April 14th, 2025 at 05:25 am

Germany, Netherlands, Sweden & Austria Permit Job Hunting on Schengen Visa in 2025

Europe is opening its doors to job seekers. In a significant update for international professionals, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Austria now allow foreign nationals to search for jobs while holding a Schengen Type C visa in 2025. This change marks a shift in the traditional use of this visa, which is typically for tourism or business visits.

What’s New?

Unlike other EU countries that prohibit job-hunting on tourist visas, these four nations support job search activities for holders of a valid Schengen visa. This allows you to:

• Attend job interviews
• Participate in career expos and recruitment events
• Meet potential employers or recruitment agencies
• Network professionally to explore job opportunities
• However, you cannot begin paid employment or internships while on this visa.

1. Germany: A Gateway to High-Demand Careers

Germany faces skill shortages in tech, engineering, healthcare, and manufacturing. It has become a prime destination for qualified migrants. While the Job Seeker Visa is the official route, job search activities are allowed under a Schengen visa.

• What you can do: Scout for job offers, attend interviews, and connect with employers.
• Pro tip: Once you secure a job, apply for a German Work Visa or EU Blue Card from your home country.

2. Netherlands: A Startup-Friendly Job Market

The Netherlands boasts a vibrant innovation sector. Cities like Amsterdam and Eindhoven welcome short-stay visa holders to explore employment opportunities.

• What you can do: Interview with Dutch firms, attend talent fairs, or visit coworking spaces.
• Pro tip: If you graduated from a Dutch institution, consider the Orientation Year visa (Zoekjaar) after receiving a job offer.

3. Sweden: Scandinavia’s Hidden Opportunity

Sweden has emerged as a progressive hotspot for international workers. The Swedish Migration Agency allows job-seeking activities under a Schengen visa, making it easier to explore the job market.

• What you can do: Attend job fairs, employer events, and startup networking gatherings.
• Pro tip: Once you secure an offer, apply for the Swedish Work Permit or Job Seeker Permit from outside the EU.

4. Austria: A Contender for Skilled Workers

Austria’s job market is particularly open to professionals in IT, construction, and healthcare. While the Red-White-Red Card is the long-term migration route, you can still attend interviews and meet employers on a Schengen visa.

• What you can do: Connect with Austrian employers, attend briefings, and explore relocation options.
• Pro tip: The Red-White-Red Card allows for permanent work and residence—ideal for long-term plans.

Not All EU Countries Are on Board

While these four countries embrace job-seeking visitors, others like France, Spain, Italy, and Poland still prohibit job-related activities under a Schengen visa. Entering these countries to seek work could lead to denial of entry or blacklisting.

Who Should Care?

• Fresh graduates eager to enter the EU job market
• Mid-career professionals considering relocation
• Tech, engineering, and healthcare workers on global skill shortage lists
• Anyone who prefers face-to-face meetings over online job hunting

Next Steps

If you aim to land a job in Europe in 2025, follow these steps:

• Apply for a Schengen Visa Type C for one of the four countries.
• Prepare a professional CV and portfolio tailored to the local market.
• Schedule interviews or register for job fairs in advance.
• Network effectively—attend business meetups, join expat communities, and meet hiring managers.
• Secure a job offer, then return home to apply for the relevant long-term work visa.

This opportunity enables you to explore your career options in Europe more freely than ever before!