Understanding visa rules
Work visas are issued based on national immigration rules, not employer preference. Your eligibility depends on a combination of:
- Your nationality
- Your age and experience level
- The role and salary level
- The specific country’s requirements
- Whether you're already living/studying in that country
Most European countries set minimum salary thresholds for work visas. These thresholds vary across age groups and seniority levels.
- Senior roles are often easier to sponsor because they naturally meet higher salary criteria.
- Entry-level roles can be more challenging, especially for candidates over a certain age, because junior salary levels may not reach the required threshold.
- Recent graduates may qualify for special visas (e.g., orientation-year or post-study visas) with lower salary requirements, which can make sponsorship more accessible.
- Internships often have tighter requirements, and many European countries only allow sponsorship when the candidate:
- Is currently enrolled at a local university
- Holds a local partner or refugee visa
- Or has a special graduate visa
Being physically present in the country you are applying for a role in helps. Candidates already living legally in the country (whether as students, residents, or through another permit) often experience:
- Faster processing times
- Fewer administrative hurdles
- More flexibility in changing to a work permit
Understanding country variations
- Visa difficulty varies by country Belgium and the UK are usually more flexible than Switzerland, with the Netherlands sitting in the middle.
- The UK has its own post-Brexit immigration system, even for EU citizens.
- Switzerland is NOT in the EU and its system is stricter, often quota-based, and varies by canton.
- Cross-border workers (e.g., living in France/Germany and working in Switzerland or Belgium) have separate but often easier rules.
- Remote work does not remove the need for legal work authorization. Across Europe, immigration and tax laws are based on where you physically live and work, not where your employer is located. This means:
- Most work visas in Europe require the employee to reside in the country that issued the visa.
- Working from another country without permission can violate immigration rules because you would be performing work without authorization in that location.
Additional resources
Links to add transparency to the visa process for some European countries. More resources to be added.
🇳🇱 Netherlands
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇨🇭 Switzerland
- ch.ch/en/foreign-nationals-in-switzerland/working-in-switzerland/
- sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/overview-arbeit.html
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Your next step forward
You bring experience, perspective, and value that our brand partners are actively looking for. If you see a role that fits your skills, apply! These companies are familiar with visa processes and will often push for the right candidate, so don’t let the complexity discourage you. Mentioning your connection to Omek in your application cover letter or resume can also help you stand out.
And if you want to connect with others who’ve gone through relocation and visa journeys, please join the Omek community at myomek.com/community
