Fees:
60-day visa: AED 555.75
90-day visa: AED 685.75
120-day visa: AED 815.75
Eligibility Criteria: A bachelor's degree is mandatory.
Eligibility Criteria for the Job Seeker Visa in the UAE
To ensure your application is considered, you must meet the following requirements:
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational qualification.
Demonstrate that you can financially support yourself during your stay in the UAE.
Be classified within the first, second, or third skill level according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, or be among the most recent graduates from the top 500 universities globally.
Have a valid passport.
The job seeker visa presents an opportunity for professionals to investigate international employment markets without the requirement of having a job offer before their arrival. Countries such as Germany, Austria, Portugal, and the UAE provide job seeker visas for Indians nationals to pursue job opportunities during their time abroad. To learn more about which of these nations offer a job seeker visa specifically for Indian citizens with the assistance of Go-Global Immigration Services.
