Obtaining a work visa is a complicated process that should be carefully considered in advance. Find out more about the types of work visas, how to apply, the rules of application and the package of required documents

Legal advice on education and employment abroad for Ukrainians

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Employment in the European Union opens up wide opportunities for professional development and career growth. For legal employment in the EU, you need to obtain a special permit - a work visa. The process of obtaining it has its own peculiarities and requires careful preparation. What types of visas are available for Ukrainians, what documents are required and how to apply correctly are described in the article below.

We have told you more about working in European countries in our previous articles:

- Work in the Czech Republic for Ukrainians in 2024;

- Jobs in Finland for Ukrainians in 2024;

- Work in the Netherlands for Ukrainians 2024.

What are the types of work visas: types

The system of work visas in the European Union is designed to meet the different needs of the labour market.

● Short-term visa - allows you to work for up to 90 days. It is especially relevant for seasonal workers in the fields of agriculture, tourism and construction.

● Long-term visa - for permanent or long-term work, its validity period exceeds 90 days.

● Blue Card - a special permit for highly qualified specialists, which is valid in all EU countries except Denmark and Ireland.

● Seasonal worker visa - usually issued for a period of up to six months.

How to get an EU work visa: basic requirements

To obtain a work permit in the EU, you must meet a number of criteria. The key requirement is to have an official invitation from a European employer who is willing to employ the applicant. Professional qualifications play an important role - it is necessary to document your education and work experience, especially for Blue Card applicants.

A prerequisite is the availability of health insurance for the entire period of stay. In addition, the salary must meet the minimum requirements established in the country, which is especially important for highly qualified specialists.

For more informationabout the best European countries for employment of Ukrainians in 2024 , please follow the link.

Obtaining a work visa for Europe: how to apply?

The application procedure begins after receiving an official offer from the employer. The next step is to contact the consulate or embassy of the relevant EU country. Depending on the country, the application can be submitted either in person or through an online system.

The period for reviewing documents usually ranges from 4 to 8 weeks. During this time, the consulate may request additional documents or schedule an interview. After successful consideration of the application, a visa is issued that allows you to start working in the country of destination.

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Work visa in the EU: rules of application

Each EU country sets its own rules for issuing work visas. The validity of the document varies from 90 days for short-term visas and up to 2 years for long-term visas, with the possibility of further extension. Certain professions, such as IT specialists, engineers and healthcare professionals, often have simplified visa requirements.

An important aspect is the provision of accommodation - many countries require proof of residence. The employee must also be familiar with local labour laws that guarantee a certain level of salary and social protection.

Documents for applying for an EU work visa

To apply for an employment visa, you must submit:

- a valid international passport;

- an official invitation from the employer;

- documentary evidence of accommodation;

- health insurance policy;

- documents on education and qualifications;

- a completed visa application form;

- passport-size photographs;

- bank statement on the availability of funds.

To successfully obtain a visa and find employment abroad, it is worth contacting specialists. The lawyers of Visit Ukraine provide full support and advice on visa issues to successfully resolve any nuances.

If you need help choosing a country of employment, preparing other documents or checking a foreign employer, you can get advice from a qualified lawyer on the Visit Ukraine portal on employment abroad.

Just a reminder. Europe has always attracted the attention of people who are looking for jobs with decent salaries. Read about the average salaries in the EU and the top countries to consider for work abroad here.

Photo: Freepik

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