How to get a working visa for the European Union

Traveling to Europe is something that all nomads should experience at least at some point in their lives. However, those who travel to this gorgeous continent in search of work need to take some additional things into consideration. Depending on your nationality, you might need to obtain a working visa before you even get there.

Unfortunately, obtaining a working visa may be troublesome, so arm yourself with patience before even applying for it. While regular visa will be enough for trips that last no more than 90 days, take into account that this type of visa does not cover for those who are traveling for work. In this guide, we will try to help you find the answers you’re looking for in the clearest and the most concise way possible. Let us begin!

Apply in the country you plan on visiting

The very first thing you need to do after collecting all of the necessary documents is to visit a consulate of the country of your choice. Most major cities around the globe have dozens to hundreds of consulates, which means that you should have no problems with this step. However, if you find it particularly inconvenient to visit a certain consulate of your choice, you should be able to find most forms online.

In case you prefer the old fashion way of doing business, you can print everything on a piece of paper and then complete it. No matter which way you choose to do it, the most important thing is to just get this step done so that you could move on to the next part.

Schedule your appointment

Because consulates are very busy, you first need to set up an appointment before submitting your application. Sometimes, it can be hard to find a free slot, so make sure you book your appointment ahead of time. At the very least, you will need to do it two weeks in advance, but depending on your country, this process can last for more than a couple of months. That is why they allow you to schedule your appointment 12 weeks in advance, and we advise you to take action and just do it as soon as possible.

If you cannot find the time or simply cannot be bothered to schedule your date, there are plenty of agencies willing to do it in your name. Naturally, a small fee is required for such a thing, but laziness always comes with its own set of problems.

Collect all the necessary paperwork

Besides the application forms, you also need to gather a bunch of documents before you head out to your appointment. If you fail to do so, your application will be denied on the spot, which will force you to go through the whole ordeal all over again.

It includes passport-sized photos, a valid passport, proofs of residence, two-way airplane tickets, travel insurance and employment contract. Additionally, some consulates may require a certification from your employer, and the proof that you know the language. Clearances from the FBI and other government agencies should also be included, if proven necessary. Ultimately, do not forget to pay your visa fees, which aren’t too high, so there is no need to skip this important step. Either way, make sure to check out the requirements well ahead of time, as your country of choice might alter from the standards slightly.

Receiving your visa in time

Do not be late for your appointment, as you want to make sure to leave the best impression possible. Gather all of your documents and arrange them in a specific order that’s required of you. Additionally, it is to be expected that you’ll be asked a series of personal questions, so make sure you answer them in an appropriate way. Do not be surprised by the nature of these questions, as they include your future plans, it is all a part of the standard procedure.

Upon completing this step, make sure you have enough cash on you to pay for all the fees, which should round up to 99 euros, and after that, all you can do is wait for your documents to arrive. Depending on the country, this can take up to a couple of days, so arm yourself with patience. We wish you the best of luck!